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.

The Nissan Magnite officially unveiled.This new compact SUV is going to be the Make-it or Break-it product for Nissan India. 

Exterior

The production-spec Nissan Magnite seems to retain most of the concept’s design elements including the large grille, the Sharp creases and the funky alloy wheels. It has even the same sculpted bonnet and angular headlights. Since the Magnite was originally meant to be launched as a Datsun, the grille bears resemblance to the other Datsun models.

The side profile looks muscular with prominent body cladding and large wheel arches which seem to dwarf the 16”

wheels. The higher spec variants also seem to receive a dual-tone roof, blacked-out pillars and silver roof rails. At the back, the Magnite sports sharp looking LED tail lamps which resemble those on the Triber's, a clean tail gate and a dual tone bumper. The Magnite is also set to be the first model in India to sport the new Nissan logo.

Interior

The interior too is expected to be close to the concept with a large, centrally mounted 8” touchscreen and layered dashboard with an octagonal theme. Other expected features include:

• 4 airbags

• ABS with EBD

• Rear AC vents

• Rear 60:40 Split Seat

• Push button start

• 7 inch Digital instrument cluster

• Auto climate control

• Auto headlamps

• Auto wipers

• 360 degree camera

• Connected car tech

• Front and Rear seat armrests

• Auto folding ORVMs

• LED Projector Headlights 

• L-shaped LED DRLs

• 16-inch alloys

• Functional roof rails

• 336-litre boot space

• 205 mm ground clearance

• 8-inch Touchscreen infotainment Apple Carplay Android Auto

• 6 Speakers 

Powertrain

The Nissan Magnite is expected to be available with two engine options. The first will be the 1.0L Energy series, 3 cyl Naturally aspirated engine from the Renault Triber, producing 72PS Power through a 5 speed manual gearbox. The second powertrain will be a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol unit producing 95PS Power through either a 5 speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox.

Pricing and launch:

The new Nissan Magnite will be launched by early 2021.The Magnite is also likely to be priced very aggressively with expected starting price of Rs.5.5L ex showroom for the entry level non turbo variant. The fully loaded top spec variant is expected to be priced equivalent to the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, one of its chief rivals. When launched, the Magnite will go against the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Ford Ecosport, Mahindra XUV300 and the Honda WRV as well. Stay tuned for further updates on the Nissan Magnite.

The new Ford EcoSport Active variant launched in Europe. The Active trim will be more popular on models such as Fiesta Active, Focus Active, KA+ Active. Now EcoSport joins the Active family and it will help to fresh-up the aging compact sport utility vehicle. 

The new Active model features get more ground clearance, additional body cladding as well as some unique styling changes inside and out. These changes will give the compact crossover better rough road capability while also improving the aesthetic appeal. The Active version also includes a new design ( for Europe) 17” alloy wheels.

The Ecosport Active will come

with Active badging, tinted windows, contrast black roof, and black plastic fender flares. Apart from exterior changes, the interior could also feature special branded seats, scuff plates. The upscale interior offers superior occupant experience with the 8inch Floating touchscreen infotainment system. 

The New Ecosport Active variant gets powerful, fuel-efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol and 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel engines, EcoSport is also available as sporty ST-Line and stylish Titanium variants. Advanced technologies include SYNC 3 connectivity, Pre-Collision Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and AWD system as an option as well.

Ford will also offer “convenient equipment packs” which group the most commonly selected options together. This reduces complexity and promises to give customers better value for money.

The new Ecosport Active trim will cost you  $21,645 in the UK. 

 

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