Hyundai Venue : The Hyundai Venue has quickly transformed into a popular choice for Indian customers in search of a smart, affordable and practical SUV. Its diminutive size and aggressive look make it great for city streets and off-the-highway leisure rides.
Priced competitively, the Venue provides a compelling value-for-money alternative that challenge pricier SUVs in terms of features.
Stylish and Sporty Looks
The Venue is a style statement that has the young, trend-setting, always-connected and tech-savvy millennial customer in mind.
The muscular front grille, LED DRLs and split headlamp set-up lends it a commanding road presence.
And its small size doesn’t detract from its S.U.V.-ness. The raised position, stylish alloy wheels and roof rails lend it a sporty vigor that Indian buyers appreciate.
Interior That Feels Premium
Step inside, though, and the Venue shocks with its posh interior. Hyundai has infused quality materials, dual-tone dashboard and well tucked in features which are in place now to raise the comfort level inside the Venue.
There’s decent headroom and legroom, particularly up front, and the seats are supportive. Rear passengers, too, find impressive space for short to medium-length hauls.
A huge touchscreen, digital driver display and connected car features enhance the driving experience.
Smooth, flexible engine choices
Hyundai sells the Venue with a choice of engines – 1.2L petrol, 1.0L turbo petrol, and a 1.5L diesel. Every choice serves its own driving purpose and budget.
The petrol versions are both responsive and frugal and ideal for pottering around town. The turbo gives it an aggressive surge for highway fun, while the diesel excels at sipping fuel.
The gearboxes on offer are a manual, an iMT (clutch-less manual, a first in the segment) and the DCT automatic – catering to all kinds of drivers.
Family Budget Saving Mileage
This excellent mileage is one of the major reasons customers across family segments have warmed up to the Venue. The petrol gives off an efficiency of approximately 17-18 km/l, while the diesel offers 23-24 km/l, at the most.
That makes it the perfect family car for the middle class that doesn’t want to sacrifice power, but also refuses to sacrifice their savings at the gas station.
And when I wind it up despite gridlock traffic, the fuel economy never falters.
Loaded with Modern Features
Hyundai loads the Venue with features in generous dozes, even in the base trims. From an 8-inch touchscreen to wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, it has all the necessary tech.
Other highlights are a sunroof, automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, and connected car technology with voice commands.
These qualities are what make every journey more comfortable and connected.
Practical for Indian Roads
The Venue has high ground clearance which is perfect for Indian roads, potholes and speed breakers. It is nimble enough to dart between cars in city commuting and narrow streets.
The suspension is well-calibrated for comfort, and it does a good job absorbing bumps. The car also remains solid and comfortable when fully loaded.
There’s more than 350 litres of boot space – adequate for family baggage and daily requirements.
Safety Comes First
There’s no sacrifice in safety from Hyundai. The Venue offers as many as 6 airbags on top trims and ABS with EBD along with rear parking sensors and rear camera.
It’s also fitted with ESC, Hill Assist Control, and even ISOFIX child seat mounts – which is particularly important for families with little ones.
Solid construction and safety Crash protection offers buyers peace of mind.
Pros
Very few have the affordability and feature-laden compact SUV Formula 1 delivered.
Fuel-efficient engines, especially the diesel one.
Contemporary design and road presence.
Smooth ride; easy to drive around town.
High-tech car toys for the cabin.
Cons
There may not be enough of it for three adults in the back.
No diesel AT on offer at present.
Not as cheap as some rivals in turbo petrol variant.
Base model lacks important features, including infotainment.
Hyundai Venue Verdict: Perfect SUV for Indian Homes
The Hyundai Venue is small, affordable and good. It ticks all the right boxes for Indian families — space, style, mileage and funky modern features.
Its low price and good reputation combine to make a powerful entry in the subcompact SUV category. Daily commutes or weekend jaunts, the Venue performs like a pro.
Certainly for any family looking to buy an affordable SUV that feels expensive and welcoming, I would argue the Venue stands as the first option.