#LookBack2014 : Top-5 MPVs/MUVs in India

MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) or MUV (Multi Utility Vehicle) is basically a large vehicle, which can tackle wide range of applications. However in India, these vehicles are typically people’s mover, which can accommodate 7 or more passengers at a time. With time, these vehicles are also getting compact yet spacious, powerful yet fuel efficient making MPVs appropriate for both personal and commercial purposes. This results in the constant growth of the MPV/MUV segment in India. The segment holds around 18 per cent of the total market, which was around 14 percent last year. There are atleast 4 MPVs, which clock more than 5000 unit sales a month. The said figures prove that MPVs are growing in the country.

In our series of #LookBack2014 articles, it’s time to check, which are the top-5 MPVs / MUVs in India and sales of these MPVs in 2014 is the single criteria for the same. When we were extracting data from SIAM’s month to month sales reports, we found some really interesting facts. Here are those 

Maruti Suzuki Omni:

Yes, Omni is the most sold MPV in India, with gigantic sales of 68,246 units till November, 2014, the Omni has lead of around 12,000 units than the 2nd runner up. Launched in 1985, the 30 year old Van is selling with same engine, frame and design, there have been changes here and there but nothing have really been changed for this MPV. This versatile car comes with an option between an 8-seater and a 5-seater. The Omni range also includes cargo and ambulance versions. Available in petrol and LPG guises, the Omni has gone a long way as a dual usage vehicle, which can fulfill  personal as well as business needs. With more than 15.7 million sales, the Omni is amongst the all time top selling cars in India. 

The Omni comes with mid mounted 796cc engine, which transfers 32.8bhp of power to its rear wheels and runs 14.7kmpl in one litre petrol. The MPV with its high-roof, sliding doors, versatile space, and many more features has been a favorite of many Indian households.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: 

The second place has also been secured by a Maruti Suzuki, unlike the Omni, Ertiga hasn’t been in market for so long, but it is no less popular. With a sales figure of 56,273, the Ertiga stands tall at no. 2. The MPV or LUV (Life Utility Vehicle) as Maruti Suzuki calls it, is based on Maruti Suzuki platform and uses the 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel and 1.4-Litre K-Series petrol engine. 

What makes Ertiga popular is the fact that just like the Omni it can fulfill both the personal as well as business purposes. Being a 7-seater and a compact one, the Ertiga is a suitable option for those, who have a bigger family. It also has all the comfort features and ABS and airbags for safety. The car like drivability and greater space of MPV makes it perfect match for Indian families. 

Toyota Innova:

Launched in 2005, Innova has changed the definition of people’s carrier. Innova has been a prime reason of the transformation of the MPVs from boring multi seaters to comfortable, premium ones. The MPV pioneered the premium MPV segment in India and since then it has been topping the sales charts. Given the fact that it is quite costlier than the Ertiga, it loses the second spot by a whisker. The overall sales of Innova this year is 54,649 units making it no. 3 in our list of top- 5 MPVs in India. 

Available with a 2.5-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol engine, Innova has 7 and 8 seater option available to select from. The MPV comes packed with all sort of features depending upon its variants and safety features like ABS and airbags. Its premiumness, sheer size and comfort quotient make it favourite of Indian families as well as fleet owners. 

Maruti Eeco:

Many of you won’t be expecting the Eeco in the list, but with a sales of 45,798 units in 2014, the Eeco makes in the top-5 list at no.4. The versatile MPV is available with a 1196cc engine in petrol and CNG variants. There are two different seating options as well including 5 seat and 7 seat. Basically, the Eeco fills the gap between the Ertiga and Omni, it offers you more than the Omni and comes with a starting price of Rs. 3.0 lac which makes it quite affordable. 

The car offers a unique combination of comfort and utility that helps you do more in all areas of your life. Whether it is taking your family out for more outings, or using it in your day to day work. As Maruti Suzuki says Eeco is designed to put happiness in your hands.

Honda Mobilio:

Launched on 23rd July this year, the Mobilio has made to the top-5 list with just 4 months of sales. Honda has sold 20,797 Mobilios, which is a great success. Positioned as a stylish, comfortable and economical MPV, the Mobilio is certainly winning the hearts of Indians. Available with 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel and 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, the 7-seater MPV is selling like hot cakes. The prime rival is Ertiga and Mobilio surely have an advantage of style and looks over Ertiga. That is why, even after Honda’s decision that they won’t sell the Mobilio to fleet buyers, the MPV is performing brilliantly on sales charts. There is no doubt that the MPV will make it to the top-3 list next year.