Utility Vehicles (UVs) have always been favoured for their ample cabin space, practicality and massive body built. In the past few months, the SUV and MPV segments witnessed tremendous growth and to tap the growing market car manufacturers have planned multiple products across segments. Here’s a brief on the top 6 upcoming 7-seater MPVs, which are slated to launch in the next couple of years.
Kia MPV
The South Korean carmaker has already started testing its upcoming 7-seater MPV for the Indian market. Codenamed Kia KY, the model will sit between Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Innova Crysta in terms of pricing. While its details are scanty as of now, the new Kia MPV is likely to share its powertrains with the Seltos. The latter one comes with the 113bhp, 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 138bhp, 1.4L turbo petrol and 113bhp, 1.5L turbo diesel engine options. Rumour has it that the MPV might get Tucson’s 2.0L petrol engine. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer.
Expected Launch – Early 2022
Estimated Price – Rs 11-17 Lakh
MG 360M
MG Motor India aims to foray into the compact MPV space with the MG 360M that was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. When launched, it will be placed against the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. The MG 360M will essentially be the rebadged version of the Baojun 360 that’s sold in the Chinese market. Compared to its arch rival, the new MG MPV will be 220mm longer, more spacious and have 10mm longer wheelbase. Similar to the global model, the MPV will feature the 1.5L petrol engine pushing out power worth 103bhp and 135Nm of torque. It will have a CVT automatic gearbox for performing transmission duties.
Expected Launch – Under Consideration
Estimated Price – Rs 7.50-10.50 Lakh
Hyundai Staria
The South Korean carmaker recently unveiled the new Hyundai Staria MPV globally. The carmaker hasn’t yet confirmed its India launch, though it trademarked the ‘Staria’ nameplate in mid 2020. It hints that the MPV might hit our shores in coming years. Hyundai says that the MPV has “spaceship-like design” with massive body built. It comes in multiple seating configurations right from 2-seats to 11-seats. In Europe, the new Hyundai MPV will be offered with a 2.2L diesel engine that’s good for 172bhp and 431Nm. It will be available with the 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic gearbox options. In other markets, the Hyundai Staria could be offered with a 3.5L naturally aspirated petrol (265bhp/331Nm) engine and a fuel-cell powertrain.
Expected Launch – Under Consideration
Estimated Price – Rs 25-35 Lakh
Maruti-Toyota C-MPV
Under the Suzuki and Toyota partnership, the carmaker is developing a mid-size MPV that will sit above the Maruti Ertiga. It will be designed on the FWD (front-wheel-drive) monocoque platform. The same architecture will be used for the upcoming new Toyota MPV. It would be quite early to comment on its engines. Though, the new Maruti 7-seater MPV might get a new 1.2L turbo petrol engine that’s currently under development. A 1.5L K15B petrol engine with mild hybrid system might also be on offer. It will be retailed via Maruti Suzuki’s Nexa dealership network.
Expected Launch – 2022-23
Estimated Price – Rs 10-15 Lakh
Toyota’s Ertiga-Based MPV
Toyota has already introduced the rebadged versions of the Maruti Baleno hatchback (Glanza) and Maruti Vitara Brezza (Urban Cruiser) in the country. Both models received a few cosmetic changes, while the features and powertrains are carried forward from the Maruti Suzuki models. Now, the Japanese carmaker is planning to launch the Maruti Ertiga based MPV sometime next year. The model will carry a new nameplate along with minor design changes. Powering the 7-seater MPV will be the same 104bhp, 1.5L petrol engine.
Expected Launch – Sometime in 2022
Estimated Price – Rs 8-10.50 Lakh
New Tata MPV
The home-grown carmaker is working on a new compact MPV to challenge the Maruti Ertiga and Mahindra Marazzo. The upcoming new Tata 7-seater MPV will come with the brand’s new Impact 2.0 design language and flexible seating configurations. The model might be offered with the Harrier’s 170bhp, 2.0L Kryotec diesel engine. The company is also working on a new 1.5L turbo petrol engine that will deliver power close to 150bhp.
Expected Launch – 2022-23
Estimated Price – Rs 10 – 15 Lakh
