Hyundai’s Kia Carnival-based MPV Spied In China. Will It Come To India?

• The Hyundai MPV is seen flaunting Hyundai’s newest design philosophy.

• It could be powered by the three engines that will be offered with the fourth-gen Kia Carnival.

• Features on offer could include three-zone climate control and connected car tech.

• It could be offered with different seating layouts for 7-11 people.

• If launched in India, Hyundai is expected to price it similar to the Kia Carnival (Rs 24.95 lakh to Rs 33.95 ex-showroom).

Hyundai is one of those brands that haven’t introduced an MPV in the Indian market as yet. However, that could soon change as recent spy shots suggest the carmaker could be introducing two new MPVs. While Hyundai’s Maruti Ertiga-rivalling MPV was spied in May this year, we have now got our hands on some spy shots of a much bigger and premium Hyundai MPV that will be based on the Kia Carnival.

In terms of looks, the Hyundai MPV sets itself apart from the Kia Carnival with its bold design. While the Carnival features a more conventional MPV styling, Hyundai has taken the design game a notch higher with sharp cuts and creases all over its body. The Carnival gets the traditional tiger nose grille flanked by headlamps whereas the Hyundai MPV is seen with a massive chrome-studded grille with integrated headlamps.

The Hyundai MPV gets strong shoulder and character lines and flared wheel arches, all of which draws attention when viewed from the sides. It is also seen sporting dual-tone alloy wheels, unlike the Kia Carnival’s that are finished in chrome. At the rear, it gets a bar-like element to connect the tail lamps as seen on the fourth-gen Carnival with ‘Hyundai’ spelt across it.

Hyundai could offer the MPV with the same set of engines that will power the fourth-gen Kia Carnival: a 3.5-litre V6 direct-injection petrol engine (294PS and 355Nm), a 3.5-litre MPi (multi-point injection) petrol engine (272PS and 332Nm), and a 2.2-litre diesel engine (202PS and 440Nm). All the engines are only available with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, the Hyundai MPV is seen with a steering wheel akin to the one seen on the second-gen Creta. Apart from that, it gets the typical cabin layout with the large vertically-placed touchscreen system seen on all the recent Hyundai models sold internationally. It could get multiple seating configurations like the fourth-gen Carnival for 7 to 11 occupants. Features on offer could include connected car tech, wireless phone charger, and three-zone climate control. On the safety front, it could get multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability and more.

The MPV is expected to be revealed in 2021 and could make its way to India by 2022. Hyundai could price it similar to the Kia Carnival (Rs 24.95 lakh to Rs 33.95 lakh ex-showroom). If launched, it will sit above the Toyota Innova Crysta and rival the Kia Carnival.

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