In the recent past, the demand for 7-seater SUVs are on rise in our market. The success of new Scorpio N, XUV700, Safari and others have prompted automakers to introduce new 7-seater SUVs in our market. In this article, we bring you a list of top 5 new 7-seater SUVs to be launched in our market in the next couple of years –
1. Nissan X-Trail
Nissan has confirmed that the X-Trail 3-row SUV will be launched in our market in the next 1 year. The fourth gen Nissan X-Trail is 4,680mm longer, 2,065mm wider and 1,725mm taller and has a wheelbase of 2,705mm. It is slightly bigger than the Jeep Compass and the VW Tiguan on sale in our market. In the international markets, the SUV is offered in 5 and 7-seat layout; however, India-spec model is most likely to come in 7-seat option.
The SUV is likely to be offered with two powertrain options – a 163PS, 1.5L turbo-charged petrol engine and a 1.5L turbo petrol with a strong hybrid tech. Called the e-Power tech, the X-Trail’s hybrid powertrain offers 204PS and 300Nm of torque in 2WD setup and 213PS & up to 525Nm in 4WD setup. Expected to be priced around Rs 40 lakh, the new Nissan X-Trail e-Power is expected to be launched in our market in the second half of 2023.
2. New Toyota Fortuner
Japanese automaker, Toyota has started working on the next generation Fortuner SUV. The new model is reportedly to make a global debut in 2023. It will come with all-new design and upgraded cabin along with a new engine option. The new Fortuner will be designed and developed on the new Toyota’s TNGA-F architecture, which also underpins the Tundra and the Sequoia and the Land Cruiser SUVs. The platform supports a wheelbase length of 2,850-4,180mm.
The new Fortuner will be offered with a new diesel engine with mild hybrid system. It will receive a new 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre diesel engine with an integrated starter generator (ISG). The new Toyota’s mild-hybrid diesel engine could be called the GD Hybrid. It is likely to offer higher fuel efficiency and added torque on demand.
3. New Maruti 7-Seater SUV
Maruti Suzuki is preparing a new 7-seater SUV for the Indian market. If reports are to be believed, the new model could be based on the modified version of the Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform. The company could also use the Global C-platform that underpins the new Grand Vitara SUV. It will replace the Suzuki XL6 in the brand’s NEXA line-up and will rival the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari and the Mahindra XUV700. It is likely to be offered with a strong hybrid powertrain.
4. Citroen 7-Seater SUV
French automaker, Citroen has started testing a new 3-row SUV on the Indian roads. It will target MPV and SUV customers of India. The new SUV is likely to be based on the Stellantis’ CMP (Common Modular Platform) that underpins the C3 hatchback. The engineers are likely to modify the platform to accommodate a bigger size model. The new model will measure above 4 meters in length. The new 3-row Citroen is likely to share the engine options with the C3 hatchback. The engine options are likely to include a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol with 5MT and a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol with 6MT & 6AT. While the former is good for 82PS at 5,750rpm and a peak torque of 115Nm at 3,750rpm, the turbo unit produces 110PS and 190Nm of torque.
5. Tata Safari Facelift
The homegrown automaker, Tata Motors is also preparing to give a mid-life facelift to its popular 3-row SUV, the Safari. The new model will receive subtle design changes in the form of revised grille and new headlamp setup along with new alloys. Major changes will be made inside the cabin. It will receive a bigger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless connectivity, 360 degree camera, connected car tech, new seat upholstery and others. The SUV will also receive ADAS tech with features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance, lane assist, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking and others.
