New Hyundai MPV: To Rival KIA Carnival and Toyota Innova

NEW HYUNDAI MPV: TO RIVAL KIA CARNIVAL AND TOYOTA INNOVA

yundai is working on the development of an all new MPV to rival the Carnival and Innova. The Korean carmaker has realised that the segment is worth investing after seeing the segment flourish lately thanks to Toyota Innova Crysta, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga & XL6 and the recently launched Kia Carnival. The company had plans earlier but shelved them and instead worked on the more attractive compact SUV and crossover segment where we saw Tucson and Creta. 
 

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM HYUNDAI

Speaking to PTI at the launch of all new Creta, S S Kim, Managing Director and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) said, “We are very cautiously studying the feasibility of having something in that segment (MPV segment). Our approach has much more focus on high occupancy vehicle type, which can be covered by an MPV, but at the same time they can be covered by any multi-seater vehicle.  In the past we tried to enter into the segment many times but were not successful due to various reasons. 

HYUNDAI STAREX MPV

Image: The Hyundai Hexa Space Concept at the Auto Expo 2012

At the 2012 Auto Expo, Hyundai had showcased the Hexa Space MPV concept, which was aimed to rival the Ertiga, but Hyundai now has plans to launch a premium and bigger MPV to take on the Toyota Innova Crysta and Kia Carnival. The MPV that Hyundai will launch might turn out to be the Starex. 

Image credit: cafe.naver.com

Currently in its second generation, the MPV has been in production since 1997. The second gen model was launched in 2007 and received a facelift in 2018.  The 2021 3rd generation model has been seen doing testing for the first time. It is based on the next-gen N3 platform. It comes with a 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine that produces 197 bhp and 440 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission and is front wheel drive. 

Image credit: autopostkorea.com 

The 3rd generation Starex will get a wider radiator grille and new LED split headlamps. It will get shed its earlier boxy van design to look much more modern and curvier. It gets power sliding doors for the second row passengers and double swing rear door. The feature kit will include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 360 degree camera etc.  Most of the features will likely be carried over from the outgoing model. The next gen Kia Carnival will also be based out of the new gen Starex. We can expect a launch of the Starex MPV in India by late 2021 or early 2022.

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