The Indian SUV market has been growing rapidly, and this year’s new releases will include a new seven-seater.
While five-seaters are still preferred, seven-seaters are becoming more and more popular.
Many models are expected to be released in the next few months.
Hyundai Alcazar Facelift
Hyundai Alcazar Facelift is expected to have styling upgrades reminiscent of the most recent Creta generation, such as a split headlight arrangement and a revised front grille and bumper. This represents a significant advancement for Hyundai in the seven-seater segment.
One possible upgrade for the rear would be integrated wraparound taillights.
A new dashboard design akin to the upgraded Creta, with a contemporary connected-screen layout, may be part of the interior makeover. With options for 6 or 7 seats, it is probably going to use the same ADAS suite as the upgraded Creta.
There are no modifications to the engine options; the vehicle will still be driven by a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol with 160 horsepower and a 1.5-liter diesel with 116 horsepower.
Jeep Meridian Facelift
The Jeep Meridian Facelift is expected to receive improvements to its front and back bumpers in addition to a new grille, possibly improved exterior paint jobs, and new alloy wheel designs.
In the 2024 model, the Level 2 ADAS suite and a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen with a redesigned user interface may be added. However, several features from the previous model, like wireless smartphone connectivity and dual-zone climate control, may still be present.
The powertrain choices are probably going to stay the same as the previous generation, with the same 2.0-liter diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic gearbox, with 4WD configuration available for automatic variations.
Toyota Fortuner mild hybrid (MHEV)
Toyota intends to use the same technology found in the recently released Hilux MHEV in South Africa with this vehicle.
With a 48V mild-hybrid system and a 2.8-liter diesel engine, the Fortuner MHEV produces an extra 16 horsepower and 42 Nm, for a total output of 201 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque.
It has a 6-speed automatic transmission and comes in 2WD and 4WD versions. It is expected to have a 5% higher fuel economy than the standard 2.8 diesel.
This variant includes a 360-degree camera and the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite in addition to a few modest interior improvements.
