November 16, 2021
As would happen to any ‘new kid on the block,’ the launch of the Indian-manufactured Hyundai Venue in South Africa has triggered a strong challenge and scrutiny by all the other competitors in the current small crossover market segment.1
Entering behind its siblings the Kona and Creta, the Venue faces a stiff challenge from the Volkswagen T-Cross, the Ford EcoSport, the entry-level Jeep Renegade, and the Renault Duster.
The crossover has a striking shape, with an impressive and bold SUV-like body. This SUV is equipped with a pair of roof rails and a prominent grille, accompanied on either side by a headlight and daytime running light set-up.
On the inside, there is nothing earth-shattering to see except the mostly black trim. Its ergonomics are not entirely satisfactory but overall, the seating is comfortable and relaxing. Due to its hard plastic-like interior, the quality is not at the higher level shown by its rivals such as the VW and the Citroën C3 Aircross. Despite this, the interior’s sturdiness remained undaunted despite the car encountering some rough corrugated dirt roads. A touch-screen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto completes the interior.
The spaciousness inside takes one by surprise, with headroom exceeding 850 mm and rear knee room achieving 647 mm for any tall passenger. Unfortunately, it lacks the sliding rear-bench configuration of its competitors. But the boot makes up for that with its maximum capacity of 904 litres when the one seat is placed flat.
The Venue has a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine delivering 88 kW of power via an automatic dual-clutch transmission. The one challenge is the turbo lag experienced when taking off but bear in mind that the engine’s torque of 172 Nm is not excessively high.
The car’s claimed 6.9 L/100 km is satisfactory, but this improved to 5.7 L/100 km/h after some good road testing.
Although the stiff suspension compensates for the high centre of gravity, you do feel the bumps on the road. Ride height is excellent at 195 mm, while steering is light but still direct, allowing for good cornering.
Current prices are R317 9002 for the 1.0 TGDI Motion MT with infotainment, R339 900 for the 1.0 TGDI Motion MT LTD Edition, and R349 500 for the 1.0 TGDI Fluid MT.
This article can only provide information because car insurance can be complicated. That’s why you need to first obtain professional advice from a certified financial advisor before deciding to buy a car insurance product.
If you have decided to buy the new Hyundai Venue, the law requires that you purchase comprehensive car insurance should a financial institution finance the car. So don’t forget to contact PMD for affordable, comprehensive car insurance with unique benefits like fixed premiums*and a reduce to zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
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