When it comes to practicality and versatility, few cars can beat a MUV. For most people, MUVs provide mobility for large families with more than five people. So far, cars like the Mahindra Bolero, Toyota Innova, Maruti Ertiga, and Mahindra Marazzo have done a great job in driving Indians from place to place without any discomfort. However, the launch of the Kia Carens last year and the recent entrant, Toyota Innova Hycross have taken the competition to another level. This year, things are about to get even more competitive with a few new entries, giving buyers more options to make a suitable pick. Here is a look at the upcoming MUVs in India in 2023.
Hycross-based Maruti Premium MUV
Somewhere around August 2023, Maruti is strongly expected to launch a new MUV which will be the rebadged version of the Toyota Innova Hycross. The new Maruti MUV will sport some cosmetic differences from the Innova Hycross and remain in line with Maruti’s current design language. Sharing its features and powertrains with Innova Hycross, the MUV will be Maruti’s second strong hybrid offering after the Grand Vitara, and the first one to feature ADAS safety technology. The mechanicals will consist of Hycross’s 2.0-litre petrol hybrid unit which is claimed to deliver the mileage of 21.1 km/l, and the same engine in the non-hybrid version. Transmitting the power will be an e-CVT automatic for strong-hybrid variants, and a regular CVT automatic for non-hybrid variants.
Kia KA4
The Kia KA4 drew a lot of attention at the Auto Expo 2023 and is expected to be launched in India this year. Essentially, the Kia KA4 is the next-generation Kia Carnival and is on sale overseas. With an SUV-like styling, the Kia KA4 is 5,156 mm long, 1,995 mm wide, 1,775 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 3,090 mm. The interior is where the real magic lies due to an immensely premium minimalistic layout and swivelable middle seats capable of creating a lounge-like space. Maximising entertainment and comfort, Kia has equipped the KA4 with high-end features like powered, ventilated, and heated front seats, 12-speaker Bose sound system, dual sunroof, electronic handbrake, powered tailgate, powered rear sliding door, rear screen entertainment, heated steering, and a slew of USB and power sockets all around the cabin. To ensure strong passenger safety, the Korean carmaker has given KA4 all essential safety features with 7 airbags as standard and Level-2 ADAS technology. Globally, the Kia KA4 is offered in 7, 9, and 11-seat configurations, and the same can be expected for India. As far as engine options are concerned, the Kia KA4 is globally offered with two engine options – 2.2-litre diesel and a 3.5-litre petrol engine. However, for India, Kia is expected to offer it with a 2.2-litre diesel engine mated with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, which already powers the existing Carnival.
Hyundai Staria
The Hyundai Staria is a 5-door premium MUV sold overseas and is expected to hit Indian shores this year. With a spaceship-like design, the Hyundai Staria is boxy, and its front end highlights a large windshield, a full-width LED DRL on the bonnet, with vertically placed rectangular headlamps housing smaller rectangular LEDs. The Korean premium MUV is 5,253mm long, 1,970 mm wide, 2,000 mm tall for the Cargo variant (2-seater), and 1,990mm tall for passenger variants (up to 11-seater). On the inside, the MUV gets a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen and a push-button gear selector adding a great deal of driving convenience. Similar to the Kia KA4, the Hyundai Staria is laden with high-end features like a premium sound system, ventilated front seats, and swivelable middle seats to create a lounge-like space. In terms of safety, the Hyundai Staria comes with all the necessary safety features, up to six airbags, and Level-2 ADAS technology. Globally, the Hyundai Staria is offered with a 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine and a 3.5-litre petrol engine. Both engines get an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel engine also gets a 6-speed manual gearbox. It remains to be seen which engine Hyundai will choose to offer in India.
Hyundai Stargazer
The success of the Kia Carens is expected to attract its sibling, Hyundai Stargazer to India this year. Already on sale overseas, the Hyundai Stargazer is a 6-& 7-seater MUV and is 4460 mm long, 1780 mm wide, 1690 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2780mm. As far as looks go, the Stargazer has a tear-drop design, and its face is largely inspired by the larger Hyundai Staria. Inside the cabin, the Stargazer gets a typical Hyundai fit and finish and shares many features with Kia Carens such as wireless charging, roof-mounted AC vents, ventilated front seats, and more. Additionally, the Indonesian-spec Stargazer also gets ADAS technology, and it will be a segment-leading trait if Hyundai decides to bring this to India. Moreover, the Indonesian model is offered with a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to either a six-speed manual or a CVT, however, whether Indian-spec Stargazer will have the same powertrains, we’ll learn closer to the launch.
