THE NTH DEGREE: 2023 HYUNDAI VENUE N-LINE
At those private times when your inner were-animal takes over, find a lonely road. Engage Sport mode and slip the stick across to manual. Then shift it, point it, put the boot in, make it howl. And let the spirit of N possess you. Until Responsibility calls you back…
Because, to be frank, Hyundai’s Venue compact SUVs, all six of them, are responsible and practical. Like a Springbok Scout. You’ve a choice of two engines, three gearboxes and as many trim levels. N-Line is an appearance- and equipment pack; the top level in this range.
This is what it delivers over and above next-in-line Fluid automatic:
• Dedicated grille design,
• Interior mood lighting,
• Aluminium pedals,
• Three-way drive mode selection,
• LED headlamps with static bending,
• N-Line rear spoiler,
• LED rear lamp combination,
• Tilt-and-slide powered sunroof,
• Artificial leather seats with special graphics,
• Electrical adjusters for the driver,
• Three-step recline for the rear seat backs,
• Upgrade to disc brakes at the back. Six airbags, bespoke 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic light control, automatic air conditioning with vents to the rear compartment, all the safety electronics you need, plain cruise control, rear vision camera, keyless starting and eight-inch infotainment touch screen are part of the package.
N-Line comes in three colour combinations; Polar White, Shadow Grey or Nicobar Blue – all with black roofs. Missing, thankfully, are excessive reminders, warnings and “tips for your safety.” I hate cars that are over-programmed to mollycoddle their owners.*
Out on the road: The motor turns at a lazy, for a one-litre car, 2600 rpm in seventh with fair power in reserve for roll-on acceleration. A local long hill, with 100 km/h speed limit, posed no problem in top gear. And like most DSG transmissions, this one shifted smoothly and kicked down readily.
Luggage bin: The lip is at 81 cm into a well 20 cm deep. It’s 700 mm long and 1106 mm wide. Rear seatbacks split 60:40 and fold with a big step - our versions do away with the bi-level boot offered overseas - for an extended length of around 1400 mm. A 195/65R15 spare tyre, on a steel rim, is in the usual spot under the floor board.
Rear seat area: 9/10 for headroom, 8/10 for knees and 10/10 for foot space beneath a lowered driver’s chair. Fittings include the additional vents mentioned earlier, a map pocket on the left front seatback, two full seat belts and a lap strap, central courtesy lamp to augment those in front, drop-down armrest with cup holders, two powered Type-C USBs and small bottle holders.
Office: Small armrest box, two cup holders, regular handbrake placed for RHD, one standard USB and one powered Type-C, 12-volt/180A socket, chilled glove box, open storage shelf above that, medium-sized door bins and an unlit vanity mirror on the left visor. Entertainment and HVAC controls are easy to find and use. The steering wheel adjusts for height only.
Summary: Perky performer with usable luggage and family space; well-built and nicely equipped without resorting to foolishness.
Test unit from Hyundai SA press fleet The numbers
Price: R463 900 Engine: 998 cc, 12-valve three-cyl
inder, turbopetrol Power: 88.3 kW at 6000 rpm Torque: 172 Nm between 1500
and 4000 rpm. 0-100 km/h: 11.4 seconds Top speed 180 km/h Real life fuel consumption: About
7.4 l/100 km Tank: 45 litres Boot: 343 - 891 litres Ground clearance: 195 mm Turning circle: 10.2 metres
Standard tyre size: 215/60R16 Spare: See text Maximum towing capacity
unbraked, braked: 500, 1100 kg Warranty: Five years, 150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty with added two years, 50 000 km mechanical warranty Roadside assistance: Seven years,
150 000 km Service plan: Three years, 45 000 km - at annual or 15 000 km intervals