Driven: 2020 Hyundai Venue Denim Edition
It seems that over the last 20 years, a crossover SUV has become a massively growing trend, with brands flooding towards the concept. No different from the rest, Hyundai has joined the compact SUV market with the Hyundai Venue. Since its 2019 release, the Hyundai Venue has done reasonably well in terms of numbers and is now available in a limited-edition version. In 2020, we got introduced to the Venue Denim Edition and the team of AutoAdvisor got to get behind the wheel.
Modern exterior
The Venue has already proved to be a modern and quite delightful design. Our favorite features being its daytime running lights, which may seem peculiar at first, but trust us, it really grows on you. The body cladding proves to be just enough, and truth be told it may just be one of the nicest looking compact SUV�s on the market. The exterior colours are inspired by its �Denim� name and it gets a classier dark blue which is complemented by its white roof.
Fuel efficient engine
Under the hood, the Venue Denim edition gets a 1.0-litre four-cylinder engine. It may not be the biggest engine, but it certainly proves to be quite nippy on the road. Overall, the Venue offers a smooth and impressively light drive, making one forget that it is aimed to be a compact SUV. Its power output is 88kW and 172 Nm of torque. It comes paired with a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Value for money interior
Inside, the Venue Denim edition certainly feels premium, well as premium as it gets in terms of its pricing. The Venue does boast a fair number of modern features which was a given considering it was made to replace the Hyundai Accent. It does in many ways prove to be quite spacious in the front, with the only real compromise being the slightly smaller legroom in the back. The Denim blue theme does run into the cabin with the seats featuring denim and leather cloth seats. This certainly helps push Hyundai�s aim to have a more modern feel. At the heart of the interior is an easy-to-use infotainment 8.0-inch touchscreen, which was easy to use.
Safety
The Venue Denim edition does offer great safety features and has even scored a four-star crash test rating. It comes with several standard safety features such as an Advanced Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Back-Up Camera, Rear Parking Aid, a Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Keeping Assist, Tire Pressure Monitor, Brake Assist, Stability Control and Traction Control. It also comes fitted with six airbags, making safety a priority for Hyundai.
Verdict
Overall, our experience with the Hyundai Venue Denim edition has been excellent. It proves to be both comfortable and efficient. The drive was both impressive and enjoyable. It's clear that Hyundai does aim to take on the heavyweights in the compact SUV market. The only real critique here however is the pricing. Competitors have found a way to do the same thing that Hyundai has done in terms of power and comfortability, with a slightly lower price tag. The Hyundai Venue Denim edition with DCT comes in at a starting price of R375 500.
Also worth a look: the Hyundai Creta: Matte Edition Headlines 2024 Refresh and the IONIQ 5 N Wins TopGear's 2023 Car of the Year.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2020 Hyundai Venue Denim Edition cost in South Africa?
The 2020 Hyundai Venue Denim Edition was priced at around R341,800 when it launched as a limited edition model, making it one of the more affordable compact SUVs with premium touches in the South African market.
Q: Is the Hyundai Venue Denim Edition worth buying?
The Venue Denim Edition offers excellent value for money with its 88kW 1.0-litre turbo engine, 7-speed DCT, modern design features, and premium interior touches at a competitive price point under R350,000.
Q: What engine does the Hyundai Venue Denim Edition have?
The Venue Denim Edition comes with a 1.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 88kW of power and 172Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission for smooth and efficient driving.
Q: What makes the Denim Edition different from the regular Hyundai Venue?
The Denim Edition features a distinctive dark blue exterior colour inspired by denim, complemented by a contrasting white roof, plus premium interior appointments that give it a more upmarket feel compared to the standard Venue variants.
Q: How fuel efficient is the 2020 Hyundai Venue Denim Edition?
The Venue Denim Edition's 1.0-litre turbo engine delivers impressive fuel economy figures of around 5.8 litres per 100km in combined driving conditions, making it an excellent choice for daily commuting and long-distance trips.
Should You Buy It?
The best limited edition compact SUV under R350,000 in South Africa is absolutely the 2020 Hyundai Venue Denim Edition. At R341,800, you're getting a cracking deal on a modern, fuel-efficient crossover that doesn't compromise on style or practicality. The 88kW 1.0-litre turbo engine paired with the 7-speed DCT provides more than enough punch for South African roads, while the distinctive denim-inspired styling sets it apart from the sea of boring crossovers out there. Yes, you should definitely buy it if you can find one, but act fast because these limited edition models tend to hold their value exceptionally well, and you'll be kicking yourself later if you miss out on this sweet deal.
