Hyundai Venue: Hits & Misses

What’s good and what could have been better in the new Hyundai Venue? We find out.

Launched at Rs 6.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Venue marks Hyundai’s entry into the sub-4m space in the country.

Launched at Rs 6.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Venue marks Hyundai’s entry into the sub-4m space in the country. The sub-compact SUV is not only affordable but is also one of the best equipped offerings in the class. But it also has some shortcomings. So, let’s take a look at what’s good and what could have been better on the Venue. Hits: • eSIM Connectivity: The Venue is the first connected car to go on sale in India. The eSIM tech it gets offers more than 33 connected features to the user such as remote control for various functions like AC, door lock and engine start with the help of a mobile app called Hyundai Blue Link. The connected tech also enhances the safety of the SUV with features like geo fencing, auto crash notification and assistance, speed alert, stolen vehicle tracking and 24x7 call centre support. • Available With Multiple Engine Options: The Hyundai SUV can be had with three different engines including 2 petrol and one diesel. The diesel engine on offer is the 1.4-litre (90PS/220Nm) unit mated to a 6-speed MT. The petrol SUV, on the other hand, can be had with two different engine options. The lower variants get a 1.2-litre petrol unit (83PS/114Nm) mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox while the higher variants come with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 120PS/172Nm. This engine is available either with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT (automatic). • Feature Loaded: Since it is a Hyundai, it is natural the Venue is loaded with features. The higher variants are equipped with features such as wireless mobile charging, air purifier and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected car technology. Other features on offer include a sunroof, LED DRLs, projector headlamps, auto AC and push button start. • Bang For The Buck: Thanks to its aggressive pricing, the Venue undercuts most of its rivals including the Nexon, XUV300 and the EcoSport. Misses: Diesel Available With Manual Transmission: Hyundai is offering the diesel Venue with a manual transmission only. It gets a 6-speed MT paired to a 1.4-litre diesel engine. The Nexon and the Vitara Brezza are the only sub-4m SUVs to be available with an automatic transmission with a diesel engine. No Fully Specced Petrol Automatic: in order to keep the prices in check, Hyundai has opted not to offer the automatic petrol in the top-spec SX(O) variant. In place of it, Hyundai is offering the SX+ variant with the petrol automatic. Based on the SX variant, it gets some additional features like electronic stability control, hill hold control, Blue Link internet support, push button start, air purifier and wireless mobile charging. However, compared to the SX(O), it misses out on side and curtain airbags, rear washer and wiper, 60:40 split rear seats, sliding front armrest and rear centre armrest.