Used car buying guide: Hyundai Venue

GOOD FOR: Interior quality, Refined engine

LOOK OUT FOR: DCT gearbox, Glitchy touchscreen

The Venue is Hyundai’s representative in the uber-competitive compact SUV segment. The SUV stands out with its many powertrain options, quality interiors and lengthy features list, making it a compelling used option. However, here are a few things to consider before you buy one.

When launched, the Venue was offered with a choice of two petrols and a diesel engine. The diesel motor at launch was a 1.4-litre unit that put out 90hp and 220Nm of torque and did a claimed 23.7kpl. Post BS6, the Venue gained a new 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox only.

The petrols included an 83hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated unit and a 120hp, 1.0-litre turbocharged mill. The 1.2 petrol was paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox only, while the turbo-petrol got a 6-speed manual. The turbo-petrol could also be had with a 7-speed DCT automatic and Hyundai also introduced its clutchless iMT transmission option to this engine in 2020. The Hyundai Venue 1.0 turbo-petrol (in automatic and manual configurations) has a claimed mileage figure of 18.15kpl and 18.27kpl, respectively, while the 1.2 petrol-manual does 17.52kpl.

At launch, the Venue was offered in a choice of six trim levels – E, S, SX, SX Dual Tone, SX+ and SX(O). In terms of features, the top-spec SX (O) trim gets a sunroof, wireless phone charging, projector headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs), LED tail-lamps, cruise control, an Arkamys audio system, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and ‘Blue Link’ connected car tech. Safety kit on the SX (O) includes six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, ESP, hill-start assist and Isofix child seat mounts.

Choosing the right Hyundai Venue can be difficult given the various engine-gearbox and trim configurations it can be had in. If you have a lot of highway running planned, it’s best to go for the diesel thanks to its torquey nature and superior fuel economy. If your primary usage is going to be within city limits, one of the petrols would make sense. The 1.2 petrol does have better fuel economy, but it lacks the outright punch of the 1.0 Turbo. Furthermore, the 1.0 Turbo is the only one that can be had with an auto gearbox, which makes it more convenient in traffic. The one to go for is the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol with the manual gearbox if you are a keen driver, as the slick 6-speed gearbox complements the turbo engine well. Plus, it will also be more efficient than the DCT.

As is with all Hyundais, the Venue is decently equipped in all trims, but it’s advisable to choose one of the top three trims. Depending on your budget, you should opt for the S trim which covers all the basics, or the top-spec SX (O), which gets all the bells and whistles.

In our resale value study with OLX, the Hyundai Venue had one of the best resale values in the compact SUV segment. The Venue’s low depreciation is down to strong demand and the gradual price hikes it has seen since its launch. And being a Hyundai, spare parts are readily available and the service network is expansive throughout the country.

Buyer, beware…

DCT gearbox

If you’re looking at a petrol-DCT variant, take a test drive and ensure that the car rolls off the line smoothly and that the gearbox shifts seamlessly, as this is a sign of a healthy transmission. There have been reports of some minor issues with the DCT gearbox. Some owners have also faced an overheating issue in bumper-to-bumper traffic with the DCT gearbox, which requires you to pull over and stop till the gearbox cools down.

Glitchy touchscreen

On top-spec Venues, check the infotainment touchscreen as a few owners have had problems with it. In some cases, the touchscreen tends to lag and certain functions, like the navigation, stops working abruptly.

Body damage

Before you make the purchase, examine all body panels, lights and even the underside of the SUV for rust and damage. While some superficial damage like scratches and dents are alright, some examples may have more damage which won’t be cheap to fix.

Also worth knowing

The Venue’s 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine isn’t the most fuel efficient, as some owners have complained of single digit mileage figures in the city. So if fuel efficiency is paramount for you, it’s best to opt for either the diesel or the 1.2 petrol. Also before you make the purchase, it is advisable to check the condition of consumable parts like the tyres, brake pads and fluids.

How much to spend

Rs 7 lakh-10 lakh

The Venue is still a relatively new car and it is a Hyundai, which means the depreciation isn’t high. Depending upon the engine-gearbox and variant, paying anywhere between Rs 7 lakh-10 lakh in the used market represents decent value.