Hyundai have launched their new second generation Venue, and it’s better than its predecessor in several ways. This is quite something, because the original first generation Venue that was introduced in 2019 is itself highly successful, having sold over 7 lakh units till date. That is an average of over a lakh of vehicles annually, and that too for 7 years consistently. This is a terrific indicator of its popularity in a highly competitive and demanding market like India.

However, Hyundai have chosen not to rest on their laurels and have gone all out in making the good, better. The biggest change is that the new Venue is based on the K1 platform, which is said to be much more rigid than the earlier K2 platform, due to use of extra ultra-high-strength steel in certain key locations. The other significant difference is that this Venue is being made at Hyundai’s new plant in Talegaon near Pune, which has just become fully operational. So you have a new model of the Venue, coming out of Hyundai’s latest new plant in India.

Apart from the body rigidity and safety aspects, the major benefit of moving to this K1 platform is the increase in wheelbase from 2500 mm to 2520 mm, a growth of 20 mm. The new Venue is slightly wider and taller too, but interestingly, the overall length remains the same at 3995 mm. This is obviously due to the target of falling inside the 4 meter length bracket to enjoy the benefit of lower taxes. The longer wheelbase with same overall length also results in shorter overhangs due to the wheels moving further outwards towards the four ends, which has led to a more balanced stance, and enhanced SUV like proportions.

Of course the increase in wheelbase has also resulted in more room inside, especially at the rear. The boot with a 375 liters capacity is also bigger compared to earlier 350 liter one. The additional space in the passenger compartment appears to have inspired the interior design team too, and they have clearly gone all out in making it more comfortable and aesthetic.

The first thing I noticed on getting behind the wheel while driving this new Venue in Goa, was that the seats are now much broader and have some additional cushioning. The partitions in the cushions seem to have added to their firmness too, which should offer better support on long drives. Honestly, I think these new seats are so good, that they are easily one of the highlights of the new Venue. What I also really like is the commanding driving position that gives a nice view of the surroundings. But the driver’s seat only has 4-way electric adjustment with the height level adjuster continuing to be a manual one. I wish they had made this electric too, as it’s easier to adjust while on the move. What’s gratifying though is that the rear seats can be reclined and the back windows also have retractable sunshades. The front seats are ventilated, something quite useful in our hot summers. As the interior is larger, the windows are also bigger and this along with the addition of the most welcome quarter glasses, has enhanced visibility and the sense of roominess and entry of light in the cabin

The two tone upholstery with a fine mix of perforated, plain and ribbed fabrics also looks and feels nice. In fact the entire interior has been upgraded really well. With the superb seats, easy to use and aesthetic switchgear, better quality of plastics and improved build quality and feel, the Venue’s interior has clearly moved up a notch or two. Space, style, comfort and convenience, I must say this new Venue’s interior has it all.

And I have not even mentioned the features, the list and quality of which has grown too. The most eye-catching and appealing one, especially for the Gen Z has to be the twin 12.3 inch curved panoramic display with sleek graphics and a techy design. Even a non-digitally inclined person like me cannot help but appreciate the curved design and visuals of this display screen. The new Hyundai Venue also comes with Level 2 ADAS, a 360 degree camera, Bose sound system with 8-speakers, front parking sensors, wireless smartphone connectivity and so on. One thing that I really like and for which I would like to raise a toast to the designers, are the twin physical toggle style switches for controlling the AC speed and temperature. These are intuitive and in my view one of the smartest design features inside this new Venue.

The exterior has also been extensively revamped with more edgy and sharply cut panels and styling elements. It may not appeal to all, but should grab eyeballs for sure. The standout design elements for me are the more balanced proportions and the slightly raised bonnet with muscular lines or creases. I also quite like the way the reverse lights have been integrated and placed low in the rear bumper. Then there is that new silver finish plastic panel inserted behind the quarter glass. It’s a distinctive design element too.

The lights, be it the DRLs, headlights, taillights, indicator lamps, connector LED strips, etc, all play an important role in the styling of the new Hyundai Venue. As a matter of fact the designers have used these lighting elements like pieces of jewelry to adorn the somewhat squarish body of the new Venue. Overall it somehow works and blends together, and ensures the Venue will certainly get a second look. Whether it’s an appreciative one or not, depends on your sense of aesthetics. But what most won’t argue against is that this new Venue is definitely better looking than the outgoing one.

This time Hyundai have also chosen to launch the sportier N Line variant alongside the regular Venue. The N Line has some different design features like another grille, bumper, skid plates and so on. The trademark N Line red highlight line runs through the lower half of the body and is a distinguishing contrast component. The N Line also has body coloured wheel arches, but I think the matt black ones on the regular Venue look better and add more muscle and road presence. I also prefer the rear bumper and skid plate of the regular one, because the smart reverse lights are missing on the N Line as they have been built into the taillights. But the split type rear spoiler on the N Line looks better. So both variants have their own strong design flourishes and which one you like more, really depends on your own personal preferences.

Similiarly, the interiors are slightly distinctive too and here I can clearly say that I fancy the passenger compartment of the regular Venue more. Normally I have always favoured the darker upholstery with red stitching and highlights of N Line versions more, but in this case Hyundai have done such a good job with the regular Venue, that the N Line is well, not that much better.The steering wheels in both variants are completely different and again I like the one in regular Venue more. It has a nice and thick rim and a smart rectangular centerpiece that displays four symmetrical dots that in Morse code mean H. And it is this Morse code H that has replaced the Hyundai H logo on this steering wheel. The three spoke steering in the N Line is sportier and has pods for push buttons to select drive and traction modes. It has a big N Line logo on the center and is dynamic looking, but I think the one in the regular Venue goes better with the overall design philosophy.

Where the new Venue has not changed much is in the engine and transmission department. It comes with the familiar 3 engines- a petrol 1.2 putting out 82 bhp and 115 Nm, a 1.0 litre turbo petrol delivering 118 bhp and 172 Nm and a 1.5 litre turbo diesel producing 114 bhp and 250 Nm. These are mated to various transmissions like a 5-speed or 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT automatic or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. What’s changed though is that Hyundai is not offering an IMT on the Venue anymore and you can get the diesel with the 6-speed auto.

All these are tried and tested power plants and known for their performance, refinement and fuel efficiency. The N Line of course being the sports variant only comes with the peppy 1.0 litre turbo petrol mated to a 7-speed DCT automatic. For those that use their vehicles extensively, the diesel auto with decent performance and efficiency should be the choice.

Though I saw the new N Line at the official event in Goa, I am still to drive it. But what I have learnt is that mechanically it is just the same as the regular one. No suspension tuning or stiffening, no remapping of the engine and no steering or transmission tweaks either. It’s just got larger wheels and differs in the looks department, which makes the N Line more of a cosmetic upgrade than a performance one. This is disappointing. You should have the go with the show. But I am told the N Line’s dual pipe exhaust and muffler, adds a bit more music to the driving experience, and this I have to check out.

Another disappointment is that disc brakes at the rear (meaning on all 4 wheels) are only offered on the automatic variants and you cannot get them if you opt for a manual. I really wish they were offered across all variants as they certainly improve braking and stopping distance, and thus also safety. The new platform has also elevated the ride quality and comfort and the Hyundai Venue now feels even more stable and soaks bumps up better too. The steering has decent weightage and the well sorted driving dynamics of the Venue, have only gotten finer. I have always enjoyed driving the Venue and now look forward to driving it even more. Remember – the “Good’s Got Better”.