It is not just the SUV segment in the Indian auto market that has been showing a lot of promise and growth, but the MPV segment too has been more or less on the same trajectory in the past few years. This sign of growth in the segment has not gone unnoticed by the carmakers in the country. As of now, the market has only three major options when it comes to MPVs -- Toyota Innova Crysta, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, and the Mahindra Marazzo. With the last MPV having been launched in the country only last year. The oodles of space and practicality of MPVs has started attracting customers toward the segment. While the Innova Crysta absolutely dominates the top tier of the segment, Maruti Ertiga also sells a very good number of units per month, and the response to the Mahindra Marazzo in the mid-tier has also been good. Carmakers are also getting the hint that if worked upon, the MPVs could be a major hit among the Indian public. Perhaps this is why carmakers in the country have lined up quite a few launches and facelifts in the MPV segment for India. Let’s take a look at what can be expected as far as MPVs are concerned.
Renault RBC
New MPV to launch in India by July 2019
Highlights – All-new RBC (code-name) MPV from French carmaker will be based on CMF-A+ platform. This sub-4 meter MPV will come with a third row for seating. Kwid’s updated 1.0-litre petrol engine with a turbocharger may be used in RBC. Renault to load the car with features and place it as a value for money product with pricing in the range of mid-size hatchbacks in the market.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga 1.5 diesel
New model to launch in India by April-May 2019
Highlights -- Maruti Suzuki to introduce Ertiga with in-house developed 1.5-liter diesel engine. This new 4-cylinder engine to come rated for 94 Bhp and 225 Nm. New engine to offer more performance and lower NVH levels in Ertiga.
Toyota Branded Ertiga
Badge engineered MPV to launch in India by end of 2020
Highlights – Toyota to launch new MPV based on Ertiga. Many changes expected, although change in engine and transmission options not likely. Toyota’s version of MPV to get new looks and styling.
Mahindra Marazzo Automatic Version
New version to launch in India by end of 2019
Highlights – Mahindra to address lack of automatic gearbox on Marazzo. Company likely to equip MPV with AMT unit. Marazzo to share same auto-gearbox with XUV300 sub-4 meter compact SUV as well.
Mitsubishi Xpander
All-new model likely to be launched in India in 2020
Highlights – Mitsubishi to bring all-new Xpander MPV to India. Price for Xpander to be around the price of Mahindra Marazzo. New MPV to come packed with features. A 1.5L petrol engine paired with 5 speed manual and 4 speed automatic gearbox to be expected on new MPV.
Kia Grand Carnival
All-new MPV to be launched in India in 2020
Highlights -- Kia Grand Carnival to be placed above Toyota Innova Crysta in market. Upcoming MPV is more spacious and feature packed than Innova. Grand Carnival to likely come with 2.2 E-VGT diesel engine rated for 199 Bhp and 441 Nm mated to 8 speed automatic gearbox.
Toyota Innova Crysta Facelift
Facelifted model to be launched in India around end of 2019 or start of 2020
Highlights – Bestselling MPV of India to be updated to tackle upcoming rivalry with other MPVs. Revisions of aesthetic on the exterior front, and few changes in the interior as well. Feature update and engine update for emission norms also likely.