MPVs are known to be spacious and convenient people carriers, offering better value for money than SUVs. Modern seven-seat family vehicles also offer contemporary styling and sedan-like comfort with the added benefit of cargo space further contributing to their popularity. Car manufacturers have been introducing several new models in this segment in the race for market share giving the extended family a wider choice of models that are well equipped and come with clean & frugal engines.
Here are 5 upcoming MPVs that are slated for launch soon and priced under INR 10 lakh.
2018 Maruti Ertiga (Maruti YHA)
The second generation Maruti Ertiga is expected to arrive this festive season. The new generation model is longer and wider and built on the lightweight HEARTECT platform of the new-gen Swift and Baleno. It gets new, wraparound LED tail lamps, redesigned bumpers, larger alloy wheels and a raked windscreen exuding a more upright stance. This new model will come with Suzuki’s SHVS mild hybrid system and most likely a new 1.5-litre diesel engine that's been developed in-house. A new K14B 1.4-litre VVT petrol engine offering 68 kW (91.15 hp) and 130 Nm of torque is also expected.
Mahindra U321
The Mahindra U321's launch would take place by September 2018. It is Mahindra's first passenger vehicle to be developed at their North American Technical Centre and will be assembled at the Nasik production facility. The U321 will have a monocoque construction and come in seven- and eight-seat configurations. Positioned above the Xylo, the U321 will most likely offer an upmarket experience with all the comfort and convenience of a premium MPV. The Mahindra U321 will employ an all-new 1.6-litre mFalcon diesel engine producing 121 hp and 300 Nm of torque, with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Maruti Wagon R 7-seat
Maruti has its sights on entering the sub-4-meter MPV segment with the Wagon R 7-seat MPV around November 2018. The 3-row Wagon R was first showcased as a concept at the Indonesia International Motor Show in 2013. Set to arrive as a derivative of the next-gen Maruti Wagon R, the Maruti Wagon R 7-seat MPV will be wider and have an extended rear to include a third row of seats. It will compete with the likes of Datsun GO+ and Renault RBC.
Maruti YHB (Ertiga Cross)
This crossover codenamed YHB based on the second generation Maruti Ertiga is expected to be launched in 2019. It is aimed to capitalize Maruti Suzuki's share in the hugely popular utility market. The all-new K15B 1.5-litre VVT petrol engine and the newly developed E15A 1.5-litre diesel engines are expected to power the Maruti Ertiga Cross, which will have a more rugged styling with like extra body cladding, roof rails, higher ground clearance and more. Prices are likely to be slightly higher than the new-gen Ertiga MPV version. The Maruti YHB will likely compete with the Honda BR-V.
New Renault MPV(Codename RBC)
Renault has started testing its new 7-seat MPV codenamed RBC and is set to launch it in 2019. It will be based on Renault’s CMF-A+ platform, an extension of the platform on which the Kwid was built. The extended wheelbase will lend the RBC a third row of seats while still staying under four meters to qualify for tax benefit on small cars. It is expected to share some interior components with its hatchback sibling but will have a new dashboard and a heavier looking exterior with larger rims and tyres. The engine will be an updated version of the Kwid's 1.0-litre petrol possibly with a turbocharger. A diesel engine option isn't planned.
