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Part-2 Upcoming MPVs - 2012

The 2012 Delhi Auto Expo held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi witnessed the launch of many MPVs or multi-purpose vehicles. It was noticed that automakers seemed to be more bullish on the larger cars compared to the compact ones. The class of vehicles, popularly known as the “space wagon” in Japan offers greater flexibility, allowing the seats to be folded or even removed as per requirement, making them great company for the tourists. Large Indian families are found to be keener on the larger vehicles.

The MPVs offer more roomy interiors enhancing the comfort levels. Though parking poses to be a constraint in most of the regular MPVs, the problem is overcome with the compact versions. Even in the international markets it has been noted that the demand for MPVs have soared by 30 to 60 percent during 2011. Let’s take a look at some of the MPVs lined up for India in 2012.

bullet Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (New)

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd unveiled its MUV, Ertiga, on 6th January at the auto expo 2012 in New Delhi. The MUV, based on the RIII concept is expected to be available in a minimum of six variants in petrol and diesel versions. The new Ertiga features a monospace design with three rows and options for five and seven seats. The rear seats are foldable, allowing one to accommodate extra luggage. The Ertiga has good looking exteriors and is equipped with ABS and EBD and two SRS airbags enhancing its safety. The MUV has been built with several parts including the dashboard, adopted from the Swift. Other noteworthy features of the MUV include a 3-spoke, tilt adjustable electric steering with audio controls, power windows, electrically adjustable mirrors, central locking and keyless entry, twin AC, USB compatible audio system and multi information display amongst others.

The petrol version of the Ertiga, to be priced at Rs 7,00,000 for the basic model, has a displacement of 1,372 cc, generating a maximum power of 94 bhp and maximum toque of 130 Nm. The diesel version, to be priced at Rs 8,00,000 for the base model, has a displacement of 1,196 cc, generating a maximum power of 88 bhp and maximum torque of 200 Nm.

bullet Nissan NV 200 (New)/ Evalia

Earlier known by the name of Nissan NV 200, the Evalia is a global vehicle, awarded with the prestigious “International Van of the Year, 2010” award. A refined version of the car was unveiled by Nissan in 2012, rechristened as the Evalia and pitted against the Maruti Ertiga. The MPV, expected to go into production in the second half of 2012, will have the capacity to accommodate seven passengers. The new Evalia can be described as one that is perfect for large Indian families and extremely comfortable for long drives. The car has a van-like exterior with slender front doors and sliding rear doors. The MUV is loaded with advanced features including intelligent key, rear view camera, power steering, advanced air conditioning system along with an audio system, ORVMs, rear drum brake, front fog lamps, alloy wheels power windows and foldable rear seat row which increases the boot space. The car is equipped with strut front suspension and rigid rear forks. Safety features of the MUV include an ABS with EBD and SRS dual front airbags.

The new Evalia is powered by a 1.5 DCi diesel engine, adopted from the Nissan Sunny diesel vehicle. The engine generates 85 bhp @ 3,750 rpm. Maximum torque of 200 Nm is generated at 2,000 rpm.

bullet Nissan V-Platform MPV (New)

Nissan plans to launch a new global MPV in the B-segment on the V-Platform to replace the Livina and Nissan Note MPVs in mid 2012. The MUV, to be the third Nissan vehicle to be rolled out on the V Platform, will be manufactured at the plant of the company at Chennai. The new car, to be based on the same platform as that of the Micra Small car, is gearing up to face stiff competition from the upcoming R3 MPV of Maruti Suzuki and the compact Xylo 5-seater of Mahindra.

The new MPV will feature a 4-cylinder 1.5 llitre diesel engine.

bullet Skoda Fabia Scout (New)

The Skoda Fabia Scout was unveiled by Scoda at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, being one of the six vehicles lined up for India by Skoda. The MUV, to be priced between Rs6 and 9 lakhs, is expected to be a major hit when launched across the country. The MUV has been positioned as a premium hatchback, aimed at the semi-urban population. Skoda has worked on the car to enhance the suspension and to improve the ground clearance to adapt itself to the rugged terrain in the countryside. The car will have a front wheel drive system.

The new Skoda Fabia Scout will offer a choice for both petrol and diesel engines with1.2 litre capacity for both variants and a 1.6 litre petrol variant. The 1.2 lt petrol engine generates 105 BHP.

bullet Tata Aria Automatic (Facelift)

Tata Motors Ltd showcased the Aria (automatic transmission) at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. One of the most vibrant cars unveiled at the show, the Aria features gold and silver finish inner door handles, elegant and luxurious leather seats, ample space for luggage and roof bin buttons, new steering wheel with infotainment and cruise control and new roof rails apart from Harman music system with a finely tuned 10-speaker and amplifier combo. A special feature of the MPV is captain seats in the rear which gives the feel of a chauffeur driven car.

The Aria Automatic is fired by a 2179 cc, 16 valve DOHC VTT Dicor engine churning out 156 bhp @4000 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission system, which has options for sport, economy and cruise driving modes. The transmission also features hill hold and descent control features. Maximum torque of 400 Nm is produced at 1800-2700 rpm. Suspension of the car comprises coil over spring with anti roll bar in the front end and a rear 5-link suspension with anti roll bar.