Hyundai and Kia to Enter Affordable MPV Segment of India
The upcoming 7-seater MPVs from Hyundai and Kia will be based on the K2 platform, which underpins Creta and Seltos.
Seeing the growing demand for 7-seater cars, brands like Hyundai and Kia are aiming to enter into the relatively less competitive affordable MPV segment of India. Both automakers are eyeing the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga’s segment.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is only available in petrol version, which is powered by a 1.5L K15B petrol engine with SHVS mild hybrid system. There is no diesel version on offer; however, the Ertiga could receive a diesel derivative in the form of 1.5L engine in the near future. In fact, Ertiga diesel has already been spotted testing; however, Maruti Suzuki is still saying that it will continue to sell petrol and CNG cars in India.
The lack of diesel engine option will open up enough space for the Korean duo to enter into the MPV segment. Hyundai has already started testing the new compact MPV, which has recently been spotted testing in Korea. The 7-seater people mover will also go on sale in Indonesia. The new MPV is expected to be launched in our market in 2021.
Kia Motors is also developing a 7-seater compact MPV, which will sit between the upcoming Sonet and the Seltos in terms of pricing. The new MPVs from Hyundai and Kia will be based on the new K2 platform that also underpins the new Creta and the Seltos. The Kia’s version of the 7-seater MPV is likely to be launched in the end of 2021.
The Hyundai’s upcoming MPV is likely to be offered with 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol and 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engines. While the former is good for 113bhp and 144Nm, the oil burner produces 113bhp and 250Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer. The same engine range will also power the upcoming Kia compact MPV. The new MPVs will directly rival the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Mahindra Marazzo.
Tata Motors is also reportedly working on an all-new MPV, which will be based on the Harrier’s OMEGA platform. The new model will be positioned against the Mahindra Marazzo. Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are jointly developing an all-new C-segment MPV, which will be positioned between the Ertiga and the Innova Crysta.
