SA the Venue for baby SUV

Charl Bosch

With sister brand Kia having already unleashed its new Seltos, Hyundai has now detailed its equivalent in the form of the allnew Venue.

The Venue arrives in SA sporting a single petrol engine, hooked to a manual or dual-clutch transmission with drive going to the front wheels only.

Four derivatives will be available, ranging from the 1.0 T-GDI Motion at R274 900 to the top-ofthe-range 1.0 T-GDI Glide DCT at R369 900.

Based on the automaker’s website, the Motion serves as the entry-level derivative. In this guise, the Venue sports cloth trim, a multi-function steering wheel, electric windows all around, keyless entry, electric mirrors, dual front airbags and anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and electronic stability programme.

The step-up Fluid adds a dark chrome grille and diamond-cut 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as partial leather upholstery, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, auto on/off headlights, reverse camera with rear parking sensors, folding electric mirrors and two additional airbags.

The Glide boasts automatic air-conditioning, projector-type headlights with daytime running LEDs, a wireless smartphone charger, LED tail lights, rear armrest, and the option of a two-tone paint finish.

The Venue mirrors the Volkswagen T-Cross in being powered by a 1.0 T-GDI three-cylinder motor that punches out 88kW/172Nm.

Said to sip unleaded at a claimed 6.5l/100km, the threepot is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that is standard on the range, bar the Motion where it is optional – the standard being a six-speed manual.

It comes with a five year/ 150 000km warranty plus an additional two year/50 000km powertrain warranty standard on models, along with a three year/45 000km service plan.