Five upcoming seven-seater cars in India- From Mahindra XUV700 to Kia KY
We have seen a recent spike in seven-seater car sales in the Indian market. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and XL6 accounted for over 17,000 units in July 2021 whereas the Innova Crysta has been a consistent performer for Toyota in India. As a result of increasing sales, we have seen some recent launches like the MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari and the Hyundai Alcazar. The talk doesn't end there as we tell you five upcoming sever-seat offerings that are slated to get launched in the Indian market in the next two years.
It's no surprise that Mahindra is coming up with the XUV700 thanks to the long and intensive testing schedule. However, ahead of launch, Mahindra has started teasing with some unique features of the XUV700. Mahindra XUV700 will be offered with a standard 6- & 7-seater layout and front-facing third row. Along with that, Mahindra will offer the segment largest panoramic sunroof, a digital instrument cluster with touchscreen infotainment and a lot more.
Talking of engines, the XUV700 will carry over the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol engines from the Thar, however, in different states of tune. Mahindra is expected to unveil the XUV700 on August 15th whereas the launch could happen sometime in October.
Another popular offering from Mahindra's stable is the Scorpio. In its second generation, the new Scorpio will be underpinned by the all-new ladder on frame chassis that has shown its mettle with the Thar. The Scorpio is expected to get front-facing third-row seating and offer a much more serene experience than before. There is very little we know about the new Scorpio when it comes to its features and equipment. Just like the Thar and the XUV700, the Scorpio will also get the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol engine options and both will also be offered with automatic gearbox options. Mahindra is expected to launch the new Scorpio in the beginning of 2022.
Jeep has been testing the seven-seat Compass for the Indian market and it has been spied multiple times on the Indian tarmac. As per strong rumours, it will be christened Meridian in the Indian market and is said to get a mild-hybrid powertrain option. Powering the Jeep Meridian will be the 2.0-litre diesel engine along with a 48V mild-hybrid setup. The Meridian will be offered with both 6- and 7-seater layouts and it will take on the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace, Skoda Kodiaq, Ford Endeavour etc. Jeep is expected to launch the Meridian SUV in mid-2022 in the Indian market.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga/XL6 diesel
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga was run by the sole 1.3-litre diesel engine until it was axed due to the BS6 emission norms. However, Maruti Suzuki is going to make a comeback soon, with the in-house developed 1.5-litre diesel engine. Maruti Suzuki could launch the diesel-powered Ertiga and XL6 in early 2022 and the same engine will find its way in the Ciaz and S-Cross. We do not expect any major changes in terms of equipment for both the cars, however, Maruti Suzuki could offer a makeover for the Ertiga.
Kia KY
After the glorified success of the Kia Seltos and Sonet, the Korean carmaker is going to launch a family MPV, codenamed KY. Kia KY is said to share its underpinnings with the Kia Sonet, of course with a larger footprint. That being said, it is expected to be powered by a 1.5-litre diesel and petrol engine options. Kia KY could offer both 6- and 7-seater layouts and will go against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Mahindra Marazzo. The suggested timeline of launch is mid-2022 and like other Kia offerings, it will be priced competitively.
Text by Amit Saraswat
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Kia India's upcoming model to be a 6 and 7-seater MPV
Spec comparison: Hyundai Alcazar vs Tata Safari vs MG Hector Plus