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From Mahindra to Skoda, homegrown and international brands to launch at least six new seven-seat models later this year
The first half of the year saw several new seven-seat models enter Indian showrooms, such as the Mahindra XUV 7XO, VinFast VF MPV 7, Nissan Gravite, and the new Mercedes V-Class. There are at least five more three-row model launches scheduled in the second half of the year.
1. Skoda Kodiaq RS
The Skoda Kodiaq RS is available in 5- and 7-seat versions internationally, but only the latter has been introduced in India. The go-fast family hauler hits 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds and can keep going until 231 km/h. It is being imported as a CBU, with sales limited to 50 units. The 7-seat high-performance SUV will likely be launched in July.
2. MG 520
MG 520 is the codename of the company’s upcoming Mahindra XUV 7XO rival, set to debut on 16 July. This SUV will be derived from the Wuling Starlight 560, which is offered in 5- and 7-seat versions. The Indian model may only be offered with three-row seating, and it will be sold in plug-in hybrid and pure electric variants, with the latter expected to follow a few months later and challenge the Mahindra XEV 9S.
3. New Mahindra Scorpio-N
The Mahindra Scorpio-N, which is sold in 6- and 7-seat versions, will get a facelift soon. The new model is expected to feature revised bumpers, redesigned headlamp and tail lamp graphics, a new radiator grille, and new alloy wheels. Inside, it should feature a redesigned dashboard with new, horizontal AC vent, a larger, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster. No mechanical changes are expected with this update.
4. Kia Carnival Hybrid
The Kia Carnival will gain a hybrid variant in India this year, likely around the end of the third quarter. The Kia Carnival Hybrid combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard, and it directs power to the front wheels. In South Korea, this setup delivers a fuel economy of up to 14.0 km/l.
5. Kia Sorento Hybrid
Kia plans to launch the Sorento Hybrid in India. While the Carnival Hybrid will be imported from South Korea, the Sorento Hybrid will be locally manufactured. Reports suggest Kia is developing a lower-powered, more cost-effective powertrain for the India-made Sorento Hybrid, one based on a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine instead of a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. A 6-speed automatic transmission will likely be standard, and Kia may give a choice of FWD and AWD drivetrain layouts.
6. Renault 7-seater SUV
Renault will likely launch a new 7-seat SUV derived from the third-generation Duster in India sometime in the fourth quarter of the year. The three-row model will likely feature a more elegant design and carry a new name to be marketed as a separate product. Renault may offer it in petrol and petrol-electric hybrid variants, with the former featuring a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine under the hood and the latter using a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine along with a front-mounted electric motor.
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