Last Thursday, HARI, the official importer and distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, formally launched their newest model, the sleek-looking Hyundai Venue subcompact SUV.
The Venue exudes a commanding presence with its cascading grille with an intricate mesh of black and chrome steel. Black cladding around the fender, voluminous wheel arches, and 17-inch alloy wheels (in the top-of-the-line model) all come together to offer a premium feel. It carries bi-function halogen headlights with static bending, and uses LED Daytime Running Lights together with position lamps for energy efficiency and good visibility.
At the car’s rear are a unique set of Z-shaped LED tail lamps with lenticular optical lens, and a set of back-up lamps embedded on both ends of the rear bumper, complementing the overall style of the vehicle.
Inside the cabin is a T-shaped dashboard and an 8-inch display audio touchscreen which is Apple Carplay- and Android Auto-compatible. A 3.5-inch Supervision LCD is also available to display a variety of the vehicle’s settings and its current fuel efficiency. The air conditioning controls can be tinkered with via three dials positioned under the touchscreen.
Subcompact SUVs are a highly popular choice in the country because of their spaciousness, ride height, versatility, and maneuverability (compared to their bigger SUV brothers). Not to mention their more affordable price tags (also compared to the bigger SUVs). And with all its premium styling and comfort, the Venue’s price starts at Php 915,000. The more expensive GLS variant costs Php 985,000.
When it comes to carrying capacity, the Hyundai Venue offers 355 liters of cargo space and 60/40 split folding rear seats, should you need to free up more. A dual-level luggage board is also provided so you can stack your baggage in the rear.
Moreover, useful cubby holes can be found all around the cabin. The front passenger gets to enjoy a convenient open tray in front of him, where he could stow smart devices so he need not occupy the console tray space (and could leave this instead for the driver). Cup holders, bottle holders, and map pockets are also conveniently located all around the vehicle.
Powering the Venue is its Gamma 1.6 L multi-point injection (MPI) gasoline engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The subcompact SUV can churn out 123ps at 6,300 rpm and 15.4 kg-m of torque at 4,850 rpm. The modest displacement rewards the driver with fuel frugality; but more versatility can be had with the vehicle’s three drive modes, namely: Sporty, Normal, and Eco Friendly.
Underneath the vehicle is a MacPherson strut suspension at the front, coupled with a torsion beam axle at the rear. And like all Hyundai SUVs, 46% of the Venue is built with Hyundai’s Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS). Additionally, ring-shaped high stiffness structures and reinforcements are also applied around the car to strategically dissipate collision energy away from the occupants, should there be any unwanted road incidents.
The Venue is likewise equipped with 6 airbags: 2 at the front, plus side and curtain airbags. It also carries further passive safety features such as Electronic Stability Control and ABS. ISOFIX child seat anchors are available, if a baby is to come on board.
The all-new Hyundai Venue subcompact SUV is available in 2 variants: the GLS 6-speed automatic and the GL 6-speed automatic; and they come in an array of premium colors: Cosmic Gray, Phantom Black, Polar White, Denim Blue, and Fiery Red.
The Venue can be ordered via Hyundai’s Online Market Experience or via their website www.hyundai.ph.