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

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.

Mercedes-Benz India has finally launched the EQC400 in the Indian market in keeping with the trend of electric SUVs. The EQC400 has been launched with introductory prices starting from Rs 99.30 lakh ex-showroom. 

Powertrain

The EQC400 is powered by an 80 kWh battery pack stored under the floor. The motor is capable of producing maximum power output of over 408bhp and max torque of 765Nm. The electric SUV will do a 0-100kmph sprint in just 5.1 seconds. Top speed will be limited to 180 km/h whereas the EQC400 is claimed to have a full range of 400km on a single charge.

The Mercedes-Benz EQC400 is based on the GLE platform and is powered by twin electric motors. Mercedes-EQ is a different brand altogether and select Mercedes-Benz India dealerships will have a separated EQ space along with designated staff and workers of the EQ brand. Mercedes is also said to have taken care of the charging infrastructure and network as well. Mercedes-EQ India100es in India. 

Exterior

In terms of exterior design, the EQC400 features a unique grille and futuristic headlamps, complemented by an LED bar, a few blue accents, and tail-lamps joined by an LED bar. This would look nothing like the other Mercedes SUVs in India.

Interior

On the inside, it features the typical new-age Mercedes layout, with dual-screen infotainment and instrumentation display. Other details like the bronze inserts in the air-con vents and unique seat design sets it apart. The electric SUV features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected tech, a massive sunroof, seven airbags and Attention Assist, amongst other convenience features.

Mercedes-Benz India will also offer 8 year/1.6 lakh kilometres warranty with the EQC400.

Price

Being an EV, buyers will get a lot of deductions and benefits with Mercedes claiming the on-road price of the EQC400 same as the ex-showroom price. However, the 99.30 lakh price is only for first 50 buyers and is likely to be increased later on.

Kia has recently launched a number of great vehicles like the Telluride crossover, the K5 sedan, the Seltos, the new Sorento, and many more in the US. All this is a part of Kia’s elaborate “Plan S” strategy.

Kia will officially begin the Plan S early next year. The global CEO, Mr.Song wants the brand to be “more dynamic, stylish, and inventive,” with a stronger emphasis on electric vehicles. Kia promises at least 11 EVs by the year 2025.

Kia’s upcoming EVs will be built on a new moderately priced Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), shared with Hyundai. With these new EVs, Kia

Kia is also expected to introduce a new logo, which was first previewed on the electric Imagine concept car in 2019. This new look will make its debut on a production vehicle next year.

The new Kia logo features a stark, italicized treatment to the traditional lettering, claiming to give it a more modern look. All three letters now connect to each other, and ditches the signature circular surround. Stay tuned for further updates.