Hyundai Venue | Photo Credit: Amit Niak

When Hyundai launched the Venue in India five years ago, it quickly became a household name and one of the country’s top 10 best-selling cars. But in today’s fiercely competitive market, where Tata, Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra have carved out commanding positions, Hyundai is gearing up for a comeback.

The mission is clear — to take the Venue back to the top of the compact SUV space. The new Venue has been redesigned from the ground up. Its once-friendly curves have made way for a sharper suit of armour defined by taut lines, sculpted surfaces and a bolder stance. The front end now features a dark-chrome grille framed by LED signature lighting that gives it a commanding road presence. Look closer, and you’ll spot a neatly integrated front camera — a sign of the addition of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that bring big-car tech to the compact SUV segment.

Despite maintaining its sub-4-metre footprint, Hyundai’s packaging has resulted in a cabin that’s noticeably roomier than before. On the outside, the 16-inch aero-style alloy wheels and dark-chrome accents lend a hint of sophistication, while the updated proportions give the SUV a more planted, premium look.

Adding a layer of excitement to the lineup is the new Venue N Line, which now has its own distinctive personality. With sportier bumpers, red accents and a more assertive stance, it feels far more differentiated than before.

modern cockpit

Inside the new Venue interior, it’s a far more premium cabin than before, with a completely redesigned dashboard. The AC vents have been reshaped to flow seamlessly with the new layout, while the highlight is undoubtedly the twin 12.3-inch curved displays — one serving as a digital instrument cluster, the other as an infotainment touchscreen. Hyundai has also raised the sensory experience with a Bose sound system that delivers immersive audio.

The front seats are broad, supportive and well-bolstered, with power adjustment and ventilation that make them ideal for long drives. The rear benefits from the stretched wheelbase, which translates to more legroom and a sense of openness. Scooped-out seatbacks, improved headroom and added shoulder space make it a comfortable space for three adults. The rear seat now even reclines in two stages, while sunblinds and twin Type-C charging ports add to passenger convenience.

Practicality has also taken a step up. The boot now offers a generous 375 litres of flat usable space, easily enough for a weekend’s luggage or a family road trip, with the added convenience of 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

The Venue sticks with a familiar but proven set of powertrains, each fine-tuned for smoother performance and better refinement. Under the hood, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine continues to punch above its weight, producing 120 bhp and 17.53 kg-m, while the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit delivers 83 bhp and 11.69 kg-m. For those who prefer a torquey cruiser, the 1.5-litre CRDi diesel is an excellent option, generating 116 bhp and a strong 25.49 kg-m.

Transmission choices are wide, with both manual and dual-clutch automatic (DCT) gearboxes available. The biggest mechanical update for 2025 is the introduction of a 6-speed automatic transmission with the diesel engine — a move that makes it more appealing to those seeking convenience without compromising on efficiency. On paper, it’s a well-balanced setup, and out on the road, it proves just that. The diesel-automatic combination feels eager and responsive, with the gearbox delivering smooth and well-timed shifts. NVH levels have improved dramatically — the typical diesel clatter is now impressively muted, only making itself known at higher revs.

At 100 kph, the engine hums along quietly at low revs and the car feels composed and stable even as speeds climb toward 140 kph. Switching to Sport mode livens things up noticeably; the transmission holds onto gears longer, keeping the engine in its sweet spot for brisk acceleration and easy overtakes. Paddle shifters, now part of the package, add an extra layer of engagement, especially when driving enthusiastically on winding roads.

Performance numbers reflect this well-rounded nature. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol DCT manages a 0–100 kph sprint in 11.15 seconds, while the diesel automatic clocks in at 12.36 seconds. Both powertrains deliver enough punch for quick highway merges and confident overtakes. In Eco and Normal modes, the system prioritises smoothness and fuel efficiency, offering a relaxed and composed drive.

Ride quality at low speeds has taken a clear step up, with the suspension soaking up bumps, ruts and broken tarmac with impressive poise. Hard edges and imperfections are far better isolated from the cabin, making city commutes smoother and more comfortable. As speeds rise, the setup continues to deliver a planted and stable feel, though sharper potholes can still send a faint thud through the chassis. Body control is tidy and predictable, and while the Venue isn’t chasing sporty dynamics, it strikes an excellent balance between comfort and confidence.

The steering has also evolved to match this newfound composure. In tight city spaces or while parking, it remains light and manageable, but once you’re out on open roads, it firms up reassuringly, offering improved feedback and a greater sense of control.

However, there are a few missed opportunities. The twin 12.3-inch displays, for example, are reserved for the top trims, when their appeal could have easily enhanced the mid-range variants too. The single-pane sunroof feels a bit out of step with segment trends, and with prices for the top-spec model nearing ₹15 lakh (ex-showroom), the Venue has moved into a more premium territory.

Nonetheless, for customers seeking a well-rounded, feature-packed and value-driven SUV, the new Venue delivers a compelling and complete package — one that proves Hyundai is not just back in the game, but playing to win.

© Motoring World

Published on November 21, 2025