Kia Sonet previews a future global compact SUV from the brand. The concept will be developed further ahead of a launch in the Indian market in the second half of 2020.
Carnival has been officially launched in India in three different specifications at the starting prices of INR 24.95 lakh for the Premium variant, INR 28.95 lakh for the Prestige variant, and INR 33.95 lakh for the Limousine variant. Carnival is designed to resonate with young-at-heart, trendy and elite Indian buyers. Kia received more than 1,400 bookings for the new car on the first day of orders.
Kookhyun Shim, MD and CEO, Kia Motors India, said, “When Kia launched in India two years ago, we came here to win the hearts of Indian customers. Today, I can say that our approach – to do more than simply build and sell great cars here – is bearing fruit. We have sought to understand the Indian customers’ aspirations, and match them with best-in-class products and services. Our latest vehicle, Kia Carnival, is a clear example of this approach. Though it represents a leap from the Seltos into a premium, aspirational segment, it has been devised with the same passion.”
Sonet: Kia Sonet concept previews the third product offering from Kia Motors in India. A smart urban SUV for young, dynamic Indian consumers, Sonet takes inspiration from the advanced world of networking.
With a modern, dynamic and bold design, Sonet is equipped with several first-in-class features like head-turning looks, Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, step-well geometry within the grille mesh, ‘tiger-eye line’ daytime running lights, and wide rear signature lighting.
Seltos X-Line Concept: Kia revealed also the rugged new Kia Seltos X-Line Concept, a bolder reinterpretation of the Seltos SUV. The X-Line Concept features a more assertive, rugged front design with a futuristic radiator grille. Further modifications have been made to the front and rear bumpers to make it look more distinguished, as well as the addition of a prominent skid plate, roof rack, and all-terrain-inspired body panels to elevate the personality of the car.
Building on its mission to innovate for tomorrow’s mobility solutions, Kia showcased 14 products at Auto Expo 2020. They included:-
Soul EV: One of Kia’s first globally-sold fully-electric vehicles, the Soul EV has several eye-catching features, and offers long-range, zero-emissions power in the urban crossover class. Powered exclusively by electric energy, Soul EV gives buyers a choice between mid and long-range battery packs.
Niro EV: Energy and power for the Niro EV come from a cutting-edge, liquid-cooled 64kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and powerful electric motor. The long-range battery, packaged under the floor of the vehicle to maximize cabin space for passengers, gives the Niro EV a range of 450 kilometers from a single charge.
XCeed: Kia’s latest global sensation XCeed combines compact SUV practicality with the sporty packaging and engaging handling of a hatchback. XCeed’s suites of advanced safety, connectivity and infotainment technologies make it one of the most high-tech, comprehensively equipped cars in its class.
Stonic: An eye-catching and confident compact CUV, Stonic blends SUV-inspired design with agile handling and a sporty ride for an exciting drive. (MT)
Hyundai Opens Bookings For All-New Venue Compact SUV
- By MT Bureau
- October 24, 2025
Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has opened bookings for the all-new Hyundai Venue compact sport utility vehicle (SUV).
Customers can reserve the vehicle with an initial booking amount of INR 25,000 at dealerships across India.
Hyundai Motor India unveiled the new vehicle with a film featuring brand ambassador Deepika Padukone. The company is positioning the C-SUV as a model of urban mobility, focusing on style and technology.
Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “The Hyundai Venue has been one of the most loved SUVs in India, with over 700,000 customers choosing it for its perfect blend of design, technology and performance. With the all-new Hyundai Venue, we are taking this success story even further, redefining bold design and modern premium-ness while integrating advanced technology that resonates with the aspirations of today’s new-age customers. The all-new Hyundai Venue truly embodies our vision of ‘Tech up Go beyond,’ offering a driving experience that’s both dynamic and deeply connected to our customers’ evolving lifestyles.”
The new Venue is both taller and wider than the existing model. Exterior design includes Twin horn LED DRLs, Quad beam LED headlamps and a dark chrome radiator grille.
Inside, the cabin features a Dual 62.5 cm (12.3-inch + 12.3-inch) curved panoramic display for infotainment and cluster information. It also features a dual-tone interior (dark navy and dove grey), a D-cut steering wheel and a coffee-table centre console with ambient lighting.
The car has a long wheelbase (2520mm) and offers 2-step reclining rear seats, rear window sunshades and rear AC vents for comfort.
The all-new VENUE will be offered with three engine choices:
Kappa 1.2 l MPi petrol
Kappa 1.0 l Turbo GDi petrol
U2 1.5 l CRDi Diesel
Transmission options include Manual, Automatic and Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).
The vehicle will use the new variant nomenclature ‘HX,’ which stands for ‘Hyundai Experience.’ The company is set to launch the Venue on 4 November 2025.
Chery Unveils 7-Seat Transformable Multi-SUV Concept
- By MT Bureau
- October 24, 2025
Chinese automaker Chery showcased what it claims is the world’s first ‘7-Seat Transformable Multi-SUV’ concept at the 2025 Chery Brand Night. The SUV was unveiled by Zheng Songzhi, Executive Deputy General Manager of Chery International Marketing Centre.
