SUV market is growing at a very fast pace in the country. In order to tap the opportunity, car manufacturers are gearing up to join the SUV bandwagon in coming years. There will be several new models across different segments and price range. Here’re key details of the top 8 upcoming three-row SUVs and MPVs that have been planned for the Indian market.
Jeep Meridian
The American automaker has confirmed that it will unveil the new Jeep Meridian SUV for India on 29th March 2022. Its market launch will happen in May. The SUV is likely to be offered with the 6-seats configuration featuring captain seats in the middle row. It will be packed with several advanced features a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger and more. Rumour has it that it come also get ADAS suite with 7 airbags, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency system. The Meridian will use the Compass’ 2.0L Multijet turbo diesel engine that could be tuned for different power output.
Toyota Rumion
The Japanese carmaker has already trademarked the Toyota Rumion nameplate in India. While its official launch timeline is yet to be revealed, the model is likely to arrive in the coming months. Toyota’s Rumion is essentially the rebadged Maruti Suzuki Ertiga that’s due for an update next month. Most of the its design elements will be similar to the Ertiga. Though, it might get a new front grille with Toyota’s badge. For power, the Toyota Rumion will use the same 1.5L, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with mild SHVS hybrid system. Similar to the upcoming Ertiga facelift, it might get a new 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox. A 5-speed manual transmission will be standard across the model lineup.
New Mahindra Scorpio
The second-generation Mahindra Scorpio might be unveiled in June, which will be followed by its launch. The SUV will receive comprehensive changes in terms of design, features and engine mechanism. Under the hood, the 2022 Scorpio will employ the brand’s new 2.0L turbo petrol and 2.2L turbo diesel engines with 6-speed manual and torque convertor automatic gearbox options. The range-topping trims will be exclusively offered with the 4X4 drivetrain system, drive modes and terrain modes. This time around, the Mahindra Scorpio will come with the 6 and 7-seats configurations. The SUV will also grow in terms of dimensions. It will have more cabin space and more features on offer.
Nissan Magnite 7-Seater
The Japanese automaker is evaluating the Nissan Magnite 7-seater SUV for the Indian market. The model is likely have sliding system to adjust legroom in the middle and third rows. There will be a foldable bench seat positioned in the boot space. Details of the three-row SUV are still under the wraps. Most of its design details and features are likely to be carried forward from the 5-seater Magnite. Powering the Magnite 7-seater could be the same 1.0L, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated and 1.0L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine delivering 72bhp and 100bhp respectively. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer.
Maruti 7-Seater SUV
Reports suggest that the Indo-Japanese automaker is working on a three-row SUV to challenge Hyundai Alcazar. The model is likely to underpin the Ertiga’s platform and come with 6 and 7-seats layouts. It will be the most expensive SUV from Maruti Suzuki in the country. The new Maruti 7-seater SUV will measure around 4.5 meters in length. Its production is expected to take place at Toyota’s Bidadi facility in Karnataka. The three-row SUV is likely to hit roads sometime in 2024-25.
Skoda 6/7-Seater SUV
Skoda is considering two new SUVs for India including a sub-4 metre SUV and a three-row SUV. As of now, there is no official word on their launch timeline. While the subcompact SUV will take on the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue and Maruti Brezza, the 6/7-seater SUV will be positioned against the Hyundai Alcazar and Kia Carens.
Hyundai 7-Seater MPV
The South Korean automaker is currently testing a new three-row MPV for India, which was caught on camera multiple times. The model will be especially designed and developed for the Asian markets. Rumour has it that the upcoming Hyundai 7-seater MPV will be named Hyundai Stargazer. The higher trims could be offered with some exclusive features such as ADAS (advanced driver assistance system). Measuring around 4.5 metres in length, the Hyundai Stargazer could be offered with the 1.5L, turbo diesel engine making power worth 113bhp and 250Nm. Transmission options might include a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic unit.
Toyota 7-Seater MPV
Toyota Kirloskar Motor will foray into the C-segment MPV segment sometime next year. Codenamed Toyota 560B, the three-row MPV will be designed on the DNGA (Daihatsu New Generation Architecture). The same platform will underpin the company’s upcoming mid-size SUV that’s reported to hit showrooms in the second half of 2022. If reports are to be believed, the new Toyota 7-seater MPV might be offered with the brand’s hybrid technology.
