Introduced in 2019, the Hyundai Venue has been an exceptional seller for the Korean brand. Going up against the likes of the Volkswagen T-Cross, Mazda CX-3 and Kia Seltos. Good looks, plenty of standard specification and a perky turbopetrol engine were high points in a superb package.
Still, as wallets tighten and we watch our spending, consumers are far more money savvy than they ever were. This means that when it comes time to buy a new vehicle, price, fuel economy and value-for-money are at the front of mind.
Recognising this, Hyundai has introduced a new variant to the Venue range. Priced just under R260 000, the new entry-level derivative is a whopping R58 000 cheaper than the next model. This competitive pricing hasn’t been achieved by skimping on standard features, either. The 1.2 Motion receives a host of standard features, including a driver and passenger airbag, ABS brakes and ISOFIX child seat mountings.
Impressively, Hyundai has still fitted the Venue 1.2 Motion with an infotainment system which features Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. What’s more, the eighth-inch touchscreen also displays a reverse camera, which is aided by rear parking sensors. Lastly, electric adjustment is standard for the windows and side mirrors, while manual air-conditioning is also included.
Unlike the rest of the range, the base-model Venue is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine which produces 63 kW and 115 Nm of torque. The only available gearbox, a five-speed manual transmission, allows the Venue 1.2 to sprint to 100 km/h in 14.2 seconds, while the top speed is pegged at 158 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.5 L/100 km.
Hyundai offers the Venue with its superb seven-year/200 000 km warranty, roadside assistance for seven years or 150 000 km and a three-year/45 000 km service plan.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Hyundai Venue cost in South Africa?
The new entry-level Hyundai Venue 1.2 Motion starts at just under R260,000, making it a whopping R58,000 cheaper than the next model up in the range.
Q: Is the Hyundai Venue worth buying?
Absolutely, especially if you're after serious value for money in the compact SUV space, with the 1.2 Motion offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, reverse camera and a seven-year warranty for under R260,000.
Q: What engine does the entry-level Hyundai Venue have?
The base Venue 1.2 Motion uses a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine producing 63 kW and 115 Nm of torque, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and rated fuel consumption of 6.5 L/100 km.
Q: What standard features come with the cheapest Hyundai Venue?
The 1.2 Motion includes dual airbags, ABS brakes, ISOFIX child seat mountings, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reverse camera, rear parking sensors, electric windows and mirrors, plus manual air-conditioning.
Q: What warranty does the Hyundai Venue come with?
Hyundai backs the Venue with an impressive seven-year/200,000 km warranty, seven years or 150,000 km roadside assistance, and a three-year/45,000 km service plan.
Should You Buy It?
The best compact SUV under R300,000 in South Africa is definitely the new Hyundai Venue 1.2 Motion at just under R260,000. Yes, you should absolutely buy it if you want maximum bang for your buck. While the 1.2-litre engine might not set your hair on fire with its 14.2-second sprint to 100 kph, you're getting phenomenal value with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a reverse camera and that bulletproof seven-year warranty. At R58,000 less than the next Venue model, this is the sweet spot for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to compromise on essential tech and safety features. Your wallet will thank you, and you'll still look the part cruising around town.
