The SUV/MPV market in India is set to receive several new/updated 7-seater vehicles, including the next-generation Carnival, and the all-new Hyundai Alcazar. Large seating capacity is one of the most important requirements that is met successfully by seven-seater cars. Owing to their spacious interiors, these three-row SUVs are quite popular in the mass market, especially among large families. If you want to buy a 7-seater SUV in India, here are some new models to consider.
New Kia Carnival
Kia plans to bring the Carnival to India during the festive season, with an expected starting price of around Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom). The MPV had its global premiere last year and is now set to go on sale here, with several improvements over its predecessor. The global-spec MPV sports a revised rear bumper, a larger tiger-nose grille, L-shaped headlights, and LED daytime running lights, and is available in three engine options.
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Along with cosmetic changes, the India-spec Carnival will likely receive feature enhancements like 12.3-inch twin curved infotainment and instrumentation screens. In terms of engine, the MPV is likely to keep the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which delivers 200bhp and 400Nm.
Next-gen Hyundai Alcazar
Following extensive testing on global and Indian markets, the updated Alcazar is slated to hit showrooms in the festive season (September-October). It was planned to go on sale in mid-2024, however, the launch was postponed to clear the existing inventory. According to multiple previous spy photos, the vehicle will have major design revisions in line with the 2024 Creta, except for a larger grille with a unique design. Inside, it could get dual 10.25-inch screens (one for the instrument cluster and one for infotainment), similar to the five-seat Creta. However, the SUV may get fresh upholstery to stand out. Mechanically, the car will continue to offer 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (158bhp/253Nm) and 1.5-litre turbo-diesel (114.4bhp/250Nm) as options.
Kia EV9
Although an official announcement is yet to be made, Kia will likely introduce the EV9 in India soon. The new SUV will be touted as the largest and most expensive car in the company's portfolio, costing around Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom). It could come with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a large sunroof, a heated steering wheel with four spokes, ambient lighting, regenerative braking with paddle shifters, and USB charging ports, among other features.
Based on the company's E-GMP platform, the car may have two versions. The first (RWD) model will have a single 215bhp motor and a 76.1kWh battery, with a driving range of 541 kilometres. The second variant, on the other hand, is expected to be a dual-motor configuration with a combined output of 380bhp. More detailed details are expected to surface online closer to the launch.
Jeep Meridian Facelift
The redesigned Jeep Meridian is expected to go on sale in India later this year. The new model will have several cosmetic improvements such as integrated DRLs in the headlights, a redesigned grille, new front and rear bumpers, fresh alloy wheels, and a revised taillight. In addition, the SUV will have a few more exterior paint options, compared to the current edition.
The SUV's 2-litre diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual and a nine-speed automatic torque converter unit, will theoretically remain the source of power. Similar to the present model, only the highest-end automatic versions will feature the four-wheel drive (4WD) option. The biggest feature enhancement for the SUV is expected to be an ADAS. Price-wise, the SUV could command a hefty premium over the existing model, which retails for Rs 33.77 lakh (starting, ex-showroom).
MG Gloster Facelift
According to numerous spy pictures in our market, MG is preparing to launch the facelifted Gloster in India soon. The redesigned SUV will most likely include a huge three-slat grille with a company logo, a cube-shaped split headlight design, redesigned alloy wheels, and reworked LED taillamps connected by a slim light bar. It is expected to include advanced comfort and convenience features like a digital instrument cluster, a huge touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated and powered front seats, and wireless smartphone connectivity.
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In terms of the engine, we don't anticipate any modifications to its current powertrain (2-litre diesel turbo/twin-turbo), which is available with 4X2 and 4X4 choices. The upcoming facelifted Meridian could cost more than the existing iteration (Rs 38.80 lakh) owing to several feature and cosmetic enhancements.
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