2022 Hyundai Venue N Line review: Sporting spirit

Following the footsteps of the i20 N Line, Hyundai has introduced the ‘N Line’ treatment on its compact SUV, the Venue. With the facelift launched not too long ago, the Venue received significant changes to the exterior and interior. However, with the N Line, Hyundai aims to up the compact SUV’s fun-to-drive quotient. Have they succeeded? 

2022 Hyundai Venue N Line: engine, gearbox and performance

Just as on the i20 N Line, there has been no change to the powertrain, but the Venue N Line is available with only the turbo-petrol engine and the DCT gearbox, which makes 120hp and 172Nm. So it’s quick, but sadly there’s no manual or even an iMT like the i20 N Line which ups driver engagement. Making amends though are paddle shifters for the 7-speed DCT gearbox, and you would want to make full use of them since the gearbox isn't the most responsive when left on its own.

The shifts, while smooth, are delayed, and you often find yourself waiting for the right gear, especially during downshifts. So the paddle shifters are a saving grace and keep you engaged as well, which is the whole point of an N Line.

Engine refinement levels are good, the power delivery is linear, and just like the standard version, the N Line too gets drive modes that change the overall response of the powertrain, with ‘Sport’ being the most eager of the lot.

As we’ve seen with the i20, keeping with the N Line theme, the exhaust does have a raspy tone, but as you gain speed, you would be left wanting more. It won’t be surprising to see some owners flocking to aftermarket shops and websites to amplify the burble from the twin chrome pipes.

2022 Hyundai Venue N Line: ride and handling

So while the engine remains unchanged, the suspension has been tweaked for more stiffness and better cornering. To quote numbers, it gets 34 percent more damping force, which makes it better around a set of twisties, but that does take a toll on the ride quality at low speeds. The sharp and hard-edged bumps at city speeds are felt inside the cabin, but stability at triple digit speeds has improved.

On long winding corners, the car does feel planted and body roll has reduced as well. Not that it is prominent on the standard car, but on a spirited drive, the N Line will feel more surefooted.
The steering, however, isn’t very engaging and even though the weight can be altered through the drive modes, it still doesn't feel consistent or feelsome. In Sport, there is some heft, but no feedback. What does help are the brakes, since the Venue N Line gets discs at the rear. The braking as a result is noticeably better than the standard Venue and the bite is strong, and the pedal feel is natural too.

2022 Hyundai Venue N Line: exterior design updates

On the outside, it gets the typical treatment of red and black with plenty of N Line badges. White might not be the ideal choice if you want to show its ‘N’ credentials, so the Thunder Blue is a better bet here. However, the red highlights are rather easy to notice on the white car. The front bumper gets a chunky strip at the bottom with ‘N Line’ badges on the grille.

Over to the side, it gets red inserts over the fenders, roof rails and under the doors, and while the wheel size hasn't changed, the design is different. At the rear, there is more red on the bumper, but what steals the show here are the twin chrome exhaust tips. It is not a major difference overall, and we would have liked some more differentiating bits. Still, if you want a bit more pop, the N Line does offer that.

2022 Hyundai Venue N Line: interior and feature updates

Inside, as you’d expect, space remains the same, which isn't great at the rear, but offers a two-step recline for the back rest. Boot space stands at 350 litres.

Trim-wise, you get an all-black interior with a good mix of red. There is red around the knobs, on AC vents, and even the piping of the seats. There is red ambient lighting too and it gets an N-badged gear shifter as well. What is properly new on the Venue N Line is the three-spoke steering. It does feel better to hold and has the sporty appeal too. The paddle shifters have been blacked out as well, and the digital cluster is similar to the standard Venue.

The talking point though with the features is the inclusion of a dash-cam that records footage of both the inside and outside. It’s a full HD set-up at 30fps, records as soon as the car is switched on and saves it on an SD card; in addition, you can also set it to record while the car is parked. This is a very handy feature and it's nice to see it built into the car, as in a mishap, or even to prove you didn’t jump a traffic light, this footage is crucial.

Other features include metal pedals specific to the N Line, and oddly, the air purifier seems to have been removed. Still, you get the usual kit like a sunroof, wireless charging, 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, BlueLink connectivity and for the rear passengers, two-step recline on the top N8 variant. The cheaper N6, however, does miss out on a lot of features like the two-step reclining rear seat, electrochromic mirror with SOS switch, side and curtain airbags, dash-cam, powered drivers seat, BlueLink connectivity with Alexa and Google support, 60:40 split seats and a rear armrest.

2022 Hyundai Venue N Line: price and verdict

The Venue N Line is priced between Rs 12.16 lakh-13.15 lakh. Spec-to-spec, the N6 costs Rs 1.19 lakh more than the S(O), and the N8 is Rs 58,000 more expensive than the top-end SX(O). So it does cost a fair bit more, but has the N Line upped driving pleasure? We’d say yes; while a little more power would have been nice, the N Line is more focused and engaging to drive. The suspension retune has made it more agile around corners and the addition of rear disc brakes has improved the braking and control significantly.

And, of course, there’s the raspy exhaust note, which, though a bit muted for our liking, does add some aural drama to the drive experience. And then there’s the dash-cam and the extra sporty trim. All in all, the Venue N Line is an interesting option to those looking for a more exciting drive.

Also see:

2022 Hyundai Venue N Line video review