Hyundai Venue - Hatch or a bit Bigger?
Indian automotive industry is growing at a substantial rate of 7 % which clearly defines that all the automobile giants are trying their best to have a big pie out of it. One such company is Hyundai, the South Korean manufacturer which is leaving no space where there are demand and one such crucial growing space is the Compact SUV segment which is pretty much controlled by Ford, Maruti Suzuki, and recently by Tata, Mahindra, and Honda with Nexon, XUV 3oo and W-RV. Hyundai's new product is named Venue which again signifies that you can take your new small SUV at any venue you want. So, how much is it better than its rivals, let’s find out.
Outside
At first glance, you will notice that it’s not that big but the design will surely turn some heads because it isn't that small either and there is some attraction to its boxy shaped design language. Well, all these compact SUVs measure less than four meters so there is barely any difference with its competitors. The front looks superb with main headlights placed in a sort of square-shaped DRLs, positioned below the indicator just like the Tata Harrier. The extra-wide cascade grille does make it look like more modern and carries Hyundai’s new Sensuous Sportiness design language. The well-designed bumper gets a contrasting finish bash plate which does make it appear big.
Coming on to its back, it does not excite that much as compared to the front. Square headlamps could’ve been better but Hyundai claims that these are the segment first lenticular LEDs. Now, why they’ve used this word is still confusing, but it got some lens-like depth in the light signature at night. Venue badge is stretched across the tailgate below the Hyundai logo and the license plate is positioned in the bumpers below.
Inside
All black, Khaki two-tone, and denim-blue two-tone are the three options available on Venue for the cabin. Quality inside is good and the plastic material used in the dashboard also feels more premium. The floating 8-inch touchscreen and the BlueLink related shortcut buttons positioned on the rear view mirror are also very useful. The steering and gear lever with its silver accents and instrument cluster looks premium while the air con vents resemblance to the ones in swift.
Passengers will find themselves sitting at a higher position in this car and also the seats are quite comfortable, with front seats offering plenty of side bolstering which will hold you in place while making those sharp turns. To my utter surprise space in the rear is that one thing which might change your mind for this car. It is less roomy and the legroom isn’t the best in the segment either. Though rear seats are based perfectly and backrest is nicely angled but you will still find yourself sitting in a premium hatchback and not some compact SUV.
Features
There are five variants on offer and safety essentials like dual airbags, ABS and rear parking sensors are standard across the range. Coming on to the features list of its top-spec SX (O) model you will get side curtain airbags, a sliding center armrest, a rear wiper and washer, and sunroof. And there’s also the BlueLink connectivity suit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Auto headlamps, keyless entry and go, wireless charging, steering mounted audio control. Well, there is one more interesting thing you get with its top-spec model which will keep your lungs safe in ever-rising pollution. Yes, you got it right, an air purifier.
About the space Venue gets a 1-liter bottle holder in each of the doors, cup holders up front, cooled glove box and 350 liters of boot space which will fit your items easily. You will get 60:40 split in the top spec model to add some more workability.
Driving Experience
Smooth! Is the first feeling that will strike your mind when you will press the gas paddle because the Venue’s steering is so light that it will make the city driving flawless. Moreover, the new engine i.e. 1.0 GDI turbo (118 bhp / 172 nm) petrol mated with the 7-Speed dual clutch transmission is also very exciting. Even with four passengers inside the car, it will not let you down and will push you quickly to those speedy overtakes. But the time you cross the 3000 rpm mark, it will begin to sing and there you might feel some lag.
However, the suspension is a bit stiffer and one will find less confidence when making some fast sharp turns on the roads. And yeah you might feel some body roll as well.
In the manual version of the Venue, the gearbox is quick enough and will do its job perfectly. Interestingly, the 1.4-liter diesel engine churns out 89 bhp at 220 nm of torque and still feels similar to that of petrol. There’s also a 1.2 liter (82 bhp / 114 nm) petrol option for those who have a tight budget.
BlueLink
The venue is equipped with BlueLink which comes with 33 features out of which 10 are for India specifically. The car has an embedded sim card of Vodafone-Idea and its data subscription is free for the first three years- coinciding with the unlimited kilometers warranty and roadside assistance.
Through BlueLink you can get an emergency response in case of an accident, navigation/ destination guidance, geofence your car’s driving limits, check the car’s status where you can start the car, lock-unlock, and start the climate control and many more.
Specifications
LxWxH : 3995 x 1770 x 1590 mm
Ground Clearance : 190 mm
Technical Specifications:
1 Litre Petrol – 120PS / 172 Nm Torque – 6-speed manual / 7-speed automatic
1.2 Litre Petrol – 83PS / 115 Nm Torque – 5-speed manual
1.4 Litre Diesel – 90PS / 220 Nm Torque – 6-speed manual
Boot Space: 350 Litre
Price Range:
Petrol 6.5 lakh -11.11 lakh
Diesel 7.75 lakh – 10.84 lakh