Upcoming 7-seat SUVs and MPVs for the Indian market

The people-mover segment is relatively smaller, especially when compared to hatchback and sedan market in the country. But with a number of launches lined up for the segment, it’s going to be bigger and better than ever. We look at upcoming SUVs and MPVs which can seat seven people in comfort.

MPVs:

Chevrolet Spin

In terms of design, the Spin MPV looks more pleasing than the staid-looking Enjoy and is without doubt more premium, too. Measuring a little above 4,300 mm in length, it also gets a better interior, and while the company is yet to make an announcement, we can expect a Fiat-sourced 1.3-liter diesel engine under the bonnet.

Toyota Innova Crysta

Thoroughly improved and way more upmarket than the current version, the Innova Crysta can go on to be the seven-seater MPV of choice for large families. The current Innova is said to be one of the best vehicles for making long journeys, irrespective of the road conditions and the depth of one’s pockets, so expecting the Crysta to take the legacy forward won’t be wrong. Powering the vehicle is likely to be a wider range of engines: 2.4-liter and 2.8-liter diesel units, and a rumoured 2.7-liter petrol engine. The former (2.4-liter diesel) might be smaller than the current 2.5-liter unit, but churns out about about 40 hp more.

Tata Hexa

Tata Motors is not new to the segment but while the Aria sadly couldn’t get them great numbers, the Hexa seems way more promising. It not only gets a more powerful engine(2.2-liter diesel unit which makes 156 PS and 400 Nm) but also looks better. To be positioned atop the current range, expect the Hexa to be feature-laden. Comfortable seating and ride quality will just add to it.

SUVs

Mahindra Quanto Facelift

With multiple test mules caught, it’s clear that Mahindra is working on a facelift version of the Quanto. And while it may have not appeared at the 2016 Auto Expo – the other cars mentioned here did but not the Quanto, the Fortuner, and the Pajero Sport. Apart from the updated styling, the vehicle is also expected to borrow the more efficient (albeit less powerful) engine from the TUV300, along with the optional AMT gearbox. The fold-able seats at the rear make it a seven seater, and are useful on short journeys.

Honda BR-V

To be positioned in the compact SUV segment (that currently comprises vehicles like the Duster and the Creta), the BR-V has a few tricks up its sleeve which the competition currently does not. To start with, the vehicle boasts a seven-seat layout, which both the Duster and the Creta don’t have. Based on the same platform as the Brio, the BR-V will be available in both petrol and diesel guises.

Toyota Fortuner

The reason why the 2016 Fortuner hasn’t made an appearance in the market yet is because, according to a couple of reports, the company’s increasing the degree of localisation in the car. With that in place, the new Fortuner (available in a handful of markets already) gets better aesthetics, and new engines (2.4-liter and 2.8-liter diesels, and a 2.7-liter petrol). It still rides on a body-on-frame structure, though.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

The only model in Mitsubishi India’s line-up which has been responsible for sales is the Pajero Sport SUV. And like its competitors – the Fortuner and the Endeavour – a new generation version of the Pajero Sport is also on its way. Like the Fortuner it’s also expected to be launched in 2017, with better looks, a premium interior, more features, and most importantly, a new 2.4-liter engine mated to an optional 8-speed gearbox.