Hyundai Venue

To say that Hyundai covers the SUV segment well is underplaying it just a tad. From the little Exter, all the way to the hybrid Santa Fe, there is a size and price to suit most budgets. However, there was a vital piece of the puzzle that has been absent for the better part of 2026 as the older Venue was discontinued. The replacement has taken a few months to land on SA shores but has now hit showrooms countrywide.

A bit more butch

The latest Hyundai Venue comes with all-new styling. This latest version, which measures smidge under four metres has a design aesthetic that is a more more butch that its predecessor. Bolder wheel arches as well as a more modern headlamp motif help to distinguish the new from the old. The newer version is also a little wider, at about 1,8 metres, which helps provide more elbow room for occupants. 190 mm of ground clearance will be sufficient to climb the nastiest urban pavements.

There are three variants in the new Hyundai Venue range, namely the 1,2 Premium, the 1,0T Premium and the N Line. The Premium variants are fitted with 16-inch steel wheels covered by dark-finish wheel caps, while N Line versions feature 17-inch alloys. The new styling is immediately evident and the frontal aspect, in particular, helps draw strong links to other members of the current Hyundai family.

Fresh inside

The latest Venue also takes it cabin design cues from siblings. It has twin digital screens, one for driver info and another for the infotaiment system. All expected mobile phone connectivity is in place, as are a few USB ports in a little holder just ahead of the gear shifter. Despite this being a budget beater, the infotainment interface even features voice control for some functions.

Standard equipment across the range includes six airbags, air-conditioning (automatic in the N Line version), electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes, hill-start assist control (HAC), a tyre pressure monitoring system, a rear-view monitor and parking distance warning.

Cloth is used as the upholstery of choice in the two Premium derivatives, whereas faux leather is used in the N Line. N Line versions also add some red trim to the cabin and a sunroof to the standard items list along with push-button start, a split folding rear seat with armrest and one-touch function for the electric windows.

Three derivatives, two engines

As mentioned there are three derivatives in the new range (see bottom of post for pricing). Premium versions are available with either a 1,2-litre naturally aspirated engine (61 kW/115 N.m) that is mated exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission. Or a 1,0-litre turbocharged motor (88 kW and 172 N.m). The latter can only be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. N Line variants are mechanically similar (ie same powertrain) and differ only in terms of standard specification and appearance.

On the road

We got to drive the new Venue on a gentle route around the Cape Winelands at its national launch event. The only version on offer was the Premium with turbocharged engine. As it sits in the middle of the range, has an automatic transmission, and is keenly priced we suspect it will be the volume seller of the range.

The interior treatment is neat and intuitive, although, both our lanky co-pilot and we found that the driver’s seat doesn’t drop down as much as we’d like. A round-trip journey of over 100 km was easily dispatched with the air-con blowing out a steady stream of cool air on a hot summer’s day.

We found the steering action to be quite light, which will probably suit most buyers. There is plenty of punch from the turbocharged engine that works well in combination with the seven-speed transmission to keep pace on the open road or to overtake farming lorries.

Summary

Hyundai was once the upstart of the SA new car market, as so many new challengers are today. Over the last 25-odd years the Korean automaker has built up a network of dealers (about 100 and counting) as well as offered quality products along with timeous back-up.

It is no wonder that the brand has managed to rise to fourth place in term of sales volumes in the SA market. Its products, such as this Venue, and its siblings have helped Hyundai get to this level, and keep it there in the face of new challengers. The new Venue will certainly help the brand stave off the assault.