Pricing is yet to be announced but, given that it’s described as “Hyundai’s most affordable SUV”, it will come in below the $23,500 tag on the Kona Go. There’s even speculation that it could start sub-$20,000 for a stripped down basic model.
We’ve yet to see Venue in the metal but photos show a squarish, functional design confirmed by a comparison of dimensions with its Kona sibling. Although Venue is 130 mm shorter and 31 mm narrower than Kona it’s 16 mm taller. It’s also 30 mm taller than the class-leading Mazda CX-3. Driving position height is a big selling point for SUVs so even these small differences will appeal.
Rear storage space volume of 530 litres is only marginally below that of the Kona and significantly more than the CX-3’s 350 litres.
As is common in its class Hyundai Venue will only come with front-wheel drive although there will be a “snow drive” mode for improved grip on slippery surfaces.
Standard wheel size will be 15-inch, with 17-inch available as an option.
The infotainment system has an 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen monitor. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make available the usual smartphone functions, including app-based navigation, streaming audio and voice-controlled search capabilities. There are dual USB ports, 3.5-inch TFT instrument cluster display, rear view camera and Bluetooth hands-free phone.
Venue will be powered by an upgraded version of Hyundai’s Smartstream Gamma 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Power and torque outputs have yet to be announced.
No doubt with younger buyers as the target Venue will come with a choice of eight exterior colours are available including Scarlet Red, Intense Blue, Green Apple and Denim as well as four less exciting shades of silver, grey, black and white. The Denim option is likely to appeal especially as it can be optioned with a white contrasting roof and denim cloth and leatherette interior.
Hyundai Venue will come with a good range of advanced safety equipment including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA); Lane Keeping Assist (LKA); Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW); Driver Attention Warning (DAW); and Rear Collision Cross-Traffic Warning (RCCW).
Details of which of these features will be standard across the range and those that will be either optional or in higher-spec variants will be announced, along with pricing, when the Venue is launched during the second half of 2019.
Venue will be built at Hyundai’s Ulsan factory in South Korea. Further details will follow closer to its release later this year.
