Indian car buyers have long held a special affection for Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs), or family cars, owing to their practicality, flexible seating arrangements, and spacious cabins. However, in recent years, MPV sales have experienced a stagnant growth, possibly attributed to the soaring popularity of SUVs and crossovers and a dearth of new product launches. Despite this trend, the Toyota Innova Hycross managed to maintain the overall MPV market share in 2023. Looking ahead, there is optimism for growth in the MPV or family car segment, with Maruti Suzuki, Kia, Nissan, and Renault planning multiple new launches across different price ranges. Here, we delve into key details of the top four upcoming MPVs or family cars.
Upcoming MPVs/Family Cars
New-Gen Kia Carnival
The fourth-generation Kia Carnival is set to launch in 2024, retaining the existing 2.2L turbo diesel engine with manual and automatic gearbox options. For global markets, the new Carnival introduces a hybrid powertrain featuring a 1.6L turbo petrol engine with an electric motor. Notable exterior changes include a redesigned grille, tweaked front and rear bumpers, new headlamps with produced LED DRLs, and revamped taillamps. Inside, the facelifted version boasts a revised dashboard, dual 12.3-inch screens for the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, and improved OTA updates. Key features, including ADAS tech, HUD, and an optional 14.6-inch rear entertainment screen, are retained.
Renault Triber Facelift
Renault’s ambitious product plan for the Indian market includes the updated Triber facelift, expected to launch in 2024. The MPV is likely to undergo comprehensive cosmetic changes and feature upgrades, potentially housing the 1.0L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine from the Kiger subcompact SUV, offering 99bhp and 160Nm. Safety enhancements might include standard six airbags, adding to the existing safety features such as traction control system, electronic stability program, hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, rear seat belt reminder, and cruise control.
Nissan’s Triber-Based MPV
Nissan India’s 2024 product launch plan includes a new MPV based on the Renault Triber platform. Sharing components and features with its donor model, the MPV might be equipped with a 1.0L, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.0L turbo petrol motor, with manual, CVT, and AMT gearbox options. Positioned below the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens, the new Nissan MPV is set to roll out from the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s manufacturing plant in Chennai.
Maruti Mini MPV
Maruti Suzuki aims to enter the small and affordable MPV segment with a model based on the Japan-spec Suzuki Spacia, codenamed YDB. Expected to arrive in the Indian market by 2026, the mini MPV will feature a tall and boxy stance, measuring under 4 meters. Powered by Suzuki’s new Z-Series 1.2L petrol engine, the model is anticipated to be a Nexa-exclusive product, positioned below the Ertiga, and will maintain a simplistic approach without certain extravagant features offered on the Spacia.
