Upcoming cars in 2016: Multi Purpose Vehicles (MPV) from new Toyota Innova to Tata Hexa

The year 2015 was not a good one for the MPV segment. The new MPV launches — the Renault Lodgy and the Datsun Go+ — never became volume-fetchers for their respective companies. Adding salt to wound, the Honda Mobilio sales also saw a drastic decline. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Innova were the only two vehicles in the segment that performed decently. However, the sluggish demand has not changed car-makers' launch plans. We have compiled a list of the five MPVs expected to launch in 2016 in India.

Tata Hexa

Tata Hexa crossover, the facelifted avatar of Aria, seems to be getting ready to make its India debut at the Auto Expo 2016. The Hexa premiered at the 2015 Geneva Motor show, and has been going through rigorous testing in the country. It measures 4,764 mm in length, 1,895 mm width and 1,780 mm height with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. Under the hood, the MPV is expected to pack a 2.2-litre four-cylinder VARICOR diesel engine retuned to generate 154bhp of power and 400Nm of torque either with a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Price expected: Rs 10-15 lakh.

2016 Toyota Innova

The all-new Toyota Innova was launched in Indonesia on 23 November, 2015, and the Indian launch is expected at the Auto Expo 2016. The popular MPV has undergone major facelift on exterior and features fresh design. Expected to be launched in three variants in India, the new Innova comes with features like TFT display for Q and V variants, eight-inch touchscreen with a web browser, HDMI, Bluetooth, smartphone integration and voice command, all-auto window buttons, cooled glove box, console box and cup holders. Under the hood, the new Innova will come with a GD 2.4-litre diesel engine that develops 147bhp and 359Nm of torque and an in-line four-cylinder 2,000cc VVT-i petrol engine developing 137bhp and 183Nm of torque. Both will be available with manual and automatic transmissions. Price Expected: Rs 12-17 lakh.

Chevrolet Spin

General Motors India has an aggressive product launch plan for the Spin MPV, which has been confirmed for India. The MPV is expected to be launched towards the end of 2016. The Spin has a wheelbase of 2,620mm and a dimensions of 4,360 x 1,953 x 1,683mm. The vehicle weighs 1,277 kg and comes with a 50-litre fuel tank. The car is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder VVTi petrol engine that develops nearly 85bhp at 5,600 rpm and 115Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 1.5-litre petrol engine produces 106bhp at 6,000 rpm and 148Nm at 3,800 rpm, which is currently sold in Thailand market, might be offered in India. The engines will come paired to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox. Price expected: Rs 8-11 lakh.

Toyota Hiace

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) will launch the Hiace MPV in India in 2016. It is expected to be highly useful for luxury hotels and premium schools as a commuter vehicle. The MPV is expected to be launched as CBU from Japan, and hence the price will be higher and the allocation for India limited. The vehicle is equipped with the Toyota D4 -D engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. The Hiace comes with a seating capacity of 10 passengers including driver in a configuration of four rows.

Marui Suzuki WagonR MPV

The country's largest car-maker is reportedly working on a new seven-seater MPV based on its tall-boy hatchback, the WagonR. Various reports claim the MPV, which is currently under development, will be on the road for testing soon. Codenamed YJC, Wagon R MPV is likely to see the light of the day by September this year. It is also learnt that Maruti WagonR MPV is likely to be offered in both diesel and petrol engine options.