Hyundai has launched the fourth, and smallest, member of its SUV range. Indeed, at just 4040 mm long, Hyundai Venue is one of the shortest of all models in the compact SUV market. Only the Suzuki Jimny is shorter, at 3645 mm.
Venue’s stubby body is offset by an overall height measurement of 1592 mm which effectively dictates the boxy shape that used to characterise early SUVs before the stylists stepped in and began trying to outdo each other.
Having said that we love the neat and functional styling that’s likely to stand the test of time as fashions come and go. The front features a bold vertical grille flanked by small stacked headlights with wide wheel arches and character lines and side cladding giving it an aggressive profile.
Venue Elite adds further character with two-tone roof and matching mirrors caps.
Roof rails in all models add to this while adding more functionality.
The interior has clean lines, well-positioned buttons and controls and a centrally-mounted touchscreen that moulds into the dashboard.
While many small cars claim good headroom Venue delivers with its flat roofline providing enough space for all but very tall occupants.
Seats are wide and comfortable and even with the rear seats in place there’s 355 litres of cargo space.
Venue comes in three variants: Go, Active and Elite as well as a Launch Edition based on the Elite but limited to 100 units. All are powered by the same 1.6-litre MPi petrol engine with maximum outputs of 90 kW and 151 Nm. The two lower-specced models have the option of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, the Elite is auto-only.
Wheels sizes and material start at 15-inch steel on the Go, 15-inch alloys on the Active and 17-inch alloys on the Elite.
Prices range from $19,990 for a manual Go through to $25,490 for the Elite. The Launch Edition which comes with two unique colours and a sunroof sells for $25,990. On-road costs need to be added.
SAFETY
In addition to six airbags (front, side thorax and curtain), enhanced ABS brakes, stability program and hill-start assist all Venue models come with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite that includes inattentive driver warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, high beam assist and tyre pressure monitoring
Venue Active adds LED daytime running lights and rear parking sensors while the top-spec Elite also gets blind spot collision warning and rear cross-traffic collision warning
There are IsoFix child seat restraint anchors on the outer rear seats.
INFOTAINMENT
The infotainment system is based around an 8-inch tablet style touchscreen. Standard in all models are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility; Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity; and
There’s a four-speaker audio system in Go with two extra speakers in higher grades.
Elite and Launch Edition add satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic updates and DAB+ digital radio.
Best of all Venue models come with Hyundai’s clever Auto Link system which uses a smartphone app to allow remote access to variety of features. These include monitoring the driving habits of different drivers including their trip distance and travel time split between business and private if needed; acceleration / braking tendencies; vehicle health check; emergency assist and service alerts.
DRIVING
We’ve only had a too brief drive in the Venue but found it capable enough around our local suburban area. We’ll get out onto the motorways and rural roads when we conduct our extended road test.
The top outputs of 90 kW and 151 Nm come in at high rpm levels of 6300 and 4850 respectively. Automatic versions have a Sport mode in addition to Eco and Normal settings.
Fuel consumption is listed at 7.0 litres per 100 km with the manual gearbox and 7.2 L/100 km from the auto.
Although there is no all-wheel drive option Venue (all are FWD) the automatics feature a Traction Mode system with Snow, Mud and Sand settings to improve performance on slippery surfaces.
SUMMING UP
New Hyundai Venue adds yet another option in the large range of compact SUVs on the Australian market with a sub-$20,000 starting price. Its impressive range of safety equipment is sure to appeal to parents looking at a first car for inexperienced young drivers.
Its cleverly designed interior space and ease of entry is likely to appeal to both young families and seniors.
Venue comes with a five year, unlimited kilometre warranty. It has fixed price service every 15,000 km from $259 for the first two years increasing to $339 for the third year and $459 for the fourth.
