Premiering in India, the brand marked the beginning of “New Volkswagen”. The rebranding exercise was built on the theme ‘Vibrant Power’, to make the brand more humane and lively. Along with the ability to present realistic situations that its customers can resonate with in the brand experience. The realignment of Volkswagen’s brand design is one of the world’s largest rebranding campaigns.
Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, said, “With the India premiere of Volkswagen’s SUV family, the brand is showcasing its clear direction and focus for the Indian market. Our SUV range in the next two years will cater to every customer segment. We will be launching the Tiguan Allspace and T-Roc in H1 2020 in turn giving customers a plethora of options from Brand Volkswagen.”
Taigun: Under Volkswagen Group’s India 2.0 project, Taigun is the first product built on theMQB A0 IN platform. The SUV will be powered by Volkswagen’s renowned TSI technology combined with the brand’s globally acclaimed DSG gear box. Taigun is a complete package for a modern Indian consumer, with a dominant front making it look bolder and muscular and in turn giving it a sporty SUV stance. The interiors are plush with leatherette seats and a digital instrument cluster. It’s contemporary in its design and would suite the active lifestyle of an Indian consumer. Further, the rear of the car has a new design element, it is illuminated with a LED strip that is bordered by a glossy blacktrim. It runs across the whole width of the car and integrates into Volkswagen’s LEDsignature tail lamps on either side. Like every Volkswagen carline, the Taigun is equipped with safety features such as 6airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) among others.
T-Roc: Volkswagen T-Roc has a progressive design language, with a coupé-style roof, distinctively wide front end and concise proportions. It exudes character and confidence. The integrated LED headlights and unique LED daytime running lights create an unmistakable look, especially when driven at night. The dual tone roof top enhances the sporty look, as it matches perfectly with the eclectic body color.
The carline will be introduced with a TSI petrol engine mated to Volkswagen’s 7-speed DSG gear box. Further, it will consist of all the standard equipment that’s part of the brand’s global SUV portfolio.
Tiguan Allspace: One of the most spacious SUVs, the Allspace is a 7-seater carline with a generous passenger compartment. The carline has a large boot space that fits every kind of luggage. Tiguan AllSpace has a petrol-powered engine comprising Volkswagen’s renowned TSI technology, which is mated to a 7-speed 4 MOTION DSG gear box.
Tiguan: Volkswagen Tiguan is the most successful car globally, with over 3.5 million units sold across 150 markets. It is designed to make a powerful statement. Its muscular hood contours and chrome-finished grille creates a lasting first impression. It balances between sleek and ruggedness and is complemented by its clean and bold lines. The Tiguan conveys a sense of sophistication with its elegant chrome finished headlights and honeycomb grille design. Under the hood, lies a 2.0L TDI engine combined with a 7-speed 4 MOTION DSG automatic gearbox, delivering a power output of 143PS and 340 Nm oftorque. Based on Volkswagen’s MQB platform, Tiguan has several features like Pedestrian Safety (Active Hood), 6-airbags and Hill Start Assist among others. (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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