The next-generation Hyundai Venue has been caught testing on Indian roads for the first time, and honestly, it’s about time! Spy shots reveal some pretty significant design changes that could really shake things up in the sub-4-meter SUV space.
Look, the Venue has been Hyundai’s bread and butter in India – it’s their second-best seller after the Creta. So when they decide to give it a major makeover, you know they’re not messing around. With the compact SUV segment getting more crowded by the day, this refresh couldn’t have come at a better time.
Design Gets a Bold Makeover
The test mule we spotted recently? It’s got this more upright stance that immediately catches your eye, though thankfully they’ve kept that boxy silhouette we’ve all gotten used to. The front end is where things get really interesting – they’ve gone all-out with a broader grille and completely new headlamps that make it look like the Creta’s younger sibling.
Those LED DRLs remind me a lot of what we saw on the Casper Electric, which gives it this modern, almost futuristic vibe. The bumpers – both front and rear – have been completely reworked. And check this out: new 16-inch alloys with what looks like a low-drag design, wrapped in 215/60 MRF rubber. Smart move for better fuel efficiency, if you ask me.
The taillights get some subtle tweaks too, but the overall shape? That’s staying put, which is probably wise given how well the current design has worked.
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Interior and Features Step Up
Now here’s where things get exciting. The cabin’s getting a complete makeover with a redesigned dashboard that should feel way more premium than before. That 8-inch touchscreen will probably stick around – why fix what ain’t broken, right? Plus, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are pretty much non-negotiable these days.
But here’s the kicker – the feature list is expected to grow significantly. We’re talking 360-degree cameras and a proper ADAS suite. That’s a huge jump from the current Level 1 setup to Level 2 autonomous driving assistance. Finally!
The good news? All that practical stuff like the 110.6 cubic feet of interior space and those handy 60/40 split-folding rear seats are staying put. Because let’s face it, that’s what Indian families actually need.
Safety Takes Priority
The current Venue already does pretty well with its 4-star Global NCAP rating for adults and 3-star for kids. Not bad, but there’s always room for improvement, right? The new one should build on this with even better safety kit – we’re talking up to six airbags and a stronger body structure.
Those ADAS features I mentioned? Think forward collision warning, lane departure alerts, and lane keeping assist as standard. The Level 2 suite might even bring adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking. Pretty impressive for a compact SUV, honestly.
Engine Options and Pricing
Don’t expect any major surprises under the hood. That familiar trio – the zippy 998cc turbo-petrol, the reliable 1.2-liter naturally aspirated unit, and the torquey 1.5-liter diesel – should all carry forward. Same goes for the transmission options: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, and that smooth 7-speed DCT.
Price-wise, Hyundai’s probably going to keep things competitive in that ₹6.75-11.40 lakh sweet spot. Sure, the top-spec variants might cost a bit more with all those new features, but that’s expected. Oh, and word on the street is that a Venue EV is also in the works for later. Interesting times ahead!
The competition’s getting fierce though. That new Kia Syros is already making waves, and you’ve got the Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV 3XO breathing down everyone’s necks. But with a festive season launch, Hyundai seems pretty confident they can hold their ground.