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.

Tata Motors likes to stay in the news and they have always been quite successful at that. They have a habit of launching either subtle updates or special editions or even new variants of their cars almost every month. This time it’s a great news for Black lovers.

      Tata motors have filed trademark for #DARK and Camo editions of their budget range of cars, the Tiago, Tigor, Altroz and the Nexon. The #DARK edition is what we have seen on the Harrier already. The Harrier #Dark edition featured a new Atlas Black colour scheme with Glossy black finished alloy wheels. The

interiors too were given an all-black treatment with faux metal glossy grey accents on the dashboard and doors. We can expect the same treatment to be given to the other cars as well.

       As a result of the success of this special edition, the manufacturer has decided to launch this edition on all of their cars including the Tiago, Tigor, Altroz and Nexon. This #Dark edition scheme however, just like on the Harrier, will be available only on the top spec XZ+ variants of the Tiago and Tigor. The Altroz will receive this paint scheme only on the XZ and Nexon #Dark will be available on the XZ+, XZ+(S) & XZ+(O) variants along with their AMT equipped versions.

       The other special paint scheme that is expected to launched is the CAMO edition. Though we are not sure about it’s details or colour scheme, it is safe to expect a white and black camouflage theme either only on the roof or the whole body.

        Apart from these already available Tata cars, Tata Motors will also be introducing these #Dark and Camo schemes on the upcoming flagship Gravitas SUV as well.

        These #Dark and Camo special colour scheme are expected to be priced around Rs 30,000 - 40,000 depending on the car model. Stay tuned for further details on these special editions from Tata Motors.

Toyota India is preparing to launch the facelifted Toyota Fortuner on the 6th of January, 2021. Apart from launching the facelifted version of the existing Fortuner, Toyota is also bringing the Legender version of the SUV as well. The Legender is essentially a highly upgraded flagship Variant of the Fortuner SUV, previously launched in Thailand and Australia. Bookings have commenced unofficially for the new facelifted SUV at select dealerships for an advance of Rs 50,000.

Toyota India has now released teasers of the new Fortuner facelift also revealing a few details as well.

Exterior:

The majority of the upgrades will occur at the

front end of the Fortuner. While the facelift of the existing model will feature a new grille, LED headlights with LED DRLs, redesigned fog lights and a new silver skid plate, the highest-spec Legender variant will feature a sharper front design with Bi-projector LED Headlamps with LED DRLs. Other changes will include redesigned 18” alloy wheels and re-profiled LED taillights. The Legender will feature unique design 18" alloy wheels.

Interior:

The new Fortuner launched in Thailand features an all-black interior with a new instrument cluster and a larger, 9” touchscreen infotainment system. The Fortuner Legender edition also offers a powered tailgate with the swipe-to-open function, wireless charging and a 360-degree parking camera. Similar to the facelifted Innova Crysta, the new Fortuner will also include Android auto and Apple carplay finally. 

Powertrains:

The first powertrain for the facelifted Fortuner will be the 2.7L petrol engine which produces 166 PS and 245 Nm through either a 6 speed manual or automatic gearbox. The highest spec Fortuner Legender will get a new 2.8L turbo diesel engine which produces 204 PS and 500 Nm. While all the models will be 2WD as standard, only the diesel will get a 4WD option.

Price:

The current BS6 Toyota Fortuner is available from Rs 28.66 lakh to Rs 36.88 lakh (ex-showroom).

The price of the upgraded models will be available on the launch date, 6th January 2021.

Stay tuned for further updates on the new Fortuner.