The N Line specification across the Hyundai range is an aesthetic nod to the performance ‘N’ models. And, while the Venue does not have the performance-tuned engine, it does carry some sporty trimmings in the form of red piping on the leather seats and aluminium pedals.
The engine note is ‘rorty’ enough to hint at future possibilities and, even though it is a CVT transmission, still provides the right noises going up through the selections and some neat little exhaust ‘pops’ as the system gears down.
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The Venue is neatly proportioned and gives out an air of road confidence standing on 215/60 R16 rubber alloy wheels. While the ‘grille-mongerers’ may debate the size and style of the front grille, I like the look, especially the fact the headlamps, with daytime running lights, are housed in separate clusters.
Dimensionally it is 3 995 mm long, 1 770 mm wide, 1 617 tall and has a wheelbase of 2 550 mm – these compact proportions still provide a quality helping of interior space both front and rear, while it can take 343 litres of luggage with the 60:40 split rear seats in place.
The N Line traverses the roads through a three-cylinder 1,0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine generating 88 kW of power at 6 000 r/min and 172 Nm of torque from 1 500 r/min to propel it from rest to 100 km/h in 11,4 seconds and on to a top end of 180 km/h.
Hyundai claims fuel consumption of 6,8 l/100 km, but on my test circuit, it stayed closer to 7,2 l/100 km for the average – although it managed to sink to 5,9 l/100 km at one point on the highway portion of the test.
Individual driving habits will determine the outcome. However, the small engine is zesty enough to tempt having a little fun.
In Normal mode, it is just that. Quietly efficient and able to keep pace with the traffic or munch away at the kilometres at a comfortable speed without taking much strain in undulating terrain. The standard cruise control accurately maintains the set speed without rowing too much through the gearing options.
Sport mode adds the fun element with the altered gearing ratios giving longer life through the rev range and responding more quickly to the throttle.
Fettled with McPherson-type struts with a stabiliser bar and coil springs up front and a coupled torsion beam axle with coil springs services the rear, the Venue handles positively and is surefooted even when forced into rapid directional changes on a twisty road.
While there is some ‘push’ front the front end when entering a tight corner, a gentle throttle adjustment quickly brings it back into line. Never intended as a road racer, the small SUV is at its best in more open and flowing curves.
With 195 mm of ground clearance, an approach angle of 21,3 degrees and a departure angle of 32,0 degrees, the Venue is equally at home off the beaten track on reasonably well-maintained dirt roads, making it ideal for touring and the more refined art of sightseeing.
Infotainment for long hours on the road features an 8-inch display audio touchscreen system and rear-view monitor and includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions.
Additional convenience features include USB and USB-C ports, a Supervision 4,2-inch TFT LCD, a rear-view camera, automatic air-conditioning, and Bluetooth hands-free phone operation.
Standard safety features include six crash bags – front (2), side-impact (2) and side air curtain (2), seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters, Isofix child seat attachments and an anti-lock braking system with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
The retail price includes Hyundai’s 7-year / 200 000 km warranty, 7-year / 150 000 km roadside assistance, and a 3-year / 45 000 km service plan. Service intervals are at 15 000 km or annually when applicable.
