The Indian automobile market has come a long way. Gone are the days when people were looking to buy compact cars. Now, everyone wants to own a big SUV, which offers a lot in terms of power, interior space and more importantly cabin. In 2019, we witnessed the launch of a plethora of SUVs which defined the trend in the Indian market. 2020 is not going to be any different.
Yes, in 2020, major automakers are planning to launch all-new and facelifted SUVs. When we talk about SUVs, everything is king-size! Which means 7-seater SUVs. India’s leading automakers such as Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra and Hyundai already have at least one 7-seater vehicle in their line up. New entrants to the Indian market such as MG Motor is also eyeing the 7-seater segment in the country.
2020 is going to be an eventful year for the Indian automobile industry as a lot of new vehicles will hit the roads. Especially, the 7-seater segment will witness the launch of several new vehicles. We bring you the list of upcoming 7-seater cars in India.
1. Tata Gravitas
Expected launch date: February 2020
Indian automaker Tata Motors will begin 2020 with a bang! Tata Motors revealed the 7-seater version of the Harrier SUV at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show with the Buzzard moniker. Recently, Tata Motors christened the H7X as Gravitas for the Indian market. The overall design of the Tata Gravitas is similar to the Harrier except for the rear end. The Gravitas gets third-row seats, and there are subtle changes when it comes to the rear of the SUV.
The Tata Gravitas will draw power from the existing 2-litre, turbocharged diesel engine, but in BS-VI avatar. The diesel engine produces 170bhp and 350Nm of torque and will be mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Expect the Tata Gravitas to carry a price tag of around Rs 15-20 lakh ex-showroom. Apart from the Gravitas, Tata Motors will also launch the Altroz premium hatchback and the Nexon EV electric SUV.
2. MG Hector 7-seater
Expected launch date: First half of 2020
British automaker MG Motor entered the Indian market with the 5-seater Hector SUV. The MG Hector has been a hit in the Indian market, and now the automaker is all set to launch a 7-seater SUV in the country. Although the details about the new 7-seater SUV is scarce, it is expected to carry the Hector moniker. The launch timeline is not confirmed, but it will hit the showrooms in the first half of 2020.
The overall exterior design of the MG 7-seater SUV will be similar to the Hector except for some subtle changes. The 7-seater SUV is likely to be offered with two engine options: 2-litre diesel and a 1.5-litre petrol engine. The diesel engine will produce 170bhp, and the petrol engine will churn out 140bhp. Both the engines will be BS-VI compliant. When launched in India, the 7-seater MG SUV will rival the likes of Tata Gravitas and the Mahindra XUV500. Expect the 7-seater SUV to be priced around Rs 28-30 lakh ex-showroom.
3. New-gen Mahindra XUV500
Expected launch date: Mid-2020
The home-grown automaker, Mahindra & Mahindra is all set to introduce the new-gen XUV500 in India in 2020. The Mahindra XUV500 was launched in the Indian market in 2011. Despite several minor updates, the design of the XUV500 is starting to show its age. The new-gen Mahindra XUV500 will be based on an all-new platform with high ground clearance and spacious interior. Expect the third-row seats to offer decent headroom and legroom for practical use. The new XUV500 will also feature a new design language to take on its modern rivals.
The new-gen Mahindra XUV500 will draw power from an all-new 2-litre diesel engine which will replace the 2.2-litre engine. The new Mahindra XUV500 is expected to carry a price tag of around Rs 14-20 lakh ex-showroom.
4. Hyundai Creta 7-seater
Expected launch date: 2021
Hyundai Creta is a name which needs no introduction. The Creta SUV has been a successful product for Hyundai in the Indian market. After the introduction of the Venue, the next big blockbuster from Hyundai will be the next-gen Creta SUV. Yes, the new Creta will also get a 7-seater variant. The design of the 7-seater Creta will be similar to its 5-seater sibling.
The next-gen Hyundai Creta 7-seater is expected to draw power from a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. Both the engines will be BS-VI compliant. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and 6-speed DCT gearbox. The 7-seater version of the new Hyundai Creta is like to carry a price tag of around Rs 13-18 lakh ex-showroom.
5. Next-gen Mahindra Scorpio
Expected launch date: First half of 2020
The Mahindra Scorpio is a popular SUV in the Indian market, and it is one of the products that established Mahindra & Mahindra as an SUV maker. Now, Mahindra is coming up with the new avatar of the Scorpio in 2020. Mahindra has already started testing the new Scorpio, and it is one of the most anticipated 7-seater cars of 2020.
The next-gen Mahindra Scorpio is expected to draw power from a BS-VI compliant 2-litre turbocharged diesel engine The new engine is likely to be more powerful than the existing engine. The new Scorpio will be a crucial product for the Indian automaker. The new Mahindra Scorpio will carry a price tag of around Rs 12-16 lakh ex-showroom.
6. Next-gen Hyundai Tucson
Expected launch date: Late-2020/Early-2021
The Hyundai Tucson is the big SUV which has been in the Indian market for quite some time. Now, Hyundai is all set to launch the new-gen avatar of the 7-seater SUV. The new-gen Hyundai Tucson has been codenamed as NX4. The new Hyundai Tucson will feature the new design which is seen on the other Hyundai SUVs. The new Tucson will feature the new cascading grille, which is the signature design element of any Hyundai car.
The new Hyundai Tucson will be wider and longer, and with the third-row seats, it will offer a spacious interior. Hyundai is expected to locally manufacture Tucson to keep the costs in check. Expect the new Hyundai Tucson to be priced around Rs 30 lakh ex-showroom.
7. MG Maxus D90
Expected launch date: Late-2020
The MG Maxus D90 is a large SUV, and it is MG’s flagship SUV in the Chinese market. The MG Maxus D90 measures over 5 meters and in the Chinese market, it is available in various seating configurations. But for the Indian market, MG Motor will launch the 7/8-seater version of the SUV. The MG Maxus D90 will be loaded with features such as sunroof, LED lighting, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and much more.
In the global market, the MG Maxus D90 is available with a 2-litre diesel engine. Expect the SUV to come with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The India-spec Maxus D90 might also get a new moniker. When launched in India, the MG Maxus D90 will take on the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Mahindra Alturas G4 and the Isuzu MU-X.