Upcoming MPVs for the Indian market: Ford B-Max, Hyundai HexaSpace, Chevrolet Spin, Honda MPV

Multi-purpose vehicles are increasingly in popularity in the Indian market thanks to vehicles like the Maruti Ertiga and the Toyota Innova, which are both selling as much as they can make. This has made other carmakers wake up and oil the production lines to grab a slice of this lucrative market.

CarToq lines up four multi-purpose vehicles that will likely enter the Indian market next year and give you, the car buyer, much more choice when it comes to multi-purpose vehicles. Multi-purpose vehicles are essentially seven-seater vehicles based that serve the purpose comfortable people carriers as well as have enough space to load up luggage and equipment when needed, with flexible seating. Also read: Who should buy an MPV – Deciding Factors

Here are four hot MPVs that will likely drive into the Indian market next year.

Photo: The b-Max will likely be less than 4 metres when it comes to India

Ford B-Max MPV

Ford is likely to launch the B-Max MPV in the Indian market by the end of next year. The vehicle has the potential to be attractively priced and may even give the soon-to-be-launched Mahindra Quanto a run for its money. The B-Max measures only 4,040 mm in length and it’s quite possible that Ford may alter the bumper design slightly for the Indian market to bring it under 4-meters in length to take advantage of the lower excise duties on vehicles under 4-meters in length.

The B-Max is expected to be powered by Ford’s 1 litre Ecoboost petrol engine from the upcoming Ford EcoSport and also by a 1.5 litre diesel engine that currently powers the Ford Fiesta. The unique design of the B-Max with sliding rear doors and absence of a B-pillar will make it a very versatile vehicle that easy to get in and out of. Expect the B-Max to be priced between Rs. 7 lakh and Rs. 9 lakh when launched.

Honda Brio-based MPV

Honda is developing a seven-seater MPV based on the Brio hatchback for the Indonesian market. This vehicle is also expected to be launched in the Indian market by end 2013 or early 2014. It will compete directly against Maruti’s Ertiga. The Brio-based MPV will be developed on the Concept S platform that was showcased at the Beijing Auto show.

The Brio-based MPV will come in both petrol and diesel engine choices (as Honda would most likely have launched its diesel line-up in the Indian market by then). The petrol variant is likely to get either a 1.2 litre petrol engine from the Jazz and Brio or even the 1.5 litre engine that powers the Honda City. It may also get a 1.6 litre diesel engine or even a 1.2 litre diesel, depending on what Honda has available in the Indian market by then. Honda would be looking at a price point of Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 9 lakh for the MPV.

Chevrolet Spin MPV

Chevrolet is keenly eyeing the MPV market in India. In October 2012, it is launching the Chevrolet Enjoy, while it may also likely bring in the Chevrolet Spin which it has just developed for the Brazilian market sometime next year. The Spin is a seven-seater MPV that’s a lot more car-like compared to the Enjoy or the Tavera. The Spin is quite a spacious MPV, with flexible seating options.

The Chevrolet Spin for the Brazilian market is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine that puts out 130 bhp of power. But for the Indian market Chevrolet is likely to put in a 1.3 litre diesel engine and also a 1.4 litre petrol engine. The Spin would probably be priced between Rs. 7 lakh and Rs. 9 lakh, and compete with the Maruti Ertiga.

See more: Official photos of Chevrolet Spin

Four hot MPVs coming to India next year

Hyundai HexaSpace MPV

At the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi, Hyundai showcased its MPV concept, the HexaSpace. Looking at the growing popularity of MPVs in the Indian market, Hyundai is considering speeding up development of the HexaSpace concept. The HexaSpace follows Hyundai’s fluidic design theme and looks very futuristic. The production model may be toned down a little. The HexaSpace, like the Ford B-Max, will feature a design that does away with the B-pillar, allowing for wide opening doors that let passengers get in and out with ease. The seats are also flip-folding and flexible, with a flat floor, maximizing use of cabin space.

Since the HexaSpace is still in the concept stage there isn’t any information on the engine choices that it will use, but we think the 1.6 litre CRDi diesel engine that powers the Hyundai Verna and Elantra will likely make it to this MPV as well. It may also come with a 1.6 petrol engine. The HexaSpace may be slightly more premium and be priced between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 12 lakh when launched.

Which of these four upcoming MPVs for the Indian market catches your fancy? Share your thoughts with us.