I am 32 years old and have three other family members. I am planning to buy my first car and am confused between the Hyundai i20 and the new Hyundai Venue. Please suggest which one to pick, and also recommend a suitable trim. My budget is close to ₹11-12 lakh. I would prefer an automatic. The car will be used mainly for commuting and occasionally for long trips. Thanks.

Autocar India

•4w

It really depends on what you prefer: a car from a higher segment that is nicer to drive but has fewer features, or a car from a lower segment that offers far more premium features.

For daily commutes, the Hyundai i20 IVT (CVT) works beautifully. It is silky smooth, and the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine has enough poke for quick overtakes at lower speeds. Combined with its compact dimensions, it is very easy to drive, which is a big plus for a first-time buyer. It is only on the highway where it can feel a bit underpowered, and this is where the 1.0-litre turbo DCT in the Venue has a clear advantage.

The new Venue is spacious enough for a family of four. The 1.0-litre turbo engine with the DCT is smooth in the city, but what makes it more versatile is the fact that it feels far more effortless on open roads compared to the i20 IVT. It is also easy to drive, with good all-around visibility. That said, the most affordable Venue variant with the DCT is the HX5, which is still over ₹12 lakh on road and only offers basic features. With the i20, however, you can get the top Asta (O) variant, which comes loaded with premium features, including a Bose audio system.

So, the final choice really comes down to what you value more: driving ease and premium features, or an SUV that offers greater comfort and better highway performance.

Explore cars mentioned

Hyundai

i20

from ₹6.66 Lakh

Hyundai

Venue

from ₹9.07 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Krishnav

•2d

I have been looking for a secondary car, primarily to be driven in the city. A petrol automatic would be preferred. Mileage is not a very big criterion. Good engine performance, features and a hassle-free ownership experience are on the must-have list. We are looking for something compact and easy to maneuver in the city and park in tight spaces. Budget is around ₹15 lakh, plus or minus a lakh. A lack of dealerships in the city we reside in restricts us to only a few brands: Maruti Suzuki (Nexa too), Kia, Hyundai, Mahindra, Toyota and Tata. We test drove the Hyundai Venue (new gen), Kia Sonet and also looked at the Toyota Fronx and Nexon. Which car would you kindly suggest?

Autocar India

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The Hyundai Venue is a good option to consider. It is compact, has a good feature list, and the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is punchy and fun to drive. The DCT automatic gearbox is also smooth and quick to respond. Being the newest entrant to the compact SUV segment, it gets a modern cabin that is well-equipped and gets all the features you would want.This Hyundai car also has decent space at the rear, and the ride comfort and sales and service experience is good, too. Overall, it is a well-rounded package that does everything the way you'd want it to. The HX 8 trim is one shy of the top-spec, but it will fit in your budget and offer a long equipment list.

Hyundai Venue

Vishal Maniar

•3d

I am planning to buy a compact SUV with a diesel automatic gearbox, and my budget is around ₹12-14 lakh on-road. I usually prefer buying the variant just above the base model for better value rather than going for the top variant. My shortlisted options are the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. While my priority is value for money, my child insists that the car should have a sunroof. Which car would you recommend ?

Autocar India

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Considering your requirements, the Hyundai Venue in HX5 trim would suit your needs the best. The HX5 variant offers good value for money with the necessary features and even a sunroof. The Venue is the newest car in the segment and feels modern and up to date. The cabin is well-appointed, the quality of materials is a lot better, and overall, it impresses with its ease of use.The diesel engine is refined and frugal and unlike most of the competition, it gets a torque converter automatic gearbox instead of an AMT, which is nicer to perform and smoother too. The Venue HX5 with the diesel-auto combination would be our recommendation.

Hyundai Venue

Vishal Maniar

•3d

I am planning to buy a compact SUV with a diesel automatic gearbox, and my budget is around ₹12–14 lakh on-road. I generally prefer choosing the variant just above the base model, as it usually offers the best value for money rather than going for the top-spec variant. My shortlisted options are the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet. While value for money is my main priority, my child is insisting that the car should also have a sunroof. Considering these requirements, which car would you recommend buying?

Autocar India

•2d

While the Tata Nexon has its strengths in a tough build and good suspension, its AMT gearbox is no match for the torque converter automatic. It comes paired with the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet's 1.5-litre diesel engine. The Hyundai and Kia's smooth diesel engines and slick auto gearboxes deliver a very polished driving experience, which you will love. Of the two, the Hyundai Venue is newer, offers more rear seat space and a few more frills like a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen. You'd get a Venue diesel-auto HX5 in your budget, which is reasonably well equipped and also packs in a sunroof. We can't recommend it wholeheartedly, though, because it misses the safety of a rear wiper. If rear seat space isn't a deal breaker and you are comfortable with the idea of buying a car that will be replaced in the near future, the Sonet diesel-auto HTX is definitely worth a look. For not much money over the Venue HX5, it packs in a whole lot more equipment such as LED headlights, push button start, leatherette seats and front seat ventilation. Also, it has the safety of a rear wiper, rear disc brakes and front parking sensors.

Tata Nexon

Kia Sonet

Hyundai Venue

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