Hyundai’s first compact SUV for India to be called Venue

Hyundai Motors India has just announced the name for its first-ever compact SUV that was thus  far known by its internal codename QXi. The production model will be called the Hyundai Venue.

In its release, Hyundai has referred to the Venue as a ‘Connected SUV’ perhaps to underscore the point that it will come with many connectivity technologies. Infotainment system aside, the Venue is also expected to get telematics technology.

While the ‘Styx’ name was oft associated with the Hyundai QXi, Venue will be the name, at least, for India. Hyundai describes the name saying ‘it references a place where people want to be seen, or in this case, inside the vehicle, The Venue symbolises a third space which is trndy, unique, stylish and perfect for Hyundai’s newest connected SUV.”  

The Hyundai Venue will be unveiled on April 17 in India and at the New York Motor Show simultaneously. The model will launch in mid-May 2019. In brief, the Venue is a sub-4-metre compact SUV that will rival the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 and Ford EcoSport. The basic shape will be that of a mini-Creta but styling will be new-age Hyundai with the trademark cascading grille being the focal point at the front.

On the inside, the Hyundai Venue is expected to boast class-best fit-finish and will also be well-equipped. Hyundai’s first teaser has already shown the presence of a sunroof and it is expected class-first ventilated seats will also be part of the package. A large touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay aside, the Hyundai Venue will also likely have a telematics app to know car status as well as other information such as driving style rating.

The Hyundai QXi will be available in India with three engine-gearbox options. There will be a 100hp, 1.4-litre petrol and a 90hp, 1.4-litre diesel engine, both of which will come with 6-speed manual transmissions. The QXi will also get an automatic option that will club a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Notably, the Hyundai QXi automatic will be the only dual-clutch option in the compact SUV segment.  

Hyundai Venue prices will be made public at launch in mid-May 2019. However, given the technology and features on offer, the Hyundai Venue is unlikely to be the most affordable of the compact SUVs. Pricing will be more in line with the Ford EcoSport and Mahindra XUV300 rather than the Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza that are relatively more affordable, if also down on features.