Indian automotive markets aren’t a big fan of the 7-seater MPV segment which is currently ruled by the Maruti Ertiga though, the recent introduction of Kia Carnival has made the things heat up a bit. The MPV segment in India has started to wake up from the slumber while some reports also suggest that Tata will be introducing an Altroz-based 7-seater MPV in the Indian markets in the coming months.
Though all the recent plans for the automakers seem to witness an indefinite halt due to the nationwide lockdown, the introduction of a Maruti Ertiga competitor for the Indian markets from Tata Motors almost seems like a possibility. If or when the brand plans to take the MPV into consideration, it will be based on the ALFA architecture platform, which also gave birth to the Altroz premium hatchback.
According to the brand, the ALFA platform can be stretched from 3700mm to 4300mm in length while the wheelbase can be only stretched to 2450mm. If the brand plans on introducing the 7-seater MPV based on the same platform, it can make use of the Tata Nexon-inspired 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine and the 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine for the Altroz-based 7-seater MPV. The former is capable of offering maximum power of 120 HP and a peak torque of 170 Nm while the latter is good for 110 HP and 260 Nm. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual or AMT gearbox as an option.
Coming to the closest competitor it will have in the Indian markets, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is now BS6-compliant and the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder K15B Smart Hybrid petrol engine equipped on the MPV is good for 105 HP of maximum power and an utmost torque of 138 Nm. The engine comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed torque converter gearbox can also be availed as an option. Once launched in India, the Tata Altroz-based 7-seater MPV will also lock horns with Mahindra Marazzo.
