Hyundai launches ‘Venue’
Hyundai have a new SUV in their range, sitting below the Kona in terms of size and price, and pitched against the Mitsubishi ASX, Mazda CX-3 and Toyota’s CH-R.
The Venue is described by Hyundai as combining the “road presence and interior space” of an SUV with the “parking ease, economy and manoeuvrability” of a light car.
Dimensions are yet to be confirmed but should be 4036mm x 1770mm x 1565mm (LxWxH), with a 2520mm wheelbase. If correct, this would see the Venue occupy roughly the same footprint as an i30 hatch.
To be offered in three model grades – entry-level Go, mid-spec Active and top-of-the-range Elite – the Venue is available with one engine across all grades – a 1.6-litre MPi naturally-aspirated petrol four-cylinder with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed auto transmissions (auto only in the Venue Elite). Listed outputs are 90kW and 151Nm but no info on fuel economy was available.
Despite the SUV styling and ride height, the Venue is only offered in front-wheel drive, with no AWD on the table, even as an option. There is, however, a ‘Traction’ mode in the Drive Mode selection system that offeres “unique control calibrations” suited to snow, mud or sand driving.
Like most other locally-released Hyundai models, the Venue carries an Australian-specific chassis tune that combines dynamics with ride sophistication, and is the result of local testing.
With the same engine and body, the only difference in the Venue grades is equipment levels.
Common to all is an 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia unit featuring Bluetooth streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard safety kit includes a reversing camera and Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist and tyre-pressure monitoring.
“The new Venue is ahead of the curve, offering customers a high level of value in a practical and well-equipped compact SUV,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia CEO, JW Lee.
“As our new range-entry model, the Venue combines the rugged looks and practical benefits of an SUV and a light car, with advanced safety technology at an attractive price point.”
Venue Go - $19,990 manual, $21,990 auto*
Beyond the aforementioned driveline and safety tech, standard features on the Go include dusk-sensing headlights, 15-inch steel wheels, Hyundai Auto Link (Bluetooth connectivity), cruise control and a four-speaker sound system.
Venue Active - $21,490 manual, $23,490 auto*
The Active swaps the steel wheels for 15-inch alloys and upgrades the sound system to six speakers, adds LED DRLs and side indicators, power-folding mirrors, rear parking sensors, a front centre armrest and leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter.
Venue Elite - $25,490*
To the Active grade, the Elite adds more safety tech – blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. Wheels are upgraded to 17-inch alloys, with sat nav, LED tail lights, climate control air con and rear privacy glass standard. Seats are upgraded to a premium cloth trim and the exterior features two-tone paint (pictured).
*all prices excluding ORCs.
Rollout of the Venue started in September, so Hyundai’s new entry-level SUV should be in dealerships by the time you read this.
See your Hyundai dealer for details.
