Driving Hyundai’s most affordable model today, the compact front drive Venue SUV, more specifically, the mid-spec Active 1.6-litre six-speed automatic at $22,870.  On face value, the Hyundai Venue Active offers much but how does it drive – the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine is non-turbo with 90 kW of power, 151 Nm of torque, as I said earlier it’s no fire breather and tends to get a little course under load the automatic tending to jump up and down between gears when pushed hard.

I managed economy at 7.5L/100kms with mainly city driving – for the most part the Venue’s stamping ground and while it could do with a little more power you soon become accustomed to its performance around town. Plus, you must remember it’s a budget priced light SUV offering a lot for the money. Hyundai like Kia spend a lot of time and energy on suspension tune for this market and its shows with a nice balance for ride and handling, electric steering tune excellent too with 2.7-turns lock to lock and nicely weighted, ride benefiting from excellent high profile 185 x 65 series tyres on 15-inch alloy wheels.

The dash, touchscreen and controls are a high point, with a dial in traction control setting for mud, snow or sand handy if you venture off the tar. Above all else, a value packed light SUV.

I’m David Berthon

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