Guys, it has taken me a week to pen this Hyundai Venue review. Not because I haven’t had the time, but because I just couldn’t bring myself to start writing yet another post about a compact SUV. Even if it is about this very popular model. But sheesh, there are so many options in this segment that it would probably be impossible for me to list them all. Well, not impossible, but helluva boring.
A few rivals, though, are the Kia Sonet, Volkswagen T-Cross, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, Ford EcoSport…and so the list goes on and on and on. With so many in the mix, and more on the way, it makes sense that Hyundai would want to give its contender a little update. Especially as it holds the number one spot after the T-Cross and Urban Cruiser.
WHAT’S NEW ON THE VENUE
The updated model has a new bumper and grille and when you look at it from the rear you will notice that it is narrower than the outgoing model. It also has new alloys and a side repeater lamp on the outside mirrors. Inside sees a new 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster. A Venue N Line model has also been added to the range to top it all off rather nicely. This comes with artificial leather seats, a drive-mode selector, aluminium-finished pedals, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, sunroof and, the exterior styling package.
DRIVING THE VENUE
The Venue has always had a refined air about it. At the launch we drove the 1.0-litre turbocharged Fluid derivative and it remains one of the best compact SUVs to drive. It is comfortable, feels solid and actually, dare I say, quite premium. Bearing in mind this is a “budget” SUV, it certainly doesn’t feel budget, which cannot be said for all of its competitors.
As soon as I have the Venue on test I can really delve deeper in to it, but for now, I can say that it remains a fantastic value-for-money proposition. Even if the price tag sits at the upper end of the segment. If you get behind the wheel of one, the price will make a lot more sense.
PRICING OF THE UPDATED MODEL
The Venue comes standard with Hyundai’s impressive seven-year / 200 000 km warranty, seven-year / 150 000 km roadside assistance, and a three-year / 45 000 km service plan.
- Venue 1.2 Motion (manual): R 294 900
- Venue 1.0 Motion (manual): R 354 900
- Venue 1.0 Motion (DCT): R 394 900
- Venue 1.0 Fluid (manual): R 389 900
- Venue 1.0 Fluid (DCT): R 429 900
