Diesel vehicles have been appealing options for Indian car buyers for many decades. Diesel engines have always been favored for their torque, power, and fuel efficiency. However, the scenario has changed due to the implementation of stricter emission norms, the ban on 10-year-old diesel cars, and the improved fuel efficiency of petrol motors. In fact, car manufacturers such as Maruti Suzuki and Honda have completely removed diesel engines from their product portfolio. Hyundai, Tata, and Mahindra are among the few OEMs still banking on diesel-powered vehicles. If you’re in the market for a 7-seater diesel SUV or a diesel family car, three new models are set to hit the roads this year. Let’s delve into the key details of these upcoming 7-seater diesel SUVs.
Upcoming 7-Seater Diesel SUV Models
Hyundai Alcazar Facelift
The 2024 Hyundai Alcazar facelift will go on sale by May or June. After the updated Creta and Creta N Line, it will be the third product launch from the South Korean automaker this year. The updated Alcazar will borrow some of its design elements from the new Creta. Upfront, the SUV will feature a revised grille, tweaked bumper, and revised headlamps with DRLs. Save for the new alloys, the side profile will remain largely unchanged. It might also get redesigned taillamps and a slightly tweaked rear bumper.
The new Hyundai Alcazar facelift will have a dashboard similar to the new Creta. Its interior theme and seat upholstery could also be new. Rumor has it that Hyundai will introduce the Level 2 ADAS tech to the updated Alcazar model lineup. No changes will be made to its engine setup. That means the SUV will continue to come with the 1.5L, 4-cylinder turbo diesel and 2.0L, 4-cylinder petrol engines making 115bhp with 250Nm and 159bhp with 192Nm, respectively.
MG Gloster Facelift
The MG Gloster facelift will also be a good option for buyers who are looking for a 7-seater diesel SUV. Its market launch is likely to happen in the second half of 2024. Most of the cosmetic changes are expected to be made at the front end. The SUV will feature a bigger front grille flanked with vertically stacked LED headlamps with connected LED DRLs and a revised front bumper. It might also come with slightly tweaked LED taillamps and a rear bumper with dual exhaust tips.
A few upgrades are likely to be made inside the cabin, including a new color theme and upholstery, while the rest of the features will be carried forward from the existing model. Under the hood, the 2024 MG Gloster facelift will continue to feature the 2.0L diesel engine, with an RWD setup, delivering power worth 161PS. There will also be the 2.0L twin-turbo diesel engine option with a 4WD layout. Both engines will be available with the same 8-speed automatic gearbox.
New-Gen Toyota Fortuner
The new-generation Toyota Fortuner will make its global debut towards the end of this year, and its India launch might happen in the following months. This time around, the SUV will witness significant changes in terms of design, features, and mechanism that will make it a more attractive deal for buyers who are looking for a 7-seater diesel SUV. The 2024 Toyota Fortuner will underpin the IMV platform that’s compatible with multiple body styles and engines (including ICE and hybrid).
The SUV’s new-gen model will come with the 2.8L turbo diesel engine paired with 48V mild hybrid tech. The hybrid powertrain will make the SUV more fuel-efficient than its current generation. Reports suggest that Toyota will also equip the new Fortuner with ADAS tech, vehicle stability control (VSC), and electric steering (instead of the conventional hydraulic unit). Design and styling of the SUV will be inspired by Toyota’s new Tacoma pickup and new breed SUVs.
