Kia New 7 Seat MPV - Toyota Innova Crysta Rival?

The Kia Carnival premium MPV was launched earlier this year as Kia’s flagship model in India. However, now Kia motors India is developing a new mid size MPV to be positioned below the Toyota Innova Crysta.

This new mid-size family MPV will be based on the Kia Seltos’ platform with better crash protection and extended dimensions. This new MPV will be positioned between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (4,395mm in length) and Toyota Innova Crysta (4,735mm in length), and will directly rival the Mahindra Marazzo (4,585mm in length) in terms of dimensions and positioning. This new MPV is likely to have both 7 and 8 seat options.

Exterior:

Exterior design is likely to include the front fascia similar to the Seltos, featuring sharp LED headlamps and LED fog lamps. The signature” Tiger-nose grille will also feature the knurled Chrome finish. The proportions are expected to be spot on for this new MPV and is also expected to feature split LED tail lamps. 16 or 17 inch alloy wheels are expected too.

Interior:

The interior of this new MPV will also carry forward a lot of design elements and materials from the Seltos and the Carnival. Similar to the Seltos and the Sonet, a large touchscreen is expected to be the mounted on the dash top, while being connected to a colour instrument cluster.

Features:

In terms of features, the new Kia MPV will be fully-loaded with equipment from the Kia Sonet and Seltos as well. Here are the expected features:

• Leather wrap steering

• TFT colour instrument cluster

• Cruise control

• Auto headlamps

• 10.25” Touchscreen

• UVO connected car tech

• Auto climate control

• Rear AC vents

• Leather upholstery

• Smart key access

• Easy fold rear seats

• Electric sunroof

• Rear seat Sun blinds

• Powered tailgate

• Wireless charger

• 360 degree camera

Engines:

Similar to the Seltos, the new MPV is expected to get a 1.5L petrol and a 1.5L diesel engine. Both engines are likely to produce an identical 115PS of Max Power. While the petrol engine is likely to get a CVT option, the diesel range is also expected to offer a torque converter automatic transmission apart from the standard 6 speed manual.

Safety:

Since the Kia Seltos scored a rather disappointing 3 stars at the Global NCAP crash tests, the new MPV is likely to feature better strengthening and crash protection. Apart from standard safety features such as dual airbags and ABS, the new MPV is expected to include the following:

• 6 airbags on top Variants

•  ESP

• Traction control

• Hill hold control

• All wheel disc brakes

• Smart key access

• UVO connect assist

• 360 degree camera

Launch and pricing:

Since the Maruti Ertiga is available only with a petrol engine for now, and the Mahindra Marazzo gets only a 1.5-litre diesel engine, this might be a good opportunity to cash in on the MPV segment by offering both options with great features at competitive prices.

This new MPV is expected to be launched later in 2021 and will compete against all 7 seat MPVs including the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, the XL6, the Mahindra Marazzo and the Toyota Innova Crysta. The higher Variants may also compete with the new MG Hector plus.

Stay tuned for further updates.