In this article, we talk about the top 4 exciting new 7-seater SUVs to be launched in the Indian market in the next 12 months.
1. Hyundai Alcazar
The much-awaited Hyundai Alcazar 3-row SUV will be launched in the Indian market on June 18, 2021. The new model is based on the Creta’s platform; however, the platform has been modified to accommodate longer wheelbase. The SUV’s wheelbase has been raised by 150mm to 2,760mm, which is also the longest in its segment. The new Alcazar offers a boot space of 181-litres with all 3-row seats in position.
The new Hyundai Alcazar will ride on new 18-inch alloy wheels. It will be offered with two engine options – a 159PS/192Nm, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol and a 115PS/250Nm, 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The petrol MT is claimed to return an ARAI certified fuel economy of 14.5kmpl, while the petrol AT delivers 14.2kmpl. The diesel manual and automatic returns 20.4kmpl and 18.1kmpl respectively.
Launch – June 18, 2021
Expected Price – Rs 13 lakh to Rs 20 lakh
Competition – MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari
2. Mahindra XUV700
Mahindra has confirmed that the long-awaited XUV700 7-seater SUV will be launched in the third quarter of 2021 – July to September. The new Mahindra XUV700 will replace the existing XUV500 SUV. It will be based on the new monocoque platform with support for an AWD system. The new model will be bigger and more spacious than the XUV500.
The Mahindra XUV700 will come with an electric powertrain; however, it is not confirmed that the SUV will get the pure EV, mild-hybrid or a plug-in hybrid system. We believe that the new XUV700 could get a mild hybrid system, which will make the new model compliant with the upcoming stringent CAFE 2 norms. The new CAFE II norms will come into effect in 2022 and the BS6 Stage II norms are set to come into force beginning April 2023.
The Mahindra XUV700 will be offered with two engine options – a 2.0-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol and a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel. The petrol engine is capable of producing around 188bp of power and 380Nm of torque. On the other hand, the diesel engine is likely to produce around 185bhp of power. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
Launch – July-September, 2021
Expected Price – Rs 14 lakh to Rs 22 lakh
Competition – MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar
3. New-gen Mahindra Scorpio
Mahindra will launch the new generation Scorpio SUV in the first quarter of 2022. The new model has already been caught testing in India. It will grow in size, which will allow Mahindra engineers to create more space inside the cabin. In fact, the SUV is likely to get a forward-facing third-row of seats.
The new Scorpio will be based on the new ladder-on-frame chassis, which currently underpins the new Thar lifestyle SUV. Compared to the existing model, the new model will come with sportier design language and feature-loaded cabin. The new Mahindra Scorpio will be offered with two engine options – a 2.0L turbocharged petrol with power output close to 150bhp, and a 2.2L turbo-diesel engine with close to 158bhp power. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. The SUV will get AWD or 4×4 option.
Launch – Q1, 2022
Expected Price – Rs 12 lakh to Rs 20 lakh
Competition – Tata Safari
4. Jeep Commander
Jeep has started testing the new 7-seater Commander SUV in India. Codenamed H6, the new model is expected to be launched in the first half of 2022. It is based on the modified version of the Small Wide platform, which currently underpins the Compass and the Renegade. The new model will be produced at FCA’s Ranjangaon facility.
The new Jeep Commander will share significant design details and interior with the Compass; however, it will have elongated side profile and newly developed rear profile. The SUV will get cooled seats, a panoramic sunroof, a new touchscreen infotainment system with connectivity, a digital instrument console, dual-zone climate control and others.
The SUV will be powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine that is likely to produce around 200bhp of power and over 400Nm of torque. It is likely to come with a 9-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox as standard. The higher variants are likely to come with all-wheel-drive layout.
Launch – Mid, 2022
Expected Price – Rs 28 lakh to Rs 35 lakh
Competition – Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour & VW Tiguan AllSpace
