Publications
Partners
Hyundai has been on an SUV offensive over the last few years, and new introductions like the Creta, Kona, and now the Venue, is testament to the Korean automaker’s dedication to maximising the market.
In the second half of 2019, Hyundai launched said Venue in South Africa.
The compact Venue is the fifth SUV in Hyundai’s line-up, and also the model with the lowest starting price. Priced from R274 900, the Venue slots in below the Creta to offer buyers a new entry-point to Hyundai’s SUV range.
Our test unit, the 1.0T Fluid manual, is priced at R309 900 and is the mid-range model in the five-model strong Venue range. The entire range is powered by a three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo engine that is mated to either a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.
2020 Hyundai Venue. Image: QuickPic
Small turbo engine
When the Kona arrived in South Africa, one of the big talking points around the compact SUV was its engine. That very unit has been carried over to the Venue range.
With 81kW and 175Nm on offer, the Venue has little trouble getting a move on. The full gallop of torque is already available at 1500rpm, which requires minimal effort to get the SUV going. Add to that a kerb weight of 1085kg, and you have a power-to-weight ratio that, theoretically, puts little strain on the drivetrain.
The ultimate end-result for the drivetrain is to be fuel-efficient, and in that regard, it would seem that the Venue got it down. In short, at 6.5-litres/100km, Hyundai claims a fuel range of 692km on the 45L fuel tank. During our tenure, the Venue returned just over 6.0-litres.
2020 Hyundai Venue. Image: QuickPic
Familiar interior
Regardless of how one looks at it, Hyundai can either be applauded or questioned for the Venue’s interior. See, the Venue does not stray too far from the interior layout in use by the Creta and Kona. Perhaps even the Tucson, too.
It’s a familiar space where everything is as expected from Hyundai. The dials to operate the temperature, the overall design of the dashboard, it screams 'Welcome to Hyundai,' which oozes a sense of comfort, but also - dare I say it - blandness.
READ: Hyundai's outlandish new Venue will give VW's 'baby SUV' a run for its money
The infotainment system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but it would not have hurt to take on a more daring approach. Perhaps like Citroën did with the C3 AirCross’ interior. Or, if we look in the Hyundai stable, take a page from the Kona’s book and spice things up a bit.
Objectively speaking, though, the Venue is a functional space. And functionality and practicality are things Hyundai’s been getting right the last couple of years. In that regard, familiarity is key.
2020 Hyundai Venue. Image: QuickPic
Summary
Looking at the Venue objectively, and one is confronted by just how good the vehicle is. The selling points far outweigh any personal preference of what you’d prefer. This is a space where you feel comfortable as if you are in your living room with your feet on the couch.
In retrospect, perhaps this is what Hyundai was going for when penning its new SUV. That it should exude the sense that this is your space, your mi case, your spot, your venue.
2020 Hyundai Venue. Image: QuickPic
