Hey car lovers and future car owners! Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, right? You're probably juggling thoughts about your budget, how safe your family will be, the monthly running costs, whether it has all the latest features, and of course, the company's service network. It's a lot to consider, but don't worry, that's what we are here for! Today, we're putting a popular contender under the spotlight – the new Hyundai Venue HX 8 Diesel AT Dual Tone. This compact SUV has been a favourite in its segment, and with this particular variant, Hyundai promises a blend of style, performance, and convenience. Let's dive deep and see if it ticks all your boxes!

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Venue HX 8 Diesel AT Dual Tone is a robust and efficient engine designed for both city commutes and highway cruises.

• Engine Type: 1.5L U2 CRDi Diesel engine
• Maximum Power: 116 PS @ 4000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
• Fuel Efficiency: Known for its impressive fuel economy in the diesel AT segment.

Design Overview

The Hyundai Venue HX 8 Diesel AT Dual Tone truly stands out with its modern aesthetics.

• Exterior: It features Hyundai's signature 'Sensuous Sportiness' design language. The Dual Tone aspect adds a vibrant contrast, usually with a black roof paired with a striking body colour, giving it a very sporty and premium look. The front boasts a dark chrome parametric grille, split headlamp design with LED DRLs, and stylish projector headlamps. The muscular wheel arches and diamond-cut alloy wheels further enhance its road presence.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a premium and well-laid-out cabin. The black and grey interior theme, combined with good quality materials, gives a sophisticated feel. The driver-centric cockpit design ensures all controls are within easy reach, making for a comfortable driving experience.

Key Features

The Venue HX 8 Diesel AT Dual Tone comes loaded with features that enhance convenience and comfort.

• Infotainment System: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Connectivity: Supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with Hyundai's Bluelink connected car technology
• Sunroof: Electric sunroof
• Safety & Convenience: 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, push-button start/stop, cruise control
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
• Other Features: Air purifier, cooled glovebox, paddle shifters (for AT), power-adjustable ORVMs.

Ground Clearance

• Ground Clearance: 195 mm (which is good for Indian roads)

Boot Space

• Boot Space: 350 litres (ample for weekend trips or daily errands)

Dimensions

The compact dimensions make the Venue easy to manoeuvre in city traffic while offering decent cabin space.

• Length: 3995 mm
• Width: 1800 mm
• Height: 1665 mm
• Wheelbase: 2520 mm

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the diesel automatic, it's worth noting the Venue offers a versatile range of engine and transmission options to suit different preferences:

• 1.2L Kappa Petrol: 5-speed Manual Transmission
• 1.0L Turbo GDi Petrol: 6-speed iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission) or 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)
• 1.5L CRDi Diesel: 6-speed Manual Transmission or 6-speed Automatic Transmission (as in our HX 8 Diesel AT Dual Tone variant)

Safety Features

Hyundai has equipped the Venue with a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect its occupants.

• Up to 6 Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear parking sensors and camera
• ISOFIX child seat mounts

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are a crucial consideration for many Indian buyers.

Rivals of Hyundai Venue HX 8 Diesel AT Dual Tone

The sub-4 meter compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive. The Venue goes head-to-head with some strong players:

• Maruti Suzuki Brezza
• Tata Nexon
• Kia Sonet
• Mahindra XUV300
• Nissan Magnite
• Renault Kiger

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Stylish and Modern Design: The Dual Tone option and updated looks make it a head-turner.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Packed with convenience features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, connected car tech, and wireless charging.
• Refined Diesel Engine: The 1.5L CRDi engine is smooth, powerful, and fuel-efficient.

Smooth Automatic Transmission: The 6-speed AT offers a relaxed and comfortable driving experience, especially in city traffic.Hyundai's Service Network: Extensive and reliable service network across India.Good Ride Quality: Handles bad roads reasonably well, offering a comfortable ride.

Cons

• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, it can feel a bit snug for three adults on longer journeys compared to some rivals.
• Steering Feedback: The steering can feel a bit light at higher speeds, lacking some feedback for enthusiastic drivers.
• Diesel AT Price: This specific variant can be on the higher side of the segment's pricing, impacting budget buyers.
• Older NCAP Rating: While 4-star is good, it's for the previous generation, and an updated rating would instill more confidence.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Venue HX 8 Diesel AT Dual Tone emerges as a very strong contender in the compact SUV space. It perfectly balances style, features, performance, and the sheer convenience of a diesel automatic powertrain. If you're someone who spends a lot of time driving in city traffic but also enjoys occasional highway trips, and you prioritize modern features, a refined diesel engine, and a hassle-free automatic transmission, then this Venue variant is definitely worth a very close look. Its dual-tone appeal adds a dash of personality that truly makes it stand out. While it has a couple of minor drawbacks, its overall package is incredibly compelling. Do consider test driving it to experience its blend of comfort and capability firsthand. Happy car hunting!