The sub-compact crossover market is sizzling hot and
Hyundai is looking to expand their presence in the segment by introducing the
all-new Venue. Set to go on sale late this year, the 2020 Venue has a bold front
fascia with a cascading grille that is flanked by cube-shaped headlights and
slender LED lights. The crossover also has pronounced wheel arches, strong
character lines and “confident body forms.” 15-inch wheels are standard, but
17-inchers are optional.
Since the crossover was designed to be funky and
fun, Hyundai will offer the Venue in eight “youthful” colors called Black Noir,
Ceramic White, Denim, Galactic Gray, Green Apple, Intense Blue, Scarlet Red and
Steller Silver. Buyers will also be able to order a power sunroof, rear privacy
glass and a contrasting roof.
The Venue slots under the Kona and measures 4,036 mm long, 1,770 mm wide and 1,565 mm tall with a wheelbase that spans 2,520 mm. To put those numbers into
perspective, the Venue is 130 mm shorter than the Kona, 30 mm narrower and 15 mm taller. The Venue is also down 81 mm in wheelbase.
The cabin is relatively basic, but the model has a
leather-wrapped steering wheel and an 8-inch Display Audio system with Android
Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Other highlights include USB charging
ports, a rearview camera and a 3.5-inch display in the instrument cluster.
Sticking with the technology theme, the Venue offers
an impressive list of driver assistance systems. These include Forward
Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning,
Rear Collision Cross-Traffic Warning and Driver Attention Warning.
Hyundai was coy on powertrain details, but confirmed
the Venue has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder Smartstream Gamma engine. Essentially
an upgraded version of the previous Gamma engine, the Smartstream variant has a
high tumble combustion system, improved thermal efficiency and dual port fuel
injection with improved injectors and optimized spray targeting. These
modifications help to improve fuel-efficiency and Hyundai says the Venue is
expected to return 33 mpg combined.
The four-pot can be paired to either a six-speed
manual or an intelligent variable transmission. All models will apparently be
front-wheel drive, but Hyundai noted the Venue will come with a snow mode to
help improve performance in wintry conditions.
Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but
given that the Kona starts from US$ 19,990, the smaller Venue could cost a couple
thousand dollars less.
