Hyundai’s crossover chess board is nearly complete. The Creta fulfills the role of profits-raking king, and now down the roster and eager to do battle on the front lines of the hotly contested subcompact segment comes the brand’s new bet: the all-new 2020 Hyundai Venue.
Before we get to what it is, let’s clear up what it is not. It is not a pared-down Kona, and it is not some hand-me-up from a distant developing market. It is a mini-ute tailor-made to suit Indian tastes.
It is a compact SUV being under 4m and it’s also a pretty savvy piece of packaging, measuring ever so slightly smaller outside than the current class-runt Ford EcoSport on an identical 99.2-inch wheelbase (the Ford is actually 2.3 inches longer and 3.2 inches taller) while packing 0.8 cubic foot more passenger room inside.
Yes, it cedes 2.2 cubes of seats-up cargo space to the Ford, but this looks to our eyes like a wise investment in style. It looks funky and squarish with typical SUV like proportions which is interesting.
The front is the most visually interesting part with grille and two part headlamps and DRL. Even the 16inch alloys look cool.
a person driving a car with Holden Arboretum in the background: 2020 Hyundai Venue rear side viewPrevious SlideNext Slide
It wouldn’t be a very chess-like strategy to send a new subcompact ute out into the market without world-class connectivity, and indeed the Venue boasts an 8.0-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system and rearview monitor that comes equipped for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
Built-in navigation is also offered along with some features like sunroof, wireless charging, a premium audio system plus usual features like cruise control, rear ac vents, climate control, 6 airbags etc.
The Blue Link mobile app provides remote starting with climate-control access to the rear glass and side mirror defrosters.
There are other connectivity features too being offered via a Vodafone SIM that the system uses.
The cabin is also a success with youthful funk mixed with Hyundai quality not seen here earlier in this class.
One more strategic move Hyundai hopes will give it an edge—eight color choices: Ceramic White, Black Noir, Steller Silver, Galactic Gray, Scarlet Red, Intense Blue, Green Apple, and Denim for US though we can expect the same here in India.
In terms of engines again Hyundai have done more than what we expected them to. The Creta comes with NA engines while the Venue goes turbo petrol.
The Venue has a 1.0 turbo petrol which makes 120 bhp and that is big on power.
The other good news is that you can have the 1.0 turbo petrol with a 6-speed manual though we guess the 7-speed DCT automatic would be sought after.
The other engines like the 1.2l petrol or the 1.4l diesel are manual only though.
Big on tech, style and powered by turbo petrol along with an automatic means that the Venue is just the right SUV for Hyundai to crash the Brezza party.
Yes, it lacks space and there is no diesel auto but the package and with expected prices from Rs 8 lakh, the Venue is expected to overtake the Creta in sales. Don’t bet against it.
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