Back in 2021, Hyundai launched the i20 N Line which was a hotter version of the standard i20. The i20 N Line was unlike any other Hyundai we witnessed before in terms of handling and dynamics making it an enthusiast’s choice. Fast forward to 2022, Hyundai has launched the N Line version of the facelifted Venue. Can the Venue N Line impress us the same way its sibling did last year? Let’s find out!
Design
Hyundai has added a lot of sporty and contrasting bits to the Venue N Line to separate it from its ‘normal’ iteration. It gets a host of red accents all around including the front and rear bumpers, roof rails, on the sides, and the fenders. The front and rear bumpers have been reworked as well and it also gets a new tailgate spoiler. It gets N Line badging as well including on the dark chrome grille. The 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels are new and it gets red brake calipers in the front. Lastly, the dual-tip exhaust pipes give it a sportier look.
It also gets two new exclusive paint shades in the form of Thunder Blue and Shadow Grey Other than this, all the exterior design elements remain the same as the standard Venue like its projector headlamps with LED DRLs and the new horizontal LED taillights which are connected by a thin LED strip. It also gets two new exclusive paint shades in the form of Thunder Blue and Shadow Grey. Overall, Hyundai has done quite a bit to make Venue N Line different from its standard counterpart.
Interior
The interiors of the Venue N Line has been spruced with sporty bits just like the exterior. It gets an all-black theme with red accents everywhere. The leatherette seats get N Line branding with red stitching and piping, and the ambient lighting is red in color as well. It borrows the three-spoke steering wheel and gear knob from the i20 N Line. Other than this, the interior gets sporty metal pedals and blacked-out paddle shifters. The driver’s seat comes with 4 way electric adjustment which is a first in the segment.
The familiar 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system has been updated and now it comes with acoustic Sounds of Nature and a valet mode. The Bluelink connected car technology offers 60+ features and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. The instrument cluster is a digital unit and selecting Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes also changes the theme of the instrument cluster. Other features include remote start/stop, USB C- type fast charging ports, puddle lamps, cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start/stop, automatic climate control, projector headlamps, an electric sunroof, and wireless phone charging. The rear seats get a 2-step recline function and the boot space is rated at 350 liters.
Performance
The Venue N Line is powered by the familiar 1-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged turbo petrol engine that produces 120hp and 172Nm of torque. This engine remains changed when compared to the standard Venue. The engine comes mated to a 7-speed DCT and doesn’t come with the option of a manual or iMT. Since Hyundai has not fiddled with the engine, its character remains the same. The engine is fairly refined and the typical 3-cylinder thrum is heard only in the higher revs. The mid-range is where it comes on its own and it is pretty quick when it comes to making some progress. The power delivery is linear and being smooth on the throttle helps you go quicker than flooring it everytime.
However, the 7-speed DCT does let the performance down at times. There’s a bit of a lag when starting off the line and this is evident when you want a quick response at lower speeds. The paddle shifters do help the case since the downshifts are not quick always. Slot the selectable drive mode into Sports and the difference is clearly felt. The engine is much eager and the upshifts are quicker as well. Hyundai has also made the exhaust note a little raspy and it is evident at slow speeds and at idle. However, it isn’t too audible at higher speeds which may dissapoint a few enthusiasts. The fuel efficiency is descent as well at around 14 km/l which we achieved during our drive.
Ride and Handling
This is where the Venue N Line sets it self apart from the standard Venue. The damping force has been increased by 34% which makes it much stiffer. This is evident right from the get go and the bad roads do make their prescence felt. The passengers at the back will be complaining too when you go over pot holes. However, the high speed stability has increased thanks to this. Cornering is good as well and the car can pushed around confidently.
The increased stability does make it feel more planted around the corners and makes it fun to drive. The steering wheel seems to have been tweaked a little and the Sports mode does add some feel to it and it weighs up at higher speeds as well. However, it is still not the best unit around. The addition of rear disc brakes does help the braking and the car stops confidently in a straight line.
Conclusion
Priced between ₹12.16 lakh and ₹13.15 lakh, the top-end Venue N Line N8 variant is around ₹58000 more expensive than the top-end Venue SX(O). Is the extra money worth it? We’d say yes. The Venue N Line adds a host of bits including tweaked mechanicals, the sporty bits, a nice exhuast note and the useful dashcam. In fact, this could be the best buy for anyone who wants a fun to drive compact SUV.
