The 2nd-generation Hyundai Venue has arrived in South Africa. We took the sharp-looking newcomer for a quick drive.
The Hyundai Venue is a compact crossover sitting above the entry-level Exter and below the recently refreshed Creta, which we drove in October 2026. The first-generation Venue proved popular, and with more than 34 000 units sold since its debut back in 2019, Hyundai SA is hopeful the new model continues to tally up healthy sales figures.
This new Venue has a fractionally longer wheelbase and is a bit taller and wider, all of which will aid rear legroom and cabin space. The design is eye-catching and adopts the latest Hyundai styling language. A Venue Cargo derivative is also confirmed for early 2027; as a reminder, the Cargo range sees the rear bench deleted and the floor rubberised for a utilitarian approach.
Trim levels
The lineup comprises three derivatives, though due to timing, the sporty-looking N Line model wasn’t immediately available, so we jumped into the mid-spec Premium. There are two powertrains available. First up is a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox that makes 61 kW and 115 Nm, with a claimed consumption of 6.5 L/100 km.
The other engine is a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol making 88 kW and 172 Nm. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, and Hyundai SA reckons it’ll consume 6.9 L/100 km.
Read more: Hyundai Venue MY26 Price & Specs
There are two trim levels: Premium and N Line, with the latter offering sporty goodies both inside and out. If you’re not after overt faux sportiness, we reckon the Premium model offers more than enough. A responsive touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, although both phone-mirroring applications require a cable connected to the pair of USB-C ports. There’s Bluetooth connectivity, too.
Cruise control is a strange omission, although compared to other vehicles at a similar price point, this is not an anomaly. Our test unit rode on 16-inch steel wheels with covers and sported a bold front end with LED daytime running lights. Standard spec also includes rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, six airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control.
What is the new Venue like to drive?
Our launch route comprised mostly open-road driving, which suited the car’s punchy turbocharged powertrain. First impressions suggest the driver’s seat, while offering height adjustability, doesn’t lower quite enough for taller folk, resulting in a feeling of sitting on the vehicle as opposed to in it. There’s also no reach adjustment for the steering column, though again, the price is keen.
A disclaimer: our launch cars were fresh off the boat and still had delivery mileage on them – and they felt it! That said, the compact engine was a willing performer and delivered decent levels of go when asked. The transmission was responsive and didn’t really hesitate during kick-downs to overtake slower traffic.
The fuel economy readout was pegged at 7.9 L/100 km, which we didn’t think was too bad considering how tight the brand-new engines still were. The steering setup is on the lighter side, which, while not ideal for our spirited launch route, should prove effortless when navigating the confines of the city.
How much does the new Hyundai Venue cost in SA?
The prices below include a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan. Hyundai is currently South Africa’s fourth best-selling passenger car brand and boasts a footprint of 104 dealers.
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| Venue 1.2 Premium 5MT | R319 900 |
| Venue 1.0T Premium 7DCT | R349 900 |
| Venue 1.0T N Line 7DCT | R499 900 |
Summary
Pricing is going to be the new Venue’s biggest drawcard, and the value here is undeniable. Granted, the Premium derivatives do lack a few features, but at a fraction under R350 000 for the turbo auto, this is forgivable. The rest of the package is a good one, with solid-feeling cabin materials and a sense that the car is well put together.
Our launch drive may have been short, but it was enough to confirm that this drivetrain is up to the task. We look forward to spending more time with this bang-for-buck contender.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does the new 2nd-generation Hyundai Venue cost in South Africa?
A: According to Cars.co.za, pricing for the new 2nd-generation Hyundai Venue range starts at R319 900 for the 1.2 Premium 5MT, moves to R349 900 for the 1.0T Premium 7DCT and tops out at R499 900 for the flagship 1.0T N Line 7DCT.
Q: Which engines power the new South African Hyundai Venue line-up?
A: The local line-up features two carried-over petrol powerplants: a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 61 kW and 115 Nm (mated to a 5-speed manual) and a turbocharged 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine delivering 88 kW and 172 Nm (paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission).
Q: How have the dimensions of the new Hyundai Venue changed compared to the original model?
A: While maintaining its sub-4-metre length at 3 995 mm, the 2nd-generation Venue features a 20 mm longer wheelbase (2 520 mm), stands 48 mm taller (1 665 mm) and is 30 mm wider (1 800 mm), ostensibly providing improved cabin space and rear legroom.
David Taylor
Having contributed to multiple motoring titles as well helping run the public relations machine of the Johannesburg International Motor Show, Dave has experience in both sides of the motoring industry. He's based in the Western Cape and is responsible for the performance testing, photography & weekly YouTube news for Cars.co.za.
