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Hyundai Venue HX 8
Hyundai Venue HX 8: Hyundai has finally rolled out the next generation of its compact Venue SUV in India, and it looks like the company has swapped its usual “good enough” strategy for a full-on makeover. The new model, priced from ₹7.9 lakh Ex‑showroom, carries the HX 8 badge and is meant to outperform rivals such as the Tata Nexon and the Maruti Suzuki Brezza.
The upgrade is more than just a facelift. The car’s exterior, interior, chassis, electrics and even the way it feels on the road have all been tweaked. Hyundai has been careful to keep its focus on packaging, something that turned the Creta into a market leader. The Venue HX 8 promises a similar impact in the B‑SUV segment. After a six‑year run, the brand is trying to break cabinet dynamics and hit a new standard.
Hyundai decided to test drive the car in Goa, and the route offered a mix of smooth resort roads and rough backroads which exposed a lot of the car’s character. The review below records that experience and highlights the most important aspects any buyer is likely to care about.
Design: A muscular makeover that stays functional
The new Venue’s front fascia features a much larger grille, LED daytime running lights that cover almost the whole width, and a clamshell bonnet that looks sharp yet practical. The side mirrors have a new design, and the roof rails appear higher, giving the car a more commanding presence on the road. On the back, a fully connected LED tail‑light module and a polished bonnet signature make the car visible and stylish when coming to a stop.
Under the hood, the new Venue’s N Line version takes the visual package further with bright N Line badges, a sportier front bumper, and a more aggressive rear diffuser. These changes keep the model appealing to buyers who want a look that feels dynamic without compromising comfort.
Interior: From mild to bold
The interior is the biggest leap the car has seen. The new Venue features dual 12‑inch curved displays as standard in the HX 8 trim. The tablet‑style screens show clear graphics and high contrast, powered by an Nvidia processor. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay work wirelessly with no extra cables – a standard we expected only in premium cars now.
Seating has been upgraded to a level resembling what you might find in a mid‑sized sedan. The front seats have a padded backrest and offer two‑way electric adjustment. Ventilation is available on both seats, and a small day‑time steering wheel light makes the driver area feel more cabin‑like. The dashboard layout is clean, with the infotainment unit slightly angled towards the driver’s line of sight.
Tech and safety: Standard features that shine in higher trims
The HX 8 comes with a 360° camera and blind‑spot monitoring, but these high‑tech extras are reserved for the top‑tier HX 10 model. The core trims maintain a basic set of features: standard automatic climate control, an auto‑folding rear wiper, and a single‑zone temperature setting. While not revolutionary, the system feels refined enough to put the Venue in conversation with larger, more expensive rivals.
Power – Three engines, three experiences
| Engine | Size | Transmission | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 L MPi | 1.20 L | 5 MT | 78 hp | 132 Nm |
| 1.0 L GDi Turbo | 1.03 L | 6 MT / 7 DCT | 110 hp | 200 Nm |
| 1.5 L Turbo Diesel | 1.48 L | 6 MT / 6 TC | 115 hp | 250 Nm |
Hyundai offers a 1.2‑liter naturally aspirated petrol for those who prioritize low running costs, a 1.0‑liter turbocharged version that delivers brisk performance, and a 1.5‑liter turbo diesel for the long‑haul commuter who values efficiency and torque.
The review primarily focused on the 1.0‑L GDi with a manual gearbox, and the 1.5‑L diesel with an automatic. The diesel combo felt smooth and didn’t demand much from the driver – ideal for city transfers and highways alike because the torque curve gives it a carefree drive. The petrol turbo with manual was engaging, offering short, light clutches and responsive gear changes; it plates well for enthusiasts who enjoy a more involved driving experience.
Handling: Soft but steady
The Venue feels like a hatchback that loves city streets. The steering input is light, making it easy to navigate tight turns and parking spaces. The suspension is tuned for comfort, softening road imperfections so that bumps aren’t felt as much. On rougher roads, the car still remains quiet and rolls minimally. However, the vehicle doesn’t hold its line on sharper corners – body roll can be visible when pushing it around tight bends. At highway speeds, the car is stable, and the brakes perform adequately. The HX 8 model we drove had rear drum brakes which offer an acceptable stopping power for most everyday situations.
Boot space and practicality
The new Venue offers a boot capacity of 375 litres which expands to 610 litres once the second‑row seats are folded. That’s roughly a 25‑litre increase from the debut model. Inside, the second‑row seats can recline in a simple two‑step mode which improves the feeling for longer trips. Comfortwise, the seats are supportive, but under‑thigh support could be better especially for taller passengers.
Others: Things that could be improved
While the car feels well packaged overall, there are a few snags. The absence of cornering fog lights is a minor drawback, and the co‑driver side request sensor isn’t present. Lumbar support isn’t adjustable on the driver’s seat, so those with specific needs might feel limited. Rain‑sensing wipers and vented rear seats, offered on competitors, are missing. None of these are fatal complaints, but they provide useful context when comparing to the Nexon or the Brezza.
Price: Does the package justify the ask?
The Venue HX 8 starts at ₹7.9 lakh, positioned slightly higher than the Brezza and within the range of the Nexon. While rivals can slot a turbo engine as standard at a lower price, the Hyundai’s value proposition lies in the higher kitchen of materials, a more spacious cabin and a smoother ride. If prospective buyers can afford to test drive the car, they’ll notice the premium feel, especially in the audio and the build quality. The price remains a consideration for budget buyers who can lean towards lower‑trim rivals that still offer a turbo engine.
The new Hyundai Venue HX 8, for all intents and purposes, is a cleaner and better‑balanced vehicle compared to its predecessor. The design updates give it a bold front and an improved rear silhouette; the interior offers larger, higher‑resolution displays and a more comfortable seating package. The engineering choices present a balanced mix of fuel efficiency and spirited performance. The car still remains light on the wheels and mild in handling, which makes it well suited for city and highway use but not for sporty cornering.
Overall, the venue feels like a volume‑up version of a mid‑range sedan: it’s not delivering every cutting‑edge feature, but what it does offer is polished and dependable. The Value For Money factor is mixed – you’ll pay a bit more for a simpler package, but the build quality and the cabin feel might entice buyers willing to test drive. A thorough test ride is crucial before making a final decision. For those who value a brighter interior and a sound engineering, the Venue HX 8 is worth a parking lot visit.
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