As per the data released by SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers), Utility Vehicles (UVs) accounted for over 1.9 million units sales in 2022 in India. It’s 50 percent of the total vehicles (3.8 million) sold last year. With cumulative sales of 17,54,282 units, the SUVs and MPVs clocked 91 percent of the total UV sales in the country. This year, we will witness some major new SUV and MPV launches across segments. Here’s a brief on the top 4 upcoming affordable 7-seater SUVs/MPVs that will hit roads sometime in 2023.
Citroen C3 Aircross
Citroen is testing a three-row SUV in India that’s likely to be named C3 Aircross. Rumour has it that the model will be made available with 5 and 7-seats configurations. It will be based on the C3 hatchback and underpin Stellantis CMP architecture. After the C3 hatch, the new Citroen 7-seater SUV will be the second offering from the French automaker to come under its C-Cubed project. The model might feature the 1.2L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine under the hood. The unit makes a top power of 110bhp and 190Nm of torque. More details here…
Rendering Source
Nissan 7-Seater MPV
Nissan recently confirmed a new 7-seater MPV for the Indian market along with an entry-level electric car. The three-row model will be based on the Renault Triber that’s available with a 1.0L, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. The motor returns a peak power of 71bhp and 96Nm of torque. There might also be an option of a turbo petrol engine. Visually, the new Nissan 7-seater MPV will be different from the Triber. Its styling could be inspired from the Nissan Magnite subcompact SUV. More details here…
Toyota Rumion
Toyota Kirloskar Motor had trademarked the ‘Toyota Rumion’ nameplate that’s likely to be used for its version of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Just so you know, the Japanese automaker is already selling the MPV in South Africa. Most of its design and styling is similar to the Ertiga. Though, it carries a differently designed grille featuring Toyota’s badge. Inside, the MPV has a black interior theme with wooden trim. Powering the Rumion is the same 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol SHVS engine making 103bhp and 138Nm. More details here…
Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus
Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus is also expected to hit roads sometime this year. Though, the carmaker hasn’t yet revealed its launch details. The SUV will be powered by a 2.2L mHawk diesel engine that can be had with both manual and automatic gearboxes. The model lineup will be offered in two trims – P4 and P10 – and two seating configurations – 7-seats and 9-seats. The carmaker will also introduce its ambulance version that will have 4-seats layout along with a patient bed. More details here…
