Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has been ruling the compact MPV segment ever since its launch in 2012. The model was introduced as India’s first Life Utility Vehicle (LUV) that witnessed multiple updates and a generation change till date. In order to challenge its dominance, several car manufacturers are ready to enter into the compact three-row MPV space including Kia, Hyundai, MG and Nissan. Here’s a brief on the upcoming Maruti Ertiga rivals that will hit roads in coming years.
Kia Carens
The South Korean automaker has confirmed that its new three-row vehicle will have world premiere on December 16, 2021. Its launch will happen in early 2022. The model is reported to be named Kia Carens (codenamed Kia KY) that will lock horns against the Maruti Ertiga. Measuring around 4.5 meters in length, the MPV is likely to share its platform, design elements and engines with the Seltos SUV. Though, it will sit on 150mm longer wheelbase and have more cabin space to offer. It might be offered with the 1.5L turbo diesel and 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engines making 113bhp with 250Nm and 244Nm respectively. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer.
Hyundai Stargazer
Hyundai is also ready to foray into the compact MPV segment with a new model that’s likely to be named Hyundai Stargazer. The MPV was recently unveiled for the Indonesian market. The Stargazer, which has been designed and developed for the Asian markets, will hit Indian shores in early 2022. The model is likely to be packed with some advanced goodies such as ADAS (advanced driver assistance system). It might also offer Hyundai SmartSense feature, sunroof and all LED lighting. For power, the new Hyundai MPV is likely to use the 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol and 1.5L turbo diesel engines. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic gearbox.
MG 360M
Previewed at the 2020 Auto Expo, the MG 360M compact MPV will be positioned against the Maruti Ertiga in India. One must note that its official launch timeline is yet to be revealed by the automaker. Compared to the Ertiga, the 360M measures 220mm longer and sits on 10mm longer wheelbase ensuring more cabin space. The showcased model was 6-seater version with 2+2+2 seating arrangement. It will be one of the feature-packed cars in its segment offering electric sunroof, Bosh’s new-generation electronic stability program, a tyre pressure monitoring system, an LCD dashboard and more. The new MG compact MPV could be powered by a 1.5L petrol engine delivering 103bhp and 135Nm.
Nissan 7-Seater MPV
While there is no official word on the same, a fresh report suggests that the Japanese automaker is working on a 7-seater compact MPV. The new Nissan MPV is estimated to cost below Rs 10 lakh and will be placed against the Maruti Ertiga. The model might be designed on the modified version of the CMF-A platform, which is already used in the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite subcompact SUVs. Besides platform, the upcoming Nissan 7-seater MPV might share its design bits and features with its subcompact siblings. Under the hood, it’s likely to feature the 1.0L naturally aspirated petrol and 1.0L turbo petrol engines delivering 72bhp with 96Nm and 99bh with 140Nm respectively. Both engines could be offered with manual and CVT gearbox options.
