Recent spy shots have captured the new Kia Seltos and Hyundai Venue cruising together in a convoy, sparking excitement about their upcoming releases.
Both vehicles were spotted with temporary MH12 Pune registration plates, hinting that they might be produced at Hyundai’s new manufacturing plant in Pune, India, set to start operations in 2026.
This facility will be Hyundai’s third in India, marking a significant expansion of its production capabilities. With speculation about a hybrid powertrain for the Seltos and bold design updates for both SUVs, let’s dive into the details of what these spy shots reveal.
Manufacturing Details
Hyundai’s new Pune plant is a big deal for the company’s growth in India. Expected to begin operations in 2026, it will likely produce the next-generation Hyundai Venue as its first vehicle.
This plant will enhance Hyundai’s ability to meet the growing demand for SUVs in India and beyond.
Since Kia, a part of the Hyundai Motor Group, often sources powertrains from Hyundai, there’s buzz that the next-gen Kia Seltos could feature a hybrid powertrain developed at this facility.
A hybrid Seltos would offer improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, aligning with global trends toward greener vehicles.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Plant Location | Pune, India (Hyundai’s third facility) |
| Operation Start | 2026 (Financial Year) |
| First Vehicle | Likely next-gen Hyundai Venue |
| Seltos Powertrain | Possible hybrid, sourced from Hyundai |
Kia Seltos Design Updates
The new Kia Seltos is set to make a bold statement with a boxier, more rugged design inspired by Kia’s Telluride SUV. This design philosophy, called “Opposites United,” gives the Seltos a commanding road presence.
The front end features a split lighting setup with rectangular headlights integrated with daytime running lights (DRLs) and additional vertical DRLs described as thunderbolt-like, extending into the bonnet shut line and bumper.
A large, slightly concave grille adds to the aggressive look, while a centrally mounted radar module in the lower air intake suggests advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Fog lights are likely omitted, following the trend seen in models like the Carens Clavis.
At the rear, the Seltos sports connected LED tail lights that are thicker and larger than those on the Carens Clavis, enhancing its modern appeal.
New wheel designs add a fresh touch, and the interior is expected to be similar to the Syros and Carens Clavis, packed with the latest features and technologies for a premium driving experience.
| Seltos Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design Language | Boxier, “Opposites United,” inspired by Telluride |
| Front Lighting | Rectangular headlights, vertical thunderbolt-like DRLs |
| Grille | Large, slightly concave |
| ADAS | Radar module in the lower air intake |
| Rear Lighting | Connected LED tail lights, thicker than Carens Clavis |
| Interior | Similar to Syros and Carens Clavis, feature-packed |
Hyundai Venue Design Updates
The new Hyundai Venue is evolving with a sleek and sophisticated design, drawing inspiration from Hyundai’s latest models like the Creta N Line and Exter. The front end features vertically stacked rectangular LED headlights with dual-chamber reflector units, giving it a distinctive look.
A redesigned grille caters to refined tastes, while top-mounted, inverted L-shaped LED DRLs, placed horizontally, might be connected by a full-width LED strip (though this is unconfirmed). A Q-shaped design element below the headlamps aligns with the styling of the Creta N Line and exterior.
The Venue also boasts new alloy wheels and roof rails, enhancing its sporty and adventurous character. At the rear, connected LED tail lights mirror the front’s lighting design, creating a cohesive aesthetic.
While the interiors weren’t visible in the spy shots, Hyundai is likely to equip the Venue with updated features and technologies to keep it competitive in the compact SUV market.
| Venue Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design Inspiration | Creta N Line, Exter |
| Front Lighting | Vertically stacked LED headlights, inverted L-shaped DRLs |
| Grille | Redesigned, refined look |
| Additional Elements | Q-shaped design below headlamps, possible full-width LED strip |
| Exterior Features | New alloy wheels, roof rails |
| Rear Lighting | Connected LED tail lights, matching front design |
Overall, the sighting of the new Kia Seltos and Hyundai Venue together has ignited excitement among car buyers and enthusiasts, with significant updates in design, potential hybrid technology for the Seltos, and advanced features like ADAS. These SUVs are poised to make a strong impact in the compact SUV segment.
Also Read: