Hyundai Venue 2020: New micro SUV to launch at less than $20k

Hyundai has whipped the covers of a new micro-SUV that will start at less than $20k when it arrives in Australia in the second half of 2019.

Seen as a ready-made replacement for the ageing Accent, the Venue SUV will soon be the brand's cheapest car, slotting in below the i30's starting price of $19,990 (for the Go trim), and below the Kona SUV in terms of size.

On that, the Venue stretches 4036mm in length, 1770mm in width and 1565 in height, and it rides on 2520mm wheelbase. That makes it smaller in every direction than the (already quite small) Kona, which claims length/width/height measurements of 4166mm, 1801mm and 1549mm respectively.

“The all-new Venue might be small in size, but it’s big on practicality and personality,” says Hyundai America’s VP of product, Mike O’Brien. “Its bold and unique character sets it apart from other SUVs on the market, offering a unique, entry-level vehicle for those consumers seeking savvy design with an abundance of standard safety, technology and connectivity features.”

Despite its smaller dimensions, the Venue offers only a smidge less luggage space than the bigger Kona, with Hyundai claiming 530 litres (versus 544 litres) with the rear seats in place. Drop them, though, and the gap widens, with the smaller Venue offering 903 litres, compared to the Kona’s 1297 litres.

With the rear seats down, boot space is rated at 903 litres.

Under the bonnet there lives just a single engine; Hyundai’s 1.6-litre 'Smartstream Gamma’ petrol unit (though now tuned for better fuel efficiency), which pairs with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. There’s no off-road pretence here, either, with drive sent exclusively to the front wheels.

While Hyundai in Australia is still finalising specification details, the Venue is expected to launch with a streamlined line-up, with just two or three trim levels on offer, and the the brand's local suspension and steering program (a process all of its models are put through, and which has wielded impressive results) has already begun.

Australian customers can also expect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to arrive as standard, controlled via an 8.0-inch multimedia screen. There’s also dual USB ports, a 3.5-inch digital screen in the driver’s binnacle and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Inside is a 3.5-inch digital screen in the driver’s binnacle and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 8.0-inch multimedia screen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Hyundai's is also talking up the Venue's safety credentials, with AEB, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, a driver-fatigue monitoring system all available - though how much arrives as standard from the base trim up remains to be seen.

The Venue is also unashamedly targeting the youth market, with the brand playing up the micro-SUV's customisation options, including the a choice of three different roof colours and a new “denim” paint choice with matching interior trim.

Hyundai is pushing into a new vehicle segment with the Venue, but the brand's Australian executives have high hopes for the baby SUV.

“With the Australian consumers shifting further and further away from sedans towards SUVs, Venue offers us a unique product in the Australian market not currently catered for by other manufacturers,” says Hyundai spokesperson Guido Schenken.

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Hyundai Venue name confirmed for new small SUV