Hyundai launches the Venue facelift
October 31, 2022
Buyers are spoiled for choice in the crossover/SUV segments. Being the “in” style of vehicle, the more people keep buying them, the more vehicle brands churn them out. Supply and demand. With the Hyundai Venue crossover entering our market in 2019 and selling over 17 000 units during that time, the Koreans felt it was time to reintroduce it to us, in its latest form.
Not all facelifts are made equal, you get the subtle facelift and then the extensive one where revisions to the vehicle are noticeable and substantial. The new Hyundai Venue still carries the brand’s design DNA, but with the upgrade, there are certain visual cues to help you distinguish the old from the new. From the front, you’ll notice a revised face with minor tweaks made to the grille and headlamps, as is customary for any facelift. At the rear, you’ll also be met with newly designed taillights that run the width of the boot. If you squint hard enough, you might see the rear of the VW T-Cross It’s a highly competitive space, so taking a page out of your competitor's sketchbook might occur here and there.
Depending on the model variant, the Venue can be had in three different wheel options. In the entry trim, a 15-inch wheel with steel rims is offered. Move up a rung into the mid-spec and the shoe size is upgraded to a 16-inch with plastic covers. Lastly, the two top variants, which include the N Line maintain the same 16-inch size but with varying alloy designs. These variants are also distinguished by a set of roof rails. A two-tone exterior colour scheme is available only in the N Line.
As can be expected, some minor tweaks have been made to the Venue’s cabin, which includes the addition of a USB-C port on the existing USB. An 8-inch display takes its place in the dash and displays your media operations as well as an image of your rear surroundings through the vehicle's reverse camera. Media and navigation can be mirrored from your smartphone through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Venue has steering-mounted audio controls, as well as cruise control which is activated through steering-mounted buttons.
From a safety front, it comes standard with two airbags in the entry-level variant, while six are offered through the remainder of the range. Other systems range from Isofix child seat anchors to ABS, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Engine specs
The Koreans make use of two engine and drivetrain options in the updated Venue, there’s a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo, as well as a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder with no forced induction. You’ll get greater output from the smaller unit at 88 kW and 172 Nm. This motor can be paired to any of the variants, and like other small-capacity engines that we’ve seen lately, it punches above its weight. While the 1.2-litre engine is only available in manual, the 1.0-litre can be had in both manual and automatic. You can expect an output of 61 kW and 115 Nm from the 1.2-litre, average fuel consumption here is 6.5l/100km.
Hyundai’s updated Venue consists of three Motion variants, available with both engines. While the Fluid and N Line range makes use of the turbocharged 1.0-litre exclusively. All variants are available in manual and DCT, except for the N Line. The Venue is offered with Hyundai’s 7-year/200 000km warranty, a similar year and mileage (150 000km) roadside assist, and a 3-year service plan. If you’re looking for a new or used Hyundai Venue, or something similar, visit www.changecars.co.za
Hyundai Venue price
Venue 1.2 Motion (manual)
R 294 900
Venue 1.0 Motion (manual)
R 354 900
Venue 1.0 Motion (DCT)
R 394 900
Venue 1.0 Fluid (manual)
R 389 900
Venue 1.0 Fluid (DCT)
R 429 900
Venue 1.0 N Line
R 449 900
Words: Gugu Masuku
