Hyundai Venue

Similar to its exterior, the Hyundai Venue’s cabin is also not as flashy as the interior styling of newer-generation crossovers. It focuses more on functionality and practicality in terms of everyday use. Drivers of the two higher variants have access to a 4.2-inch TFT LCD instrument display, while base variant owners have the 3.5-inch version. All passengers can enjoy an 8-inch infotainment system display that offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth with voice recognition, and the traditional AM/FM radio system. Its infotainment system is linked to a basic 4-speaker sound system.

For an entry-level crossover, drivers will be pleased to hear that the two lower variants get a keyless entry feature, while the top variant can be opened through a smart key and turned on through a push start button.  

For an entry-level crossover, the Hyundai Venue has a simple and very straightforward exterior design. If we compare it to the newer-generation models of the Creta or the Kona, the Venue’s appearance feels like a trip back in time. At the front, it sports halogen headlamps (with static bending feature for the top variant). Although, only the top variant is given LED DRLs for additional visibility. 

On the sides, the two higher variants are given power-adjustable electric-folding mirrors, while the base variant has power-adjustable mirrors without the electric folding feature. At the back, the top variant is equipped with an LED rear combination lamp, whereas the two lower variants have the bulb counterpart.

The Hyundai Venue is 4,040 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width, 1,565 mm in height, and 2,520 mm in wheelbase. The top variant runs on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels, while the mid automatic variant runs on 15-inch alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the base variant runs on 15-inch steel wheels.

In terms of suspension combination, the Hyundai Venue utilizes a MacPherson strut at the front, while a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear. Admittedly, it is not the smoothest and most comfortable on the road. But, this suspension system still allows this car to have decent stability and relatively light handling–just enough to get you from point A to point B without feeling stressed or restless. However, its absorption of road bumps could still be improved moving forward.

All variants of the Hyundai Venue are powered by a 1.6-litre gasoline engine that produces a maximum power output of 123 PS and a maximum torque of 150.7 Nm. The two higher variants run on 6-speed automatic transmission, while the base runs on 6-speed manual transmission. 

It has a powerful engine for entry-level crossover standards, surpassing the Toyota Raize’s and the Kia Sonet’s. This car is designed to be a reliable and practical city car, but on highways, not so much. 

Unlike other newer-generation Hyundai vehicles like the Tucson or Santa Fe, the Venue gets a shorter list of the brand’s Smartsense features. It has dual airbags for the driver and the passenger, reverse parking distance warning, rear view monitor, child anchors and locks, immobilizer, and a hillstart assist control (only for the top variant). The two higher variants utilize disc brakes for both front and rear. On the other hand, the base variant uses a disc-type at the front, while a drum-type at the rear. Standard to all variants is an anti-lock braking system. However, electronic stability control is only offered in the top variant.

While the Hyundai Venue may not lead its segment in style, technology, or fuel efficiency, its affordable price point and impressively powerful gasoline engine give it a strong competitive advantage.