Hyundai Venue

Hyundai's Venue boldly sets itself apart with an eye-catching design, a significant advantage in the crowded subcompact SUV category. Its front end features a dominant cascading grille, with the option of chrome or black accents, depending on the variant. The sleek headlamps come equipped with LED DRLs and projector lamps, while the triangular housing for fog lamps adds an extra element of character. The muscular side profile, complete with flared wheel arches, roof rails, and diamond-cut alloy wheels, reinforces its commanding presence. The squared-off tailgate, LED tail lamps, and skid plate contribute to its visual appeal. In addition, the Sport trim features distinctive elements like red brake calipers, red grille and wheel arch accents, as well as "Sport" badging on the C-pillar.

Inside the Venue, a spacious and well-equipped cabin awaits, capable of comfortably accommodating five passengers. The dual-tone dashboard, highlighted with silver or red accents depending on the variant, is visually pleasing. The centerpiece is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, BlueLink connected car technology, and voice recognition. A 3.5-inch digital display in the instrument cluster provides essential information, such as gear shift indicators and fuel efficiency. The steering wheel, with mounted audio, phone, and cruise control buttons, enhances driver convenience. Seats come in fabric or leatherette upholstery, varying by the variant. The Sport trim raises the bar with dark grey and red seats adorned with red stitching and piping. Metal foot pedals, red accents on the AC vents, and red embellishments for the climate control controls and screen contribute to the Sport's distinct appeal.

Additional features in the Venue include:

Automatic climate control
Electric sunroof
Wireless phone charger
Air purifier
Rear AC vents
Cooled glove box
Push-button start/stop
Keyless entry
Height-adjustable driver seat
60:40 split rear seat
Rear wiper and washer

The Venue boasts a robust body structure made from high-strength steel, providing a strong foundation for safety. To further ensure a secure and comfortable journey, it comes equipped with a range of safety features and driver assistance systems, including:

Six airbags (front, side, and curtain)
ABS with EBD
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
Hill Assist Control (HAC)
Brake Assist (BA)
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Rear parking sensors and camera
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Speed-sensing auto door lock
Impact-sensing auto door unlock

Engine and Performance:

The Hyundai Venue offers a choice of three engines: a 1.2-liter petrol, a 1.0-liter turbo petrol, and a 1.5-liter diesel. The 1.2-liter petrol engine generates 82 bhp and 114 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine delivers a spirited performance, producing 118 bhp and 172 Nm of torque, with transmission options including a 6-speed IMT, a 6-speed manual, or a 7-speed DCT gearbox. The 1.5-liter diesel engine, producing 99 bhp and 240 Nm of torque, pairs with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The Venue's performance is lively and refined. The 1.2-liter petrol engine suits city driving well but may feel underpowered on highways. The 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine, on the other hand, offers an enjoyable driving experience with robust mid-range power and linear delivery. The IMT gearbox provides a smooth shifting experience without the need for a clutch pedal, while the DCT gearbox delivers quick and seamless shifts with the option for manual mode. The 1.5-liter diesel engine, meanwhile, stands out for its fuel efficiency, robust low-end torque, and drivability.

The Venue showcases a well-balanced suspension setup that skillfully navigates the fine line between ride comfort and handling stability. It adeptly absorbs road imperfections, ensuring a comfortable journey for both the driver and passengers. The steering is light and responsive at low speeds, offering effortless city maneuvering while firming up nicely at higher speeds. The Venue handles corners with confidence, displaying minimal body roll and excellent agility. The brakes inspire confidence, providing ample bite and feedback. With its generous ground clearance and excellent visibility, it can tackle rough roads and city traffic with ease.

Hyundai has priced the Venue competitively within its segment, with prices ranging from Rs. 6.92 lakh to Rs. 11.76 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). IMT variants fall within the range of Rs. 9.99 lakh to Rs. 11.13 lakh, while the Sport trim is priced between Rs. 10.31 lakh and Rs. 11.76 lakh.

The Venue offers a wide array of variants, allowing buyers to tailor their choice based on their engine, transmission, and feature preferences. However, for the best value-for-money option, the SX (O) IMT stands out. It combines the convenience of the IMT gearbox with a comprehensive selection of features and safety equipment. Buyers can further customize their Venue with the option of dual-tone colors and the Sport trim for a sportier appearance.

The Hyundai Venue faces stiff competition from other subcompact SUVs in the market:

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza: The Vitara Brezza has secured its place as the best-selling subcompact SUV in India due to its reliable performance, spacious cabin, and low maintenance cost. It offers a 1.5-liter petrol engine with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox, along with a hybrid system designed to enhance both fuel efficiency and performance. Prices for the Vitara Brezza range from Rs. 7.51 lakh to Rs. 11.41 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Tata Nexon: Tata's Nexon makes a style statement with its feature-rich package, accommodating both petrol and diesel engines with a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT gearbox. In addition, it presents an electric variant boasting a commendable range of 312 kilometers on a single charge. The Nexon stands out as the only subcompact SUV in its class to hold a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP. Prices range from Rs. 7.20 lakh to Rs. 12.95 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Kia Sonet: As a recent addition to the subcompact SUV segment, the Sonet shares its platform and engine options with the Venue. It offers a versatile engine lineup, including a 1.2-liter petrol, a 1.0-liter turbo petrol, and a 1.5-liter diesel engine, with various transmission options such as a 6-speed IMT, a 6-speed manual, a 7-speed DCT, and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The Sonet introduces several segment-first features like ventilated front seats, an air purifier with virus protection, a Bose sound system, and more. Prices range from Rs. 6.79 lakh to Rs. 13.19 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Mahindra XUV300: The XUV300 is known for its powerful and spacious design, offering a 1.2-liter turbo petrol and a 1.5-liter diesel engine with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed AMT gearbox. It brings some segment-best features such as seven airbags, front parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, sunroof, and more. Prices range from Rs. 7.95 lakh to Rs. 12.55 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Ford EcoSport: Despite being one of the older subcompact SUVs in India, the EcoSport remains relevant with its sporty design, solid build quality, and enjoyable driving characteristics. It provides a 1.5-liter petrol and a 1.5-liter diesel engine, with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The EcoSport offers unique features like paddle shifters, rain-sensing wipers, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and more. Prices range from Rs. 8.19 lakh to Rs. 11.73 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Hyundai Venue continues to be a strong contender in the highly competitive subcompact SUV segment, appealing to a wide range of buyers. Its striking design, an array of features, practicality, and strong safety offerings make it a well-rounded choice. While it faces tough competition from rivals, the Venue's IMT variant and Sport trim add versatility and distinctiveness to its lineup. The Venue holds its ground by balancing style, comfort, and functionality, offering a compelling package to prospective buyers.

Also, check out - Hyundai Venue IMT Review; New Sport Variant Tested.

Latest Update on Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Venue IMT 2020 | Review | Price | Features | Specifications | How Good Is it? | carandbike | [Video]

Hyundai recently launched the Venue with the IMT and priced it from Rs. 9.99 lakh to Rs. 11.08 lakh. Now, the Venue has been a strong seller for the company and also a front runner in the subcompact SUV space. With an Intelligent Manual Transmission, which basically means that you get to drive it the same way as a manual without the clutch, does it make things easier for the person behind the wheel? Watch now