In the first half of 2022, at least 4 new 7-seater utility vehicles will be launched in the Indian market. Here’s the list:
1. 2022 Skoda Kodiaq – January
The long-awaited BSVI compliant Skoda Kodiaq will be launched in January 2022. Production of the SUV has already been commenced at the company’s Aurangabad facility in Maharashtra. The SUV will be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TSI petrol engine that produces 190PS and 320Nm of torque. A 7-speed DSG gearbox will be offered as standard. It will be available with the AWD system. The SUV will come with subtle design changes and some interior tweaks.
2. Kia Carens – By March 2022
Korean automaker will launch the newly unveiled Kia Carens 3-row MPV by March 2022. Interested buyers can pre-book the vehicle online or via authorised Kia dealership. It is based on the same SP2 platform that underpins the Seltos, Creta and the Alcazar. The SUV measures 4,540mm in length, 1,800mm in width and 1,700mm in height, and has segment-largest wheelbase of 2,780mm. It will be offered with 3 engine options – 1.5L petrol (115bhp/144Nm), 1.4L turbo petrol (140bhp/242Nm) and 1.5L diesel (115bhp/250Nm). Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer.
3. New Mahindra Scorpio – Mid-2022
Mahindra will launch the new generation Scorpio SUV by mid-2022. The SUV has already been spotted multiple times, revealing exterior and interior details. It will be based on the modified ladder-on-frame chassis that underpins the new Thar. The new Scorpio will grow in size and will offer more space inside the cabin. It will be offered in multiple seating layout with higher variants getting forward facing third-row seat.
The new Scorpio will be offered with a de-tuned version of the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder mHawk turbo engine that powers the XUV700 MX variant. This engine produces 155bhp and 360Nm of torque. It will also receive a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that is likely to produce around 150bhp and 300Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. Rear-wheel-drive layout will be offered as standard, while the top-spec model will get AWD system.
4. Jeep Meridian – Mid-2022
Jeep will launch the 7-seater Meridian (re-badged Commander) SUV in India by mid-2022. The production of the SUV will commence at FCA’s Ranjangaon facility by April 2022. Based on the modified Small-Wide 4×4 platform, the new Jeep Meridian will rival the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and the Skoda Kodiaq. The upcoming Jeep Meridian will be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that also powers the Compass. This engine is capable of producing 173bhp and 200Nm of torque. It is also likely to get a 48V mild hybrid system, which should improve its efficiency. A 9-speed automatic gearbox will come as standard.
