Hyundai Venue: What’s Good & What Could’ve Been Better

Hyundai has launched its first sub-4m SUV, the Venue, in India at an introductory price of Rs 6.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It brings a bunch of segment-first features to the table including eSIM connectivity and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. But the Venue is not all good, it also has its fair share of shortcomings. So, let’s find out the hits and misses of the Venue below.

Hits:

eSIM Connectivity: the Venue is the first mass market offering in the country to get this tech. It allows users to access over 33 connected features, including remote control for  various functions like AC, door lock and engine start, with the help of a mobile app called Hyundai Blue Link. It also offers various security benefits like geo fencing, auto crash notification and assistance, speed alert, stolen vehicle tracking and 24x7 call centre support.

Multiple Engines To Choose From: The Venue is available with three engine options. Two petrol and one diesel. The lower variants get a 1.2-litre petrol unit (83PS/114Nm) mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The higher variants, on the other hand, come with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 120PS/172Nm. It can be had either with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT (automatic). The diesel Venue comes with a 1.4-litre diesel unit that makes 90PS and 220Nm with a 6-speed MT.

Loaded With Features: The Venue is easily one of the most equipped cars in its class. In the top variants, it is equipped with segment-first features like 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.

Aggressive Pricing: The Venue undercuts most of its rivals in terms of pricing, including the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 and Ford EcoSport. And despite being more affordable, it does not skimp on features, hence offering great value for money.

Misses:

No Diesel Automatic: Unlike its rivals, the Maruti Brezza and the Nexon, the Venue doesn’t come with a diesel automatic option. The 1.4-litre diesel engine is available with a 6-speed manual gearbox only.

No Top-spec Petrol Automatic: Yes, Hyundai is not offering the petrol-DCT with the top-spec SX(O) variant. Instead, the carmaker has come up with a SX+ variant exclusive to automatic. The SX+ variant is based on the SX variant but gets additional features like electronic stability control, hill hold control, Blue Link internet support, push button start, air purifier and wireless mobile charging. 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.

Source: cardekho.com