In the bustling streets of India’s metropolitan cities, where space is a luxury and traffic a constant companion, the Hyundai Venue has carved out a niche for itself.
This compact SUV, first introduced in 2019, has now received a significant update for 2024, cementing its position as a frontrunner in the highly competitive sub-4-meter SUV segment.
A Design That Turns Heads
The 2024 Hyundai Venue is a testament to Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design philosophy.
The front fascia now sports a bolder, more imposing grille that seamlessly integrates with the sleek LED daytime running lights.
The main headlamp cluster, positioned lower on the bumper, gives the Venue a distinctive look that sets it apart from its competitors.
“We wanted to create a design that’s both sophisticated and adventurous,” says Seon Seob Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India. “The new Venue is a perfect blend of urban chic and rugged appeal.”
The side profile retains the boxy SUV silhouette that Indian consumers have come to love, but with more pronounced wheel arches housing stylish 16-inch alloy wheels.
At the rear, the connected LED tail lamps create a wide, planted stance, further accentuating the Venue’s SUV credentials.
Power-Packed Performance
Under the hood, the 2024 Venue offers three engine options:
- A 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine (83 PS, 114 Nm)
- A 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine (120 PS, 172 Nm)
- A 1.5-liter diesel engine (100 PS, 240 Nm)
The 1.0-liter turbo-petrol is the star of the show, offering a perfect balance of performance and efficiency.
During my test drive through the winding roads of Lonavala, the engine’s punchy nature was evident. It pulls strongly from low revs, making light work of steep inclines and quick overtakes.
“Our goal was to offer a range of powertrains that cater to diverse customer needs,” explains Tarun Garg, Director of Sales, Marketing & Service at Hyundai Motor India.
“Whether you’re looking for fuel efficiency or performance, there’s a Venue for you.”
The transmission options are equally diverse, with a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, a 7-speed DCT, and Hyundai’s innovative iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) on offer.
The iMT, which allows clutchless manual shifting, is a boon in stop-and-go city traffic.
Tech-Savvy Interior
Step inside the 2024 Venue, and you’re greeted by a cabin that punches above its weight class.
The centerpiece is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The system is intuitive and responsive, a far cry from the laggy interfaces often found in this segment.
But it’s not just about entertainment. The Venue now comes with Hyundai’s advanced BlueLink connected car technology, offering over 60 features including:
- Remote engine start/stop
- Climate control
- Door lock/unlock
- Vehicle tracking
- Geo-fencing alerts
“Connectivity is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity,” says Garg. “With BlueLink, we’re bringing premium features to the compact SUV segment.”
The driver’s instrument cluster is now a crisp 4.2-inch digital display, offering customizable information layouts. The steering wheel, wrapped in soft-touch leather, houses controls for audio, phone, and cruise control.
Comfort and Practicality
Despite its compact dimensions, the Venue offers surprising interior space. The front seats are well-bolstered and offer good support for long drives.
The rear bench, while not the most spacious in class, is comfortable for two adults with decent headroom and legroom.
Practicality is further enhanced by thoughtful touches like a cooled glovebox, multiple USB charging ports, and a wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones.
The boot, at 350 liters, is adequate for weekend getaways or the weekly grocery run.
Safety First
Hyundai hasn’t skimped on safety features with the 2024 Venue. Standard across the range are:
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
Higher variants add side and curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, and Hill Assist Control. The Venue’s body shell uses high-strength steel in key areas, enhancing crash protection.
The Driving Experience
During my extensive test drive, the Venue impressed with its well-rounded nature. In city traffic, the light steering and good all-round visibility make maneuvering a breeze.
The suspension, tuned for Indian road conditions, soaks up potholes and speed breakers with aplomb.
Out on the highway, the Venue feels planted and confident. The 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine provides ample grunt for overtakes, while the well-insulated cabin keeps road and wind noise at bay.
The steering weighs up nicely at higher speeds, inspiring confidence during high-speed lane changes.
Fuel Efficiency
In a country where “kitna deti hai?” (what’s the mileage?) is often the first question asked about a new car, the Venue doesn’t disappoint.
Hyundai claims a fuel efficiency of 18.15 km/l for the 1.0-liter turbo-petrol with DCT, which seems achievable in real-world conditions based on my drive.
The Competition
The compact SUV segment in India is fiercely competitive, with contenders like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, and Tata Nexon vying for market share.
The Venue holds its own with its combination of stylish design, feature-rich interior, and Hyundai’s reputation for reliability and after-sales service.
Price and Positioning
Priced between ₹7.53 lakh and ₹12.72 lakh (ex-showroom), the 2024 Hyundai Venue offers good value for money. It’s positioned as a premium offering in the compact SUV space, and the features and quality on offer justify the price tag.
“We believe the new Venue offers the perfect blend of style, technology, and value,” says Kim. “It’s a vehicle that resonates with the aspirations of modern Indian consumers.”
Hyundai Venue
After spending considerable time with the 2024 Hyundai Venue, I can confidently say that it’s a well-rounded package that deserves serious consideration if you’re in the market for a compact SUV.
It successfully addresses the needs of urban dwellers looking for a vehicle that’s easy to live with in the city, yet capable enough for the occasional weekend getaway.
The Venue isn’t just a car; it’s a lifestyle statement. It says you appreciate the finer things in life but are also practical enough to choose a vehicle that makes sense in the Indian context.
With its blend of style, technology, and driving dynamics, the 2024 Hyundai Venue is set to continue its successful run in the Indian market.
As I reluctantly handed back the keys after my test drive, I couldn’t help but feel that Hyundai has once again raised the bar in the compact SUV segment. The Venue is not just venue-ready; it’s future-ready.