New cars for 2018: Upcoming MPVs

MAHINDRA U321

The Innova’s move upmarket has left quite a void in the market for a people-mover in the Rs 10-15 lakh price bracket, and it’s one that others haven’t really been able to fill yet. Mahindra is now betting big on its upcoming, brand new, seven-seat MPV, which will not only fill this space but also wants to take the fight to the hot-selling and more expensive Innova Crysta. The MPV which replaces the Xylo is code named U32. It comes with a monocoque construction, and will be lighter and more efficient than the Crysta and the Tata Hexa, that use a heavier body-on-frame construction. Interiors will be all-new and equipped with the latest comfort and infotainment features. Seven-seater and eight-seater options are both likely, with AC vents for all three rows. The unnamed MPV
will also debut a new 130hp, 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, mFalcon diesel engine that Mahindra has jointly developed with Korean carmaker SsangYong and will be a part of the carmaker’s future models.

Coming: Early 2018
Engines: 1.6D
Price: Rs 9-15 lakh

MARUTI SUZUKI ERTIGA

Ever since its launch in 2012, Maruti’s Life Utility Vehicle or LUV has been a consistent performer for the brand. It delivered on most parameters including performance, comfort and ownership, and was cheaper to buy than the Innova and, heck – it was Maruti! Come August 2018, there will be a new generation of the Ertiga coming our way, and by the looks of it, Maruti’s new MPV is going to be longer and slightly wider than the outgoing model. A longer rear overhang should mean more space for the third-row passengers, plus additional luggage space. The second-generation model could get a more upright stance up front with a high-set nose and front bumper. The wheels have been upsized and will now ride on 16-inch wheels. Maruti is likely to offer the same 1.4-litre petrol and a 1.3-litre diesel for now, with a 1.5-litre diesel engine that’s currently under development in-house replacing Fiat’s 1.3-litre diesel engine.

Coming: Mid 2018
Engines: 1.4P, 1.3D
Price: Rs 7-12 lakh

DATSUN GO CROSS

The Go Cross concept, Datsun’s GO+ based compact crossover grabbed a lot of attention at the 2016 Auto Expo. Its jacked-up stance, beefy body cladding, skid plates and radical front-end styling were a far cry from its donor car’s skinny proportions and build.

Nissan’s sub-brand has been slow in bringing the car to the market, but with the crossover-SUV demand showing no signs of slowing down, the Go Cross still holds a lot of relevance. With the right pricing, this crossover could give a much-needed boost to the brand’s flailing fortunes.

Coming: Early 2018
Engines: 1.2P
Price: Rs 6-8 lakh