It’s been 3 years since Hyundai’s first-ever compact SUV landed on our shores. With over 3 lakh customers and counting, the Hyundai Venue has not only helped Hyundai grow as a brand, but also the compact SUV segment as a whole. The Venue brings in many firsts. It has made great innovations in terms of technology and mobility. To put things into perspective, the Venue contributed 42% to the overall SUV sales for Hyundai in 2021. So what exactly makes the Venue so special? Let’s find out!
Class-leading technology
The Venue brought in many innovations, which are a common sight in the segment today. Thanks to the potent 1-litre TGDi motor, consumers have become more open to advanced turbo-petrol engines. Furthermore, a quick-shifting Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission (DCT) was also a first for the segment. To date, the Venue is still one of the very few compact SUVs to offer a DCT. Even in terms of connectivity, the Bluelink technology with 32 connected car features was a first for not only the segment but also the Indian automobile industry. The Venue also offered many first-in-class features, such as wireless smartphone charging, an air purifier, an Arkymys sound system, and remote engine start.
Multiple powertrain options
The Hyundai Venue has something for everyone when it comes to the engine and transmission options. The frugal entry-level 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine not only helps in making the Venue more accessible in terms of price but also gives customers the option of a familiar naturally aspirated petrol engine that we’ve come to see in other Hyundai cars. There’s also a 1.5-litre diesel, which is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. However, the most popular engine in the Venue’s lineup has to be the 1-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol unit that puts out 120hp and 172nm of torque. Customers can choose between a quick-shifting 7-speed Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission, a 6-speed manual, and a 6-speed iMT.
Features Galore!
Hyundai cars are synonymous with the term ‘feature packed’. The Venue has featured many firsts in the segment, which has forced the competition to offer them as well! Take, for example, the air purifier, which is a must with the growing pollution in some of the metros. Hyundai has also been smart to offer the electric sunroof from the SX variant onwards, making it more accessible for customers. A sunroof is an aspirational feature for many Indians, and Hyundai has done well to not restrict it just to the top-end SX (O) variant. Other features include cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start/stop, automatic climate control, projector headlamps, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, and an Arkymys sound system, wireless phone charging, and many more!
A Connected Experience
The Hyundai Venue was the first Hyundai to feature the brand’s Bluelink connected car technology. Connected car technology is all the rage these days, and the Venue was one of the first cars in India to feature it. The BlueLink technology offers a total of 52 features, many of which have been made specifically for the Indian audience. These features can further be broken down into 7 subcategories: safety, security, remote access, vehicle relationship management, location-based services, alert services, and artificial intelligence. For additional convenience, the SOS, RSA, and BlueLink buttons are integrated into the central rear-view mirror.
First-in-segment iMT
The Hyundai Venue is the first car in India to feature iMT technology. With this new iMT system, the driver can shift gears without the need to mechanically operate the clutch pedal. It is a widely accepted fact that operating a clutch in heavy traffic on a daily basis poses many health problems and has a direct impact on the driver’s legs and spinal cord. The iMT, by eliminating the clutch pedal altogether, addresses this issue and makes the driving experience a lot more effortless. Sure, there are conventional automatic gearboxes available for the same purpose, but they rob the fun away from driving a manual. iMT combines the best of both worlds. Additionally, the iMT doesn’t command a huge premium over its manual counterpart. Hence, this makes ‘clutch-less’ driving much more affordable.
Safety for everyone
In terms of safety, the Venue is equipped with 2 front airbags, ISOFIX mounts, and ABS as standard, while the top variant also gets the option of 6-airbags. Hyundai has developed the Venue with a specially created strong steel frame and body parts. The top-end variant also gets the option of switchable traction control which is enabled using the ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) and a Hill Hold Assist option. Other safety features include ISOFIX child mounts, a reverse parking camera and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System(TPMS). This makes the Venue armed with every safety feature that you’ll ever need.