The automaker states that the vehicle reflects Chery’s commitment to user co-creation, offering a ‘one vehicle, multiple configurations’ design intended to redefine versatility for families.
Songzhi stated that the concept was developed following over a year of user research in countries including Indonesia, Mexico and Thailand. This research identified nine high-frequency family scenarios – from daily commuting to camping and long-distance travel – and concluded that no existing vehicle model meets all these varied demands.
User insights from representatives in Malaysia, Indonesia and Mexico, who shared their need for comfort, work-life balance and space, became the foundation of the concept. He noted that user needs are the core driver behind Chery's shift from a ‘function-oriented’ to a ‘scenario-oriented’ strategy.
In response to demands for versatility and space, Chery introduced the ‘6=1’ concept. By flexibly reconfiguring seats and detaching the rear hatch, the single vehicle transforms into six distinct interior and exterior layouts, intended to cover 99 percent of family mobility scenarios.
Large 7-Seat SUV Mode: With a body length of 4.9 metres and an interior height of 1,284 mm, it offers true comfort for family passengers.
Double-Cab Pickup Mode: It transforms instantly through a quick-release structure, providing 600-litre of cargo space for items like surfboards and construction materials.
Camper Mode: It supports an ecosystem of accessories, including awnings and roof tents, alongside off-road capability.
Songzhi announced that Chery will introduce additional transformable modes and accessory kits.
Chery is launching a collaboration model that spans the entire product development cycle. Before mass production, Chery will invite users worldwide to participate in co-creation, influencing features, powertrain tuning and model naming.
Since February 2024, a 20-member product team has conducted research across international markets, gathering over 1,350 user samples and more than 40,000 topic inputs.
Songzhi, stated, "Driven by the genuine needs of our users, we have not only redefined the form of the SUV but will also collaborate with them to co-create and co-define its future.”
The new vehicle is scheduled to reach consumers in the third quarter of 2026.
Image credit: Paultan.org
Alexandre Malval Named Renault Brand Design VP
- By MT Bureau
- October 24, 2025
Alexandre Malval has been named Vice President of Design for the Renault brand, with effect from 2 January 2026. Malval will report directly to Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer of Groupe Renault, and will join the Renault brand's management committee, contributing to the company's strategic direction.
This appointment marks a significant homecoming for the executive, who brings nearly three decades of extensive international experience back to the company where he began his career. A distinguished graduate of London’s Royal College of Art, Malval first joined Renault in 1994 as an exterior designer in the Advanced Design department.
His subsequent career path saw him hold influential positions across the European automotive industry, building a remarkable portfolio. He contributed to the design languages of Audi and Volkswagen at the Volkswagen Group’s Design Center Europe in Barcelona. He later advanced through key roles at Citroën and Peugeot, a tenure that culminated in his appointment as the Head of Citroën Design in 2012, where he was responsible for shaping the brand's creative vision.
Most recently, Malval served as the CEO and Design Director of the Mercedes-Benz International Design Center Europe in Sophia Antipolis. In this senior capacity, he was entrusted with comprehensive management and creative oversight for a critical satellite studio. His responsibilities encompassed pioneering advanced design research, directing the creation of concept vehicles and steering the design of production models for the entire Mercedes-Benz portfolio, including the Maybach, Smart and AMG brands.
Laurens van den Acker said, “We are very happy to welcome Alexandre Malval to our Design team. His experience with major automotive groups, his international outlook and his ability to create strong design-led brands will be essential assets to push Renault to the next level. The future of mobility is exciting and I’m looking forward to working with Alexandre to make our dreams come true.”
Fabrice Cambolive, Renault brand CEO and Chief Growth Officer Renault Group, said, “The arrival of Alexandre Malval marks a new milestone in our ambition: to design ‘voitures à vivre’ that fully embody Renault’s strategic vision, combining emotion, innovation and an exceptional customer experience. His international experience and innovative mindset will be key assets in driving Renault’s growth in Europe and on the global stage.”
Maruti Suzuki India’s Jimny 5-door Exports Cross 100,000 Units Milestone
- By MT Bureau
- October 23, 2025
Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has attained a new export milestone for the Made in India Jimny 5-door SUV, which crossed the 100,000-unit milestone.
The Jimny 5-door, manufactured exclusively in India, began its export journey in 2023, shortly after its launch in the country. The vehicle has been shipped to over 100 countries, including Japan, Mexico and Australia.
The model’s debut in Japan in January 2025, branded as the ‘Jimny Nomade,’ saw orders exceed the 50,000 mark within days of introduction.
The Jimny 5-door features a ladder-frame chassis with Suzuki’s Allgrip Pro (4WD), which provides off-road capability and stability. It is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The Jimny has over half a century of heritage, globally. Jimny 5-door crossing 1 lakh export mark is a proud achievement for Maruti Suzuki. We are deeply thankful to customers around the world for their trust in this acclaimed SUV. Jimny’s strong off-road DNA, reliable performance and uncompromising quality have earned admiration in over 100 countries.”
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