Innova is the king of the MUV segment in India. Since its launch, Innova has not ceded its position to any other vehicle. It has remained the segment leader on the back of its excellent travel comfort, strong engine and Toyota’s bullet-proof reliability. Even after the launch of Crysta, nothing has stopped Toyota’s march. It is counting on not only ministers but also common people as its customers. But, there are others who are getting ready to take on Innova and are targeting the market of the legendary Toyota vehicle.
Kia Carnival
The Grand Carnival that was displayed earlier this year at New Delhi auto expo could be an ideal rival to Innova. Sporting premium features and excellent styling, Grand Carnival is Kia's finest MUV in the international market. Globally, Carnival is available in seven-seat, eight-seat and 11-seat variants. Carnival, which has started test runs in India, is much bigger than Innova. It is 5115 mm long, 1985 mm wide and 1755 mm tall, compared to Innova's 4735 mm length, 1830 width and 1795 height. A 2.2-litre diesel will power the vehicle. It will put out 200 bhp of power and an automatic transmission.
New Mahindra MPV
Mahindra is readying a new vehicle to take on Innova Crysta. With the code name U 321, it is being developed by Mahindra's North American Technical Centre. Recently, Maruti displaced Mahindra as the number one utility vehicle maker in the country. Since Mahindra is losing the market due to the lack of new vehicles, it is planning to launch several new ones to regain its market share. The MUV is one such vehicle. On the taller side, it will share design elements from the Turismo MPV of Ssangyong that is sold in the international market. In order to ensure maximum space inside, the MPV will sport a long wheelbase. The overhangs in the front and back could be short. It will have a standout air intake with a long bumper that has slots for fog lamps. The grille could be inspired by the new Scorpio. To be launched next year, the MPV will be powered by a 1.6-litre MFalcon diesel engine that develops 130 bhp power and 300 Nm torque. The engine, jointly developed by both Mahindra and Ssangyong, could offer 18 km mileage.
G 10
Similar to Carnival that Kia is planning to launch, MG could launch its G10 here. G10 is a luxury vehicle of UV maker Maxus, which is owned by Saic Motors. Saic, which produces vehicles under its MG brand, could launch G10 in India under the same logo. The presence of the MPV under the LDV brand in a right-hand drive market like Australia gives it an edge in the Indian market.
It was in 2014 that Maxus built its second vehicle in the form of G10. The vehicle with a petrol and diesel engine became popular in China very soon. With a price tag of between Rs 13 lakh and Rs 26 lakh, the luxury G10 has two layouts of seven seats and nine seats. The vehicle is 5169 mm long, 1980 mm wide and 1928 mm tall. It has a wheel base of 3210 mm. Its Australian model has a wheel base of 3198 mm. It also has an automatic side and rear sliding doors. The interior is plush, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system which can be controlled by voice command. The navigation system can show real-time traffic updates. 360-degree panoramic sunroof and 220 w power supply are the other features of the MPV. The vehicle will be available in both petrol and diesel engines. The 2-litre petrol engine has 165 kw power and 345 Nm torque. The 1.9-litre diesel engine is good enough or 110 kw power and 350 Nm torque. The vehicle also comes with a six-speed triptronic gearbox.
