Written by Marco Carvajal

Photographs by Marco Carvajal

Every time a new car is created, that is a reason to celebrate, just like when a new baby is born and welcome into the auto-maker family, in this case, the new baby’s last name is Hyundai with first name Venue.

Everybody benefits from new car models in the market, car buyers have more options, the company creating the car has new market reach opportunities with such a new model. The benefit is not just the auto-maker but also for car dealers, mechanics, parts distributors and other car-related-businesses around the chain.  Even competitors can benefit from a new car model, because this creates new segments, new ideas, trends, or options in a segment that can possibly expand for the benefit of all.

Today we should celebrate the creation of the new Hyundai City Car, it is called Venue.  The name Venue gives us the impression that this is the place to be, the car to drive, the venue, the ideal car to be in the city, I like the name!

The new first-ever Venue is a very compact city crossover SUV Car with a big personality because of its good original design and supercharged with technology features ready for a demanding generation who needs more technology than interior space.

Young car buyers are the ideal target for the new Venue. This new generation buyer could also be called cyber-generation, deeply involved with the online world. The Venue is ready to satisfy its young buyers with the latest technologies. But technology can be expensive? so part of the success of the venue is already resolved as Hyundai is able to provide a low budget small SUV fully loaded with standard technology.

I tested the new 2020 Venue at the US Media Launch in Miami Florida where I was able to drive the cool compact SUV from Miami downtown all the way to Key Largo and Islamorada in South Florida.  The venue responded very well on the highway and also on the small roads downtown and on the keys. I enjoy the power of the Sports Driving Mode when driving on fast highways through Miami. Parking was so easy due to its compact size but still comfortable enough to drive during a few hours.

Besides great low pricing near $17,000 MSRP and also great technology, the venue is also very attractive and ideal for the small parking spaces and congested streets downtown. Fuel efficiency with a 35MPG on the highway is also another factor that will mark the success of the new Venue.

The five-door mini SUV is small but it can take 5 people on comfortable rides and have decent cargo space. There are a few two-tones models available that look great and compete directly with the Nissan Kicks and other recent models that have been using this attractive 2-tone color combination.

The Venue goes underneath the Hyundai Kona in their SUV lineup, being the smallest Hyundai SUV. For a better driving experience, the Venue comes equipped with 3 driving modes, normal, sport and snow. This is something unexpected for a city car and definitely a great plus for the Venue compared to its competitors.

Trims & Pricing

The new and first-ever Venue is available as 3 different versions for 2020. The Venue has a great low price. Hyundai wants to sell and many buyers need a new alternative automobile at a low cost, but fully loaded. The Venue is the answer for those car-buyers. The SE starts at $17,350 MSRP, then the SEL at $19,250, and the Denim top of the line at $22,050.

  • 2020 Venue SE, $17,350 MSRP
  • 2020 Venue SEL, $19,250 MSRP
  • 2020 Venue Denim, $22,050 MSRP

The Venue together with the Kona are two great options to drive in the city and the low price will  be a very big incentive for new car buyers looking for a new car within their budget. Instead of buying a used car you can buy a beautiful new Venue starting around $17,000.

2020 Hyundai Venue highlights

  • Starting low price around $17,000 MSRP
  • 35 MPG Highway full consumption / 30 MPG Combined / 30 MPG city
  • Up to 121 Horsepower
  • Torque 113  (lb-ft) 4,500 estimated
  • First-ever Venue model
  • 5 doors
  • Snow Mode
  • 8-inch color screen audio system
  • Android Auto & Apple Car Play
  • 8-inch Navigation System optional available
  • Dual USB optional available
  • Blue Link Connected Car Services
  • Hyundai SmartSense features
  • Smartstream 1.6-liter engine with 6-speed manual or Smartstream IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission)
  • FWD Front Wheel Drive
  • S-Speed Manual or Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
  • Stylish Leatherette combination seats on the Venue Denim

The Venue is a great buy at a low price, specially designed for those who want a small SUV with easy maneuverability, a cool front grille to enhance the exterior design. A great infotainment that usually would be available on more expensive cars.

The 1.6 engine with dual fuel injection is more efficient than most competitors. Transmission standard 6-speed manual created all in-house by Hyundai. The available CVT is different from other CVT only matched by Subaru, it uses a chain instead of a belt for better performance.

Hyundai is the only carmaker with its own steel factory, helping the venue with greater strength and less weight. Better ride control with advanced suspension.

The venue includes 4 collision-avoidance systems and several standard safety technologies. Android auto and car play standard. Real-time traffic using HD included in optional navigation.

As part of the smart remote options, the venue includes features like heather defroster remote, check vehicle status check, for example, check if the car is locked. 30 seconds after parking the venue sends a report to the cloud. Google assistant with enhanced more simplified voice control with functions like “Start my car” beta version.

The venue is a small SUV supercharged with technology at an incomparable Low price.

2020 Hyundai Venue