The facelifted Hyundai Venue has launched in South Africa, giving local motorists a choice of three trim levels and two different engines for the brand’s entry-level crossover.
Included in this range is the new top-spec N Line model, which replaces the previous “Glide” specification, boasting good performance and an awesome interior to help it stand out in the crowded crossover segment.
Aggression in compact form
Aside from the entry-level Motion, which has a 1.2-litre motor, all versions of the Venue are shipped with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol plant producing 88kW and 172Nm.
That torque figure is particularly noticeable, as the Hyundai has quite a bit of grunt off the line.
This was on full display when taking the crossover on a drive through the streets of Johannesburg as the power was eager to make itself known when taking off from a green light.
This is partially thanks to a twin exhaust which adds a surprisingly aggressive tone to the driving experience, though the engine itself is also quick to raise the rev count.
Combined with a set of hard brakes and stiff suspension, the end result was that driving around town took a bit of adjustment before cruising between intersections felt natural.
One thing that makes city life in the Hyundai easier is its seven-speed automatic gearbox, which delivered on-point shifts regardless of the situation we were in, be it in heavy traffic or out on the open road.
Speaking of the open road, the Venue shines when its more aggressive side is given a chance to let loose.
Using a special dial located below the gearstick, the driver is able to cycle between Normal, Sport, and Eco mode, which are represented on the digital driver’s display with an appropriate colour scheme of blue, red, or green, respectively.
Given how rearing-to-go the Venue had already been in Normal mode, it was hard to imagine how the sporty setting could make a difference, but these thoughts were quickly brushed aside when it effectively turned a series of country back roads into a makeshift track.
Overtaking trucks proved to be no issue, and the sharp throttle response combined with the exhaust’s enthusiastic overtures made for an afternoon of fun out on the tarmac.
Switching to Eco, on the other hand, initially seemed to do very little to quell the N Line out on the highway.
However, it was when we returned to the city that Eco mode began to produce a discernable effect making the rev counter more reluctant to escalate, resulting in the journey in Joburg’s infamous rush-hour traffic being that much more bearable.
N Line interior
Completing the sporty package on Hyundai’s new crossover is a stylish interior boasting the full N Line treatment.
The leather seats have red stitching and the N logo blazoned below the headrests, and red accents have been applied to many of the instruments, from the air vents to the centre console.
Two large black and red dials operate the dual-zone climate control system, the temperature of which is shown on a large porthole-like indicator between each dial.
The driver’s seat is also electronically adjustable, which is an appreciated addition at this end of the market, and the easy-to-setup infotainment unit proved to operate reasonably smooth.
Overall impressions
For an entry-level vehicle, the facelifted Hyundai Venue has a lot going for it.
The top-spec N Line is admittedly on the more expensive side starting at R449,900, but the good news is that the turbocharged engine that is the highlight of the package can be found on any Venue aside from the entry-level Motion.
For its price, though, the N Line gives a lot of value with its stylish dressings, decent equipment sheet, and three driving modes that prove there’s a lot of excitement to be had in the new Hyundai.
Hyundai Venue N Line
Keyword: Hyundai Venue N Line test drive – Packs a punch