According to reports, with no strong competitors in the segment, the Ertiga would essentially be creating a category of its own its closest competitors could be the Mahindra Bolero and Tata Sumo Victa among diesel-powered cars. Among petrol MPVs though, it will likely have a free run. It was mentioned that the Ertiga will likely be priced at an aggressive Rs. 5.7 lakh, going all the way up to Rs. 8 lakh for its top-end diesel variant. The headlamp, in particular, resembles the Swift's while the rest of the exterior looks like an extended version of the Maruti Suzuki Ritz. The company would manufacture the new car at its plant in Gurgaon.
Maruti Suzuki India Managing Director and CEO, Shinzo Nakanishi was quoted as saying "We would like to start the sale of this car as quick as possible. But possibly, the commercial roll-out would begin by end of March or beginning of April this year." The company claims that fuel efficiency of the diesel variant(1.3 litre DDiS Super Turbo) with a fuel efficiency of 20.77 kmpl. The second row, comes equipped with AC vents. The second and third row of seats can be adjusted into a array of configurations for luggage accomodation. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) is meant to prevent wheels from looking up during sudden braking. The car offers Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) dual front seating airbags as standard.
It was also mentioned that the Toyota Innova received its second major visual upgrade to give the MPV a premium feel as well as enhance its overall appeal. It's refinement, ability to carry 7-8 passengers in comfort, frugal nature, ease of driving, quality in fit and finish, and its ability to tackle our quintessential Indian roads have made it a legend in its own right. The new Innova has lost the almond lights and these have been replaced with slightly more rectangular wrap around headlights. he grille is wider and boasts of a mouthful of chrome, and the hood gets some nice character lines. All of these elements work to give the Innova wide looking front end that draws its inspiration from the Camry. It's an upgrade for the better and though buyers of the Innova really need no convincing, the new look should go a long way in making that buying decision even easier.
At the Auto Expo, General Motors also unveiled the MPV and it will be launched in India by the end of this year. The company claims that the new Chevrolet MPV is designed for those who want a spacious, comfortable and well-styled vehicle to enjoy life with their loved ones. The MPV offers space for large families, with flexi-seating and a choice of seven or eight seats. Among the MPV's comfort amenities is dual-row air-conditioning. High-strength and ultra-high-strength steel are used in the body and chassis. The MPV comes with many safety features such as dual air bags, safety belts with load limiters, anti-lock brakes and tubeless tires The engines for the new MPV would be manufactured at GM's plant in Talegaon near Pune.
It was also reported that Chevrolet unveiled all new version of its Tavera, the Neo 3. The car comes equipped with alloy wheels, bigger headlamp, a new bowtie emblem at the front and the rear. The exterior comes with an extra chrome finish and dual tone colour graphics. Tavera Neo 3 comes with a 3 spoke steering wheel, 1 DIN Audio System and a twin glove box for storage space. The 2.0 l new generation powerful TCDi diesel engine with the direct injection is meant to deliver optimum mileage. long with power windows, the car also has a rear window defogger. The two row seats are foldable. A roof antenna is provided for better reception. Fog lamps and seat belts on all front facing seats is also available.
Meanwhile, Japanese auto major Nissan Motor Company unveiled a seven-seater car 'Evalia' at the Auto Expo and said it will triple its dealership network in the country in the next three years. Nissan has developed the Evalia in partnership with Ashok Leyland and will produce the car at its plant near Chennai. It was reported that the Evalia, that is said to be launched in the middle of this year, will be the third model to be rolled-out from the company's Chennai plant after Micra, Sunny. When asked about the launch of the car, Andy Palmer Executive Vice President (Global Planning and Programme Management) at Nissan Motor Company said, "It will be launched in the middle of this year and it will be very competitively priced. We are targeting multi-purpose vehicle segment."
The second largest car maker in the country Hyundai also did not lag behind. Hyundai Motor unveiled its concept multipurpose vehicle (MPV), Hexa Space and said it expects single-digit growth in the Indian car industry in 2012. Hexa Space has a seating for eight passengers and all the seats are shaped hexagonally to create optimum space utilisation. It has been designed for urban customers in the 30-40 age group, the firm said. The company also showcased a new version of Sonata priced in the range of Rs 16-17 lakh which is expected to be launched by February-end. The sedan is powered by a 2.4 litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) petrol engine. We are showing our new concept MPV Hexa Space for the first time. It is too early to say when it could come in the market but it will take three to four years," Arvind Saxena, director (sales and marketing), Hyundai Motor India (HMIL). Saxena also said he hopes to see a turnaround in the auto business in the second half of the calendar year 2012 adding that he is looking forward to some interest rate cuts through government intervention.
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