Upcoming Compact MPVs in India

There's no denying that the compact SUV and compact MPV segments will be the next big things in the automobile market in India. That is why every carmaker has either already launched products in these segments or is working on introducing these in its portfolio. In an earlier report, we listed out the affordable compact SUVs coming to India, and today we'll look at compact MPVs (affordable family cars) coming to India in the next two years.

1. Renault Lodgy MPV

Out of all the MPVs set to be launched in India, the first one will be the Renault Lodgy. The Indian subsidiary of the French automaker recently unveiled the first picture of the car - the launch of which is scheduled for the first half of 2015. Globally, Lodgy is sold as a Dacia product - a budget brand under Renault's umbrella.

The Indian model of the MPV will receive some significant changes that will allow the company to price it aggressively. For example, powering the Lodgy will be Duster's 1.5-litre diesel engine that develops 85bhp and 200Nm. Additonally, it will share features, interior and other components with the Duster.

Expected Price - Rs 6.50 lakh - Rs 9 lakh

Expected Launch - First Half of 2015

2. Hyundai Grand i10-based Compact MPV

While Hyundai will launch its i20 Cross, ix25 compact SUV and facelifted Verna and Elantra in 2015, we'll see the Korean automaker's MPV only in 2016. At the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo, Hyundai had showcased an MPV concept - Hexa Space - but there are rumours that the company will launch and India-centric compact MPV based on the Grand i10 platform. Since the same platform also underpins the Xcent, it would make sense for Hyundai to base its mid-sized compact MPV on the same. It will also help the company price it competitively. Though the company hasn't confirmed any concrete plans yet, word has it that an affordable MPV for India is in development stages.

Powering the vehicle could be the same engines that are doing duty in the Xcent - 1.2-litre Kappa2 petrol and 1.1-litre CRDi diesel. That said, the company might also use the i20's 1.4-litre CRDi engine for the MPV.

Expected Price - Rs 6 lakh - Rs 8 lakh

Expected Launch - Early 2016

3. Tata's Compact MPV

Tata Motors' plans to enhance its entire line-up with new products under HORIZONEXT first saw the arrival of the Zest a few months back. The second product to join the strengthened line-up will be the Bolt hatchback in January, 2015. Tata is also working on an all-new small hatchback and an affordable sub-compact sedan (to be positioned below Zest), which will be launched here in 2015.

An year after that, i.e. in 2016, the carmaker will launch its compact MPV and SUV. Though the company hasn't divulged any details about the compact MPV, we believe it will share its platform (Vista's X1 platform) with Zest and Bolt along with engine options and other features.

Expected Price - Rs 6 lakh - Rs 8 lakh

Expected Launch - First half of 2016