2020 Hyundai Venue Aims To Prove Small Crossovers Don’t Have To Be Boring
The sub-compact crossover market is sizzling hot and Hyundai is looking to expand their presence in the segment by introducing the all-new Venue.
Set to go on sale late this year, the 2020 Venue has a bold front fascia with a cascading grille that is flanked by cube-shaped headlights and slender LED lights. The crossover also has pronounced wheel arches, strong character lines and “confident body forms.” 15-inch wheels are standard, but 17-inchers are optional.
Since the crossover was designed to be funky and fun, Hyundai will offer the Venue in eight “youthful” colors called Black Noir, Ceramic White, Denim, Galactic Gray, Green Apple, Intense Blue, Scarlet Red and Steller Silver. Buyers will also be able to order a power sunroof, rear privacy glass and a contrasting roof.
The Venue slots under the Kona and measures 158.9 inches (4,036 mm) long, 69.7 inches (1,770 mm) wide and 61.6 inches (1565 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 99.2 inches (2,520 mm). To put those numbers into perspective, the Venue is 5.1 inches (130mm) shorter than the Kona, 1.2 inches (30 mm) narrower and 0.6 inches (15 mm) taller. The Venue is also down 3.2 inches (81 mm) in wheelbase.
The cabin is relatively basic, but the model has a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an 8-inch Display Audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Other highlights include USB charging ports, a rearview camera and a 3.5-inch display in the instrument cluster.
Sticking with the technology theme, the Venue offers an impressive list of driver assistance systems. These include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Collision Cross-Traffic Warning and Driver Attention Warning.
Hyundai was coy on powertrain details, but confirmed the Venue has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder Smartstream Gamma engine. Essentially an upgraded version of the previous Gamma engine, the Smartstream variant has a high tumble combustion system, improved thermal efficiency and dual port fuel injection with improved injectors and optimized spray targeting. These modifications help to improve fuel-efficiency and Hyundai says the Venue is expected to return 33 mpg combined.
The four-pot can be paired to either a six-speed manual or an intelligent variable transmission. All models will apparently be front-wheel drive, but Hyundai noted the Venue will come with a snow mode to help improve performance in wintry conditions.
Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but given that the Kona starts from $19,990, the smaller Venue could cost a couple thousand dollars less.
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