Multi-purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment is one of the fastest growing markets in India. Last year, the SUVs and MPVs recorded cumulative sales of 17,54,282 units or 91 percent of the total Utility Vehicle (UVs) sales in the country. In order to tap the opportunity, car manufacturers such as Toyota, Maruti Suzuki, Kia, Citroen and Nissan will bring in the new models. Let’s take a brief look at the upcoming new MPVs.
Toyota Innova Crysta Diesel
The updated Toyota Innova Crysta diesel is ready to hit roads in coming weeks. The MPV model lineup will come in four grades – G, GX, VX and ZX, powered by a 2.4L diesel engine. Deliveries of the higher trims (VX and ZX) are reported to begin by June or July. On the exterior, the new model features a revised grille and fog lamps with chrome surroundings and slightly tweaked front bumper. The MPV will come with leather seats that can be had in two colour options – Black and Camel Tan. It will have features such as an 8-inch Smart Playcast touchscreen infotainment system with the smartphone connectivity, 8 way power adjustable driver seat, a TFT MID, rear auto AC with digital display, etc. More details here…
Maruti C-MPV
Maruti Suzuki’s new C-segment MPV will be based on the Toyota Innova Hycross. The model is likely to debut by August and its market launch might take place during 2023 festive season. It will be a Nexa offering that’s expected to cost around Rs 20 lakh – Rs 30 lakh. The new Maruti MPV will use the same platform and powertrains, which are available on the Innova Hycross. That means, it will come with the 172bhp, 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol and 186bhp, 2.0L strong hybrid options. Minimal design changes are expected to made to it. Similar to the Innova Hycross, the Maruti MPV will come with features such as a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 9 speaker JBL sound system, powered driver seats with memory function, electrically adjustable middle row seats with ottoman function and more. More details here…
Kia KA4
The Kia KA4 (fourth-generation Carnival) recently made its India debut at the Auto Expo. While the carmaker hasn’t yet revealed its launch timeline, the MPV is expected to go on sale by August 2023. Touted as a Recreational Vehicle, the new Kia Carnival carries more SUV-ish and angular stance along with the brand’s new design language. Compared to the current generation, the new one has longer wheelbase and wider body. In fact, its rear overhand has also been raised. Major feature upgrade comes in the form of the ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) tech. Here, the 2023 Kia Carnival will be offered with the turbo diesel engine making 199bhp and 440Nm. More details here…
Citroen 7-Seater MPV
Citroen has been working on a Maruti Ertiga rival MPV that’s reported to come in the second half of 2023. The model will be based on the C3 hatchback and underpin the Stellantis’ CMP architecture. For power, the new Citroen 7-seater MPV is likely to use the same 1.2L naturally aspirated and 1.2L turbocharged petrol engines that power the C3 hatchback. While the former makes 82PS with 115Nm, the latter delivers 110PS with 190Nm. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer. The MPV could be offered with 6 and 7-seats configurations. Most of its design elements and features will be similar to the C3. More details here…
Toyota Rumion
Toyota Rumion will be the re-badged version of the Maruti Ertiga. The model is already on sale in South African market. In India, the Japanese automaker had trademark application for the Toyota Rumion nameplate. Though, its launch timeline is yet to be revealed. If reports are to be believed, the Rumion MPV might witness a release sometime this year. In terms of design and styling, the new Toyota compact MPV will be similar to the Maruti Ertiga. Styling bits such as a revised grille with a Toyota’s badge and a black interior scheme with wooden trim will differentiate it from its donor Maruti. Under the hood, it will employ the same 1.5L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol SHVS mild hybrid powertrain that does duty in the Ertiga. More details here…
Nissan 7-Seater MPV
Recently, Nissan confirmed a new 7-seater MPV for the Indian market. The carmaker has revealed that its new three-row MPV will be based on the Renault Triber. The model is likely to be designed on the CMF-A+ platform and feature the 1.0L naturally aspirated petrol engine. It’s the same motor that powers the Triber. It returns a claimed power of 71bhp and 96Nm of torque. It can be had with either a manual or an AMT gearbox. Design and styling of the new Nissan 7-seater MPV will be similar to the Magnite. Some of its features will also be borrowed from its sub-4 metre SUV sibling. More details here…
