While SUVs remain the overwhelming favourites in the utility vehicle category, demand for spacious multipurpose UVs (MPVs) is on the rise. The top 9 models have sold over 143,000 units in the first four months of FY2025 and account for 10% of overall passenger vehicle dispatches.
17 Aug 2024 | 7747 Views | By Ajit Dalvi
Utility vehicles (comprising sports UVs or SUVs and multipurpose UVs or MPVs) once again saved the blushes for the overall passenger vehicle segment in the first four months of FY2025. As per OEM vehicle dispatch data released by apex industry body SIAM, a total of 1.36 million cars, UVs and ...
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Utility vehicles (comprising sports UVs or SUVs and multipurpose UVs or MPVs) once again saved the blushes for the overall passenger vehicle segment in the first four months of FY2025. As per OEM vehicle dispatch data released by apex industry body SIAM, a total of 1.36 million cars, UVs and vans were sold between April-July 2024, up just 2% YoY (April-July 2023: 1.24 million units). Had it not been for the sustained sterling contribution from UVs (868,132 units, up 15%), the continuing dismal performance of the hatchback-sedan sub-segment (448,549 units, down 17%) would have dragged overall PV numbers into the red.
UVs (SUVs and MPVs) at 868,132 units constitute 63% of total PV sales in the fiscal year to date and powering them is the SUV sub-segment of which the Top 10 models contributed 485,356 units. This analysis though is about MPVs, which have a sizeable contribution of their own. As per industry data available, combined sales of the Top 9 MPVs were 143,225 units in April-July 2024. Let’s take a closer look.
MPV No. 1 – Maruti Ertiga: 59,040 units, up 97% YoY
The Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki India's first crack at the MPV segment, has continued in FY2025 from where it left in FY2024, where it was the No. 1 MPV (149,757 units, up 17%). In the first four months of FY2025, the Ertiga has clocked total dispatches of 59,040 units, up 97% YoY (April-July 2023: 38,834 units), which is already 39% of last fiscal’s sales. The popular family mover, which drove past the million-unit sales milestone in February 2024, has sold a total of 1.08 million units till end-July.
The Ertiga benefits from clever packaging. Despite being a seven-seater, it is still compact in dimensions, and its light controls and good all-round visibility make it very user-friendly and easy to drive. The interiors are more spacious and feel plusher, and the well-cushioned seats take cabin comfort up a few notches.
Top-end variants of the Ertiga are a big draw with MPV buyers due to the array of advanced features including a 17.78cm (7-inch) Smartplay Pro touchscreen infotainment system with Arkamys Surround Sense, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, MID with turn-by-turn navigation, Suzuki Connect with over 40 features, remote A/C, automatic headlamps, cruise control and machined two-tone alloy wheels.
MPV No. 2 – Toyota Innova Crysta / Hycross: 34,975 units, up 32% YoY
Brand Innova walks the talk for Toyota in India. This no-nonsense people-mover, now available only with a 2393cc diesel engine which develops 150hp and 343 Nm of torque, benefits from its built-to-last feel and offers genuine practicality. That’s ample reason why this model is still going strong in India – ideal for long-distance driving and the ability to take the rough with the smooth with aplomb.
The Toyota Innova HyCross MPV, launched in December 2022, takes the Innova model line in a bold new direction. Departing from the existing ladder-frame chassis, rear-wheel drive layout, the HyCross uses a front-wheel drive layout and is based on Toyota’s modular TNGA-C monocoque architecture. It's powered by either a 2.0 naturally aspirated petrol, or a 2.0-litre strong-hybrid powertrain, both with automatic gearboxes; there is no diesel or manual.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor dispatched a total of 34,975 units of both the Innovas in April-July 2024, an increase of 32% YoY. It is TKM’s best-selling model and accounts for 44% of the company’s UV sales of 79,446 units in the last four months.
MPV No. 3 – Kia Carens: 21,477 units, down 19% YoY
This versatile MPV with a usable third row of seats remains under pressure. In FY2024, the Kia Carens sold 63,167 units, down 10% YoY. Now, in the first four months of FY2025, its dispatches of 21,477 units were down 19% YoY (April-July 2023: 26,523 units). Earlier this year, the feature-laden, spacious MPV with a premium cabin and engine options of a 1.5 diesel, 1.5 petrol and a punchy 1.5-litre turbo-petrol crossed 150,000 sales in the domestic market, and is currently at 167,650 units.
There are 30 variants – 16 diesel and 14 petrol – of the Carens on sale. According to the company, 50% of Carens buyers prefer the top and mid trims of this popular family mover, which has features like sunroof, multi-drive modes, ventilated seats and Kia Connect. Among the various options, the petrol powertrain has emerged as the top choice, accounting for 57% of demand, followed by the diesel powertrain with 43%. Additionally, the manual transmission continues to be highly preferred, with 62% of customers opting for it. Recently in April 2024, the company re-launched the 6-seater variant of Carens which has received a good response.
