Big 6/7-seater Utility Vehicles (UVs) are quite popular among Indian buyers. In order to tap the growing family cars, several car manufacturers have planned new 7-seater SUVs and MPVs, which are slated to hit roads in a couple of years. Here’s a brief on the upcoming 7-seater SUVs and MPVs.
Upcoming 7-Seater SUVs
Hyundai Alcazar
Based on the Creta’s platform, the Hyundai Alcazar is reported to arrive towards the end of May or June 2021. Unofficial bookings for the SUV have already been commenced across the nation. It will come with both 6 and 7-seats configurations. The carmaker has confirmed that the Alcazar will be offered with the new 159PS, 2.0L petrol and 115PS, 1.5L turbo diesel engine options. There will be two gearboxes on offer – 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
Mahindra XUV700
Mahindra & Mahindra is ready to introduce the XUV700 7-seater SUV during 2021 festive season. The SUV will be designed on the new Thar’s platform and sit on longer wheelbase than the existing XUV500. The upcoming Mahindra XUV700 will be made available with the new 2.2L mHawk diesel and 2.0L mFalcon petrol engines and 6-speed manual and torque convertor automatic gearbox options. It will be packed with several advanced features including ADAS (advanced driving assistance system), a panoramic sunroof, connected car technology, Mercedes-Benz-inspired dual screen, automatic AC unit and more.
Jeep Commander
The American carmaker has planned a new 7-seater SUV for the Indian market. Based on the 5-seat Compass, the model is likely to be named Jeep Commander. Most of its design elements and features will be sourced from its younger sibling. It will be offered with 6-seats and 7-seats layouts. The former will feature captain seats in the middle row. Under the hood, the new Jeep 7-seater SUV will employ the Compass’ 2.0L, 4-cylinder Multijet diesel engine. Though, the oil burner could be tuned for generating extra power.
Renault Grand Duster
The French carmaker is working on a new 7-seater SUV that’s reported to be christened as Renault Grand Duster. In fact, the model was recently spotted during its TVS shoot. It will be based on the second-generation Duster that’s available in global markets. A few design bits will distinguish it from the 5-seat Duster. While its 6-seater version will come with the captain seats in the middle row, the 7-seater model will offer bench-type seats in the second row. The SUV will be available with an EDC automatic gearbox and FWD (front-wheel drive) system.
Upcoming 7-Seater MPVs
Kia KY
Kia Motor India aims to enter into the compact MPV segment with a new model that’s codenamed Kia KY. The new Kia compact MPV will share its underpinning with the Seltos SUV. Though, it will have longer wheelbase and more cabin space to offer. In terms of pricing and positioning, the Kia KY will sit between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Innova Crysta. It’s likely to come with the 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol (113bhp/145Nm) and 1.5L turbo diesel (113bhp/250Nm) engine options. There might also be a 159bhp, 2.0L petrol engine on offer.
Hyundai Compact MPV
Hyundai will foray into the compact MPV space in coming years. If reports are to be believed, the production-ready model of the MPV could be named Hyundai Staria. The carmaker recently trademarked Staria and Staria Premium names in Philippines. The model will be designed on the Creta’s platform and is likely to be offered with 1.5L petrol and 1.5L diesel engines. Prices of the Hyundai Staria MPV are expected to slightly higher than the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
MG 360M
The British carmaker showcased the MG 360M MPV at the 2020 Auto Expo. Based on the China-spec Baojun 360, the MG MPV could be made available with a 1.5L petrol engine (103PS and 135Nm) and a CVT automatic gearbox. The 360M will come with 2+2+2 seating configuration with independent seats in the middle row. Compared to the Maruti Ertiga, the upcoming MG compact MPV will be longer and more spacious. Similar to the Chinese version, the 360M will be packed with lots of advanced comfort goodies and connectivity features.
