The rising demand for UVs have prompted automakers to introduce new 3-row MPVs in the Indian market. Currently, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is the top-selling MPV in the country. Moreover, the Kia Carens, Toyota Innova and Renault Triber are doing wonders for their respective makers. In the next 1 year, a total of 4 new multi-purpose utility vehicles will be launched in the country –
New Kia Carnival
Kia had showcased the new KA4 3-row MPV at the 2023 Auto Expo. It is essentially the next-gen Carnival, which is already on sale in select international markets. It is likely to be launched in our market in 2023 or 2024. Instead of a cab-forward MPV-like styling, the fourth-gen Carnival has a more SUV-like profile with angular surfaces & squared-off stance. The new-gen Carnival or KA4 rides on a 30mm longer wheelbase, and has a 10mm wider body & is longer by 40mm compared to the one on sale in our market. With all seats in position, the 7-seater model offers a boot space of 627-litres that can be extended to 2,905-litres by folding the rear seats.
The new Kia Carnival MPV also comes with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems with features like collision avoidance assist, blind spot monitoring, lane assist, high beam assist, adaptive cruise control and many more. Based on the new-gen N3 platform, the new Kia Carnival will be offered with a 2.2-litre Smartstream turbo diesel engine. This engine is capable of producing 199bhp and 44Nm of torque.
Nissan’s 3-row MPV
Riding on the success of Magnite, Nissan India has announced plans to launch 2 new SUVs, 1 new MPV and an all-new electric vehicle in India over the period of 2-3 years. Nissan has confirmed that it will introduce a new 7-seater MPV, which will be based on the CMF-A+ platform. The new model is expected to share its powertrain and features with the Renault Triber. It is likely to get a 1.0L 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 71bhp and 96Nm of torque. The company could also offer the MPV with a 1.0L turbo petrol engine with manual and CVT.
Toyota MPV
After launching the new Innova Hycross and the Hyryder, Toyota is now preparing to launch 2 new models in our market in 2023. The company is reportedly planning to launch a new MPV, codenamed D23, which will be the re-badged version of the Ertiga MPV. To be called the Toyota Rumion, the new MPV will have cosmetic design changes like new grille and slightly revised rear profile. The new MPV will be powered by the Ertiga’s 1.5L, 4-cylinder K15C Dualjet engine that pushes out 103bhp and a peak torque of 136Nm. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Maruti’s Innova Hycross
Maruti Suzuki will also launch the re-badged version of the Toyota Innova Hycross in our market in 2023. Set to be the most expensive Maruti product, the new premium MPV will be sold through NEXA dealership network. The new Hycross is based on a monocoque TNGA-C platform with front-wheel-drive layout. It will also be the first Maruti Suzuki model to feature ADAS tech with features like autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, collision avoidance assist, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Similar to the Hycross, the new Maruti’s MPV will be offered with 2 engine options – a 174PS, 2.0L petrol and a 186PS, 2.0L petrol with the hybrid tech.
