Hyundai Venue: 4 reasons to buy, 2 reasons not to

The new‑gen Hyundai Venue gets major updates in design, cabin quality and features, aimed at keeping it competitive in the compact SUV space. It rivals the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Skoda Kylaq and Maruti Suzuki Brezza. But with its prices now higher and competition fiercer than ever, should you still buy one? Here are four reasons why it makes sense and two reasons why it might not.

1. Cabin looks and feels more premium than before

Better materials, new design and added convenience features

New curved display that integrates an infotainment screen and a digital cluster.

Hyundai has stepped up the quality inside the new Venue. The cabin now gets a curved, panoramic display, new colour themes and better fit and finish overall. The layout feels more modern and upmarket than before, giving the SUV a more premium feel than most of its rivals. Other additions to the Venue include an 8-speaker Bose sound system, ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera.

2. Slick dual-screen infotainment and digital cluster

New 12.3-inch screens lift cabin’s tech appeal.

The driver’s display is now finally a fully digital unit.

The dual 12.3-inch screen setup is one of the Venue’s biggest highlights. The infotainment system is snappy, responsive and supports connected car features, while the digital instrument cluster is crisp and easy to read. Together, they raise the cabin’s tech appeal, which buyers in this segment will appreciate.

Hyundai Venue

₹8.00 - ₹15.65 Lakh (Ex-showroom price)

Range/Mileage

17.9 kmpl - 20.99 kmpl

Specifications

Engine Type: TurbochargedEngine Displacement: 1493Number of Cylinders: 4+ 47 more

Features

Acoustic Windshield: NoAmbient Lighting: YesAuto Parking: No+ 177 more

Variants

HX10 1.0 Turbo Petrol DCTHX10 1.5 Diesel ATHX10 Knight Edition 1.0 Turbo Petrol DCT+ 23 more

3. Diesel-auto combination is smooth and refined

Diesel-auto delivers easy performance and good efficiency

The diesel felt slightly more composed than the petrol variant on the same surface.

The 1.5-litre diesel engine paired with the 6-speed automatic gearbox is a refined and relaxed setup. It delivers smooth power delivery, good fuel efficiency and a calm driving experience, especially on long highway runs.

4. Improved comfort and space

Ride quality and rear-seat comfort see noticeable gains

Noticeable improvement in ride quality over its predecessor.

Ride quality has improved over the previous model, with the Venue feeling more stable and comfortable on rough roads. Rear-seat comfort is better too, and the cabin now offers a bit more space, making it easier to live with as a daily family SUV.

Now, let’s delve into the Hyundai Venue’s most notable drawbacks.

1. Top variants are on the pricier side

Fully loaded trims stretch into higher SUV price bands

The New Venue’s ex-showroom prices are in the Rs 7.90 lakh-15.69 lakh range.

With all the added tech and features, the new Venue’s higher variants have become quite expensive. Ex-showroom prices now stretch up to Rs 15.69 lakh, putting it in the same territory as larger SUVs or better-equipped rivals.

2. Venue N Line isn’t mechanically different

No suspension changes over the standard car

All versions of the Venue steer almost exactly the same, with direct but light steering.

The new Venue N Line doesn’t get any mechanical changes over the standard model. Apart from slightly firmer ride quality from the 17-inch wheels, it feels identical to drive. Hyundai hasn’t altered the suspension or steering setup, which makes the N Line more of a cosmetic upgrade than a performance one.