Subcompact SUV war heats up (further): Hyundai’s entry-level Venue starts at P915K

MANILA: Another new contender rolls onto the small-ute/crossover ring.

Last Friday, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) digitally revealed a new vehicle that will be added to its portfolio. The Hyundai Venue, a subcompact crossover, now takes its place as the most affordable ute of the brand (starting at P915,000). Units will be coming straight from South Korea, according to HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez Agudo, replying to a ZIGWHEELS.PH question.

Just like others in the category, the 2021 Hyundai Venue is positioned for a younger segment – including first-time car owners and upgraders from subcompact sedans. During its virtual launch for the motoring media, HARI added that the Venue is also targeting those who are on the lookout for personal mobility, particularly during this time. The nameplate is seen as a “most affordable SUV aimed for urban adventures.”

Said Allan Cruz of HARI product planning: “Customer needs are changing… (and) we have to adapt to the new normal."

Exterior

At first blush, the Venue looks imposing despite its compact size. It Vsports a “cascading grille with three-dimensional pattern formed from an intricate mesh of black and chrome (for the 1.6L GLS cvariant). It sports black cladding around the fender, large wheel arches accommodating 17-inch (for the GLS) alloy wheels. An interesting feature is a front-wheel air curtain built into the bumper. For front illumination, it gets bi-function halogen headlights “with static blending,” and LED DRL and position lamps.

 “Venue” in large letters is a highlight of the rear liftgate just under the chrome Hyundai logo. The LED taillights bear an interesting Z-shaped lighting with “lenticular optical lens that give them an even more vibrant personality.” Back-up lamps are incorporated at both ends of the rear bumper. 

Interior

Hyundai describes the cabin as having an “openness-focused horizontal layout that blends in fun and technology in one comfy space.” Its infotainment system features an eight-inch display audio touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen also functions as a display for the rearview camera.

Driving mode can be changed from Sporty, Normal, and Eco-friendly, and the Venue also boasts 2WD multi-traction control that adapts to the preferred driving style. A 3.5-inch “supervision” liquid crystal display allows the driver to monitor fuel efficiency, among other bits of information.

The Venue provides 355 liters of cargo space, increased through 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Hyundai said the vehicle can also accommodate “tall or irregularly shaped items” through a “dual level luggage board that can be positioned at the top or bottom to further maximize luggage loading convenience.” A retractable covering shelf at the rear can also be stored at the rear seatback unlike regular tonneaus. There’s also an assortment of cubby holes and storage compartments.

Engine and safety

Under the hood is a Gamma 1.6-liter multi-point injection (MPI) gasoline engine good for 123ps at 6,300 rpm and 151Nm at 4,850 rpm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission system.  Its unibody structure is given MacPherson strut-type suspension at the front and coupled torsion beam axle at the rear.

As with other Hyundai SUVs, the Venue gets Hyundai’s vaunted Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) – with 46% of the chassis getting this material.  Additionally, “ring-shaped high stiffness structures and reinforcements to core vehicle body members have also been applied to enhance overall body rigidity for better, and likewise, improved structural integrity to help protect the vehicle’s occupants and efficiently dissipate energy away from them in the unlikely event of a collision.”    

The GLS features six airbags: two at the front, plus side and curtain airbags to help cushion the impact to occupants in case of an accident. Other safety features include electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, Isofix child seat anchors.

The all-new Hyundai Venue is available in two variants: the 1.6-liter GLS 6-speed automatic and 1.6-liter GL 6-speed automatic.  It comes in the following colors: Denim Blue, Fiery Red, Cosmic Grey, Polar White, and Phantom Black.  Pricing is at P915,000 for the 1.6 GL 6AT and P985,000 for the 1.6 GLS 6AT.

For more information, visit www.hyundai.ph, or check out the Hyundai Online Market Experience found within the Hyundai website.  The HCares hotline is (0917) 877-4877; message on Facebook Messenger: @hyundaiph.

Photos from Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc.

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