MPV No. 4 – Maruti XL6: 12,996 units, down 3% YoY
Sales have slowed down for the Maruti XL6, a premium derivative of the Ertiga MPV and sold via the Nexa retail channel. After clocking 45,130 units (up 24% YoY) in FY2024, Maruti Suzuki has dispatched 12,996 units of the XL6 in April-July 2024, down 3% YoY (April-July 2023: 13,410 units). The '6' in the name is there to emphasise that this is a pure six-seater with captain's chairs taking the place of the Ertiga's middle row bench. Revised styling and added features also make the XL6 a very different proposition to the Ertiga. The XL6 is only available with a petrol-mild hybrid engine that can be had with manual and automatic gearbox options. That the XL6 doesn’t have a diesel engine is a downer, more so in this MPV segment.
MPV No. 5 – Renault Triber: 7,044 units, down 15%
The brilliantly packaged Renault Triber, which offers genuine space for seven, has been impacted by a meek 1-litre, 72hp petrol engine and the absence of a diesel option. The Triber has sold 7,044 units n the first four months of FY2025, down 15% YoY. In FY2024, total sales were 22,446 units, down 31% YoY. A more powerful turbo-petrol engine is also in the works but there won’t be a diesel which seems to be de rigeuer for this vehicle category.
MPV No. 6 – Toyota Rumion: 6,606 units
Launched on August 28, 2023, the Toyota Rumion follows the Toyota Glanza hatchback as the second Maruti-supplied model for the Japanese automaker in India and TKM’s version of the Maruti Ertiga. The Rumion, which clocked sales of 5,973 units in the last seven months of FY2024, has sold 6,606 units in the April-July 2024 period.
Like the Ertiga, the Rumion scores well on space and its city-friendly dimensions and light controls make it easy to live with. Engine options are a 1.5 petrol and CNG.
MPV No. 7 – Maruti Invicto: 765 units, down 20% YoY
The Maruti Invicto, launched on July 5, 2023, has sold 765 units between April and July 2024, down 20% YoY (April-July 2023: 960 units). In FY2024, the Invicto had sold a total of 4,599 units and was ranked seventh among 10 MPVs.
Based on the Innova Hycross, it is the second product from Toyota to be sold in India as a Maruti. Like the Toyota, the Maruti Invicto is big on space, comfort and features. Sold only with a hybrid powertrain, the Invicto delivers high on fuel economy. Sold through the Nexa channel, the premium MPV costs Rs 31.88 lakh in Mumbai (on-road) for the base Zeta+ seven-seater variant through to Rs 36.46 lakh for the top-end Alpha+ seven-seater.
Though the Maruti Invicto is readily available, it is perceived that MPV buyers are happy to wait a while for the well-established Innova Hycross which comes embellished with the Toyota brand image.
MPV No. 8 – Toyota Vellfire: 322 units, up 113% YoY
At an estimated 322 units, the luxurious Vellfire has doubled its sales YoY (April-July 2023: 115 units), which augurs well for this MPV performance in FY2025. That’s because in FY2024, the Vellfire had sold 400 units, down 58% YoY.
The Vellfire sits in its own niche segment of luxury MPVs, with only the Lexus LM for company, and is priced at Rs 1.47 crore (on-road Mumbai).The new Vellfire, launched in August 2023, is powered by a 193hp, 240Nm, 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol-hybrid powertrain mated to an e-CVT. Toyota claims the Vellfire will return a fuel efficiency of 19.28kpl.
According to Autocar India’s buyer’s guide commentary, this XXL-sized MPV – 4995mm length, 1850mm width, 1950mm height, 3000mm wheelbase – boasts a cavernous cabin which is home to some of the best seats. Light controls and great visibility make the petrol-electric hybrid-powered Vellfire surprisingly easy to drive albeit its large size could be an issue in congested areas.
MPV No. 9 – Mahindra Marazzo: 62 units, down 68% YoY
This Mahindra MPV, which has been discontinued after six years on sale, has sold just 62 units in the first four months of FY2025, 131 fewer units than the 193 it sold in the year-ago period. Launched in September 2018, the Marazzo has sold a total of 44,809 units till end-July 2024. Its best fiscal was the year of launch: FY2019: 24,130 units. Since then, sales have declined – FY2020: 12,693 units, FY2021: 3,265 units, FY2022: 1,692 units, FY2023: 2,249 units and FY2024: 718 units.
BYD E6
The MPV market in India also includes the all-electric BYD E6, which impresses with its real-world range and low running costs. The E6 also offers ample space for five and their luggage and is a greener alternative to IC-engine MPVs. We are, however, unable to rank it in the Top 10 MPVs listing as the April-July 2024 sales data is not available. In FY2024, the e6 sold a total of 548 units.
NEW MPVs COMING UP
The MPV market, which accounts for around 16% of the overall passenger vehicle market, remains a good draw for OEMs which have a good product and offers value for money. The MPV market in India is set to witness at least two new mass-market seven-seater MPVs being launched. Both of them are from Kia – the fourth-generation Kia Carnival, which is expected around the festive season this year, and the Kia Carens EV slated for introduction in CY2025.
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