Hyundai Venue
An affordable SUV to satisfy the urban adventurer.
Hyundai Venue
Arguably one of the more budget-focused light SUVs on offer, the Hyundai Venue is among the best-selling cars in its segment – and among the cheapest ways to get a new Hyundai. As the younger cousin of the Creta and Kona, it may be small, but it is certainly the spunkiest in the family. Hyundai promises a new driving experience with the Venue, complete with state-of-the-art features and intuitive technology.
This compact crossover SUV is available in three derivatives – Motion, Fluid and Glide – providing buyers with more choice and versatility when it comes to their beloved family vehicle. It’s jam-packed with style and specs, making it ideal as a city trotter and urban conqueror. Plus, the budget-conscious price tag makes it accessible and sought after by many.
At a glance
The Hyundai Venue’s exterior is unmistakable, with a distinctive dark chrome grille and a boxy shape, all of which make its presence known. It has elevated ground clearance aided by 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, giving it an extra edge to turn heads.
The automatic LED headlights are enhanced with a static bending feature and are accompanied by daytime running lights. A stunning set of fog lights in the front complements the skinny headlights and fills out the fascia nicely. The LED taillights boast a unique design consisting of a crystal effect that adds a fresh and fashionable spin to the vehicle’s rear. It’s a true testament to the vehicle’s modern persona.
Sporty roof rails not only complete the overall look of the car with an athletic twist, but also hint at its ability to house the family and their cargo. The Venue is available in the several colours: Cosmic Grey, Phantom Black, Blue Denim, Intense Blue, Polar White, Typhoon Silver and Fiery Red.
Step inside
In the cabin, family-oriented design and practicality are evident. This includes the use of simple layouts and durable materials. The seat upholstery is a good blend of cloth and leather, providing the perfect mix of comfort and common sense. The driver’s seat is in an elevated position that allows for good visibility all around, which is further enhanced by the large side windows.
It’s a functional vehicle with plenty of head-, knee and legroom. The rear seats are split 60:40 for access to the 350-litre boot, which is impressive for the smallest SUV in the Hyundai family.
Think you can run with the Hyundai Venue? Click to find out if you can afford to finance it.
The infotainment system is equipped with a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay. A multifunctional steering wheel features audio, Bluetooth, and cruise control buttons to ensure that convenience and focus on the road at all times. It is essential to mention the powerful automatic air-conditioning system that provides comfortable travelling conditions for summer.
The ABS, EBD and electronic brake force distribution are part of the Venue’s features for added safety, as is Isofix anchorage for a child’s car seat. Driver, passenger and curtain airbags complete the set of safety features in the Hyundai Venue. Additional support comes from the rear-park assist with camera, which uses multiple ultrasonic sensors located on the rear bumper.
Keyless entry, push-button start functionality, and all-around electric windows are also incorporated for added pleasure and convenience. This active safety technology helps the driver reverse and park the vehicle. The side mirrors can fold in for added ease.
Under the bonnet
The Hyundai Venue comes with a 1,0-litre engine that produces 88 kW of power and 172 Nm of torque, so you can move around town swiftly and effortlessly. This allows for good fuel economy, with the manufacturer figure being 6,9 litres per 100 km. This is a reasonable consumption rate considering the vehicle’s dimensions.
A dual-clutch transmission can also be found on this derivative and is ideal for driving in the city, offering an abundance of versatility behind the wheel. There’s a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions on the base and Active variants. The top-of-the-range Elite model, however, is available as an auto only. Those opting for a budget-friendly engine are urged to consider the base model, which performs well in almost all driving scenarios.
The Venue boasts the same build quality we’ve come to appreciate with Korean brands. The suspension is light and subtle, and it provides a smooth driving experience with a barely noticeable body roll. Steering is direct and accurately commands the operation of the wheels, offering excellent handling and painless metropolitan motoring.
So, what’s the scoop?
The Hyundai Venue is a dark horse in the SUV segment. With its smartly laid-out dashboard, well-packaged interior, competitive infotainment system and a powertrain that’s reasonably peppy and pleasant, it is bound to make an impact on the market.
Buyers at this end of the market are more budget-conscious. And with a starting price of R270 900, the Venue is sure to satisfy many pockets. Paired with this price is a seven-year-per-200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty.
The start-up price is considerably lower than that of close rivals and, in a few instances, the Venue has better features to start with. If a family-friendly, city-ready vehicle that doesn’t break the bank is what you’re looking for, the Hyundai Venue is definitely a car you should consider.
