3 New MPVs/Family Cars Launching In 2025

Family cars or MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) are highly popular in India, and several factors align them with buyers’ requirements. These vehicles are spacious, practical, frugal, and relatively affordable. Furthermore, their great resale value makes them a preferred choice among budget-conscious buyers. While there are already multiple choices in the segment, three major offerings from Kia and MG are set to join the bandwagon. Here’s a brief on the upcoming MPVs/family cars that are ready to hit the roads in 2025.

Kia Carens Facelift

The Kia Carens is one of the most practical family cars currently on sale in India. This compact MPV is all set to receive its first midlife update early next year. Spy images have revealed that a few cosmetic changes will be made to its front and rear profiles, including tweaked bumpers, a new grille, and headlamps. Inside, it’s likely to feature a newly designed dashboard along with updated trims and upholstery.

The 2025 Kia Carens facelift might borrow some features from the Seltos. Rumour has it that the carmaker might introduce a segment-first ADAS suite along with a 360-degree camera in the model lineup. The engines, however, will be carried forward from the current model. This means the updated Carens will continue to offer the 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5L turbo petrol, and 1.5L diesel engines. The naturally aspirated and turbo petrol motors produce 115bhp and 160bhp, respectively, while the diesel engine delivers 116bhp. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will also be retained from the pre-facelift Carens.

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Kia Carens EV

Kia has already started testing the electric iteration of the Carens MPV. It will be the first mass-market electric offering from the South Korean automaker in India. However, there is no clarity on whether the Carens EV will be introduced alongside its ICE-powered facelift version or at a later stage.

The upcoming Kia Carens EV will share its design elements, platform, interior, and features with its ICE counterpart. A few exterior changes will differentiate it from the regular model, including a likely closed-off grille similar to that of the Kia EV9. The front and rear bumpers might also be updated. Spy images suggest that the electric Carens will feature alloy wheels resembling those in Kia’s global EV lineup.

Speculations are rife that the new Kia electric MPV will share its powertrain with the Hyundai Creta EV, expected in early 2025. The latter is likely to come equipped with a 45kWh battery pack and an electric motor mounted on the front axle. Upon launch, the Kia Carens EV will compete with the newly launched BYD eMax7, available in two trims (Premium and Superior) priced between Rs. 26.9 lakh and Rs. 29.9 lakh.

MG Mifa 9

The MG Mifa 9 is set to join the premium MPV segment in India. Likely to be the second model retailed via MG’s "MG Select" premium dealerships, following the Cyberster roadster, this electric MPV debuted in India at the 2023 Delhi Auto Expo. MG is expected to showcase it again at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Show in January, ahead of its market launch in March. The Mifa 9 is estimated to be priced at around Rs. 65 lakh (ex-showroom).

Globally, the MG Mifa 9 comes equipped with a 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor mounted on the front axle. This front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup delivers a combined power output of 245bhp and 350Nm of torque, with a claimed WLTP range of 430km on a single charge. The MPV measures 5.2 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and 1.8 meters in height.

Buyers will likely have options for both 7- and 8-seater versions of the MPV. Key features include twin sunroofs, powered rear sliding doors, powered front and rear seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, foldable ottoman seats, and rear entertainment screens.

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