India’s compact MPV (Multi Utility Vehicle) segment has been dominated by Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ever since its arrival in 2012. Attributes such as spacious interior, practicality, efficient engine and affordable pricing have always been in its favour. With an aim to challenge Maruti’s dominance in the compact MPV space, Hyundai, Kia and MG will roll out their new models the next couple of years. Here’s a brief on the upcoming Hyundai, Kia and MG 7-seater MPVs.
New Hyundai 7-Seater MPV
The South Korean carmaker has been testing a new three-row MPV in Korea and Indonesia that’s likely to hit Indian shores sometime in 2022. However, there is no official word on the product and its launch timeline. Recently, the new Hyundai compact SUV was spotted testing heavy camouflage covering most of the design details. The model is reported to underpin the modified version of the Alcazar’s platform and measure around 4.5m in length. The new Hyundai 7-seater MPV might share its engines with the Creta that comes with the 113bhp, 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol and 113bhp, 1.5L turbo petrol motors. It might also get the Alcazar’s 159bhp, 2.0L petrol engine.
New Kia 7-Seater MPV
Kia India aims to tap the compact MPV segment with a new model that codenamed – Kia KY. We have seen its camouflaged test mules revealing a few interesting details of its design and features. The new Kia compact MPV will be specially designed for the Indian market and produced at the company’s Anantapur facility. If reports are to be believed, the three-row MPV will share its platform and engines with the Kia Seltos. The latter comes with the 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.4L turbo petrol and 1.5L turbo diesel engine options. Rumour has it that the carmaker might also introduce mild hybrid system on the model lineup. In terms of pricing, its higher variants will take on the Toyota Innova Crysta and lower variants will target Maruti Ertiga.
New MG 7-Seater MPV
The British carmaker will also foray into the compact MPV segment in coming years. The company showcased the 360M and G10 MPVs at the 2020 Auto Expo. While the former will be the Maruti Ertiga rival, the latter will lock horns against the Kia Carnival. The MG 360M, which is based on the China-spec Baojun 360, will be longer and more spacious than its arch rival – Ertiga. The showcased model was packed with lots of goodies such as Bosch’s new electronic stability program, an 8-inch control screen, a multifunction steering wheel, a tyre pressure monitoring system and more. The MPV was equipped with a 103bhp,1.5L petrol engine and a CVT automatic gearbox.
