When you are thinking of buying a new car, a lot of questions pop up. What is my budget? Is the car safe for my family? How much will I spend on monthly maintenance? Does it have all the latest features I want? And what about the company service backup? These are crucial points for every Indian car buyer. Today, we are diving deep into one such vehicle that aims to tick all these boxes: the new Hyundai Venue HX 8 Knight Diesel AT. This compact SUV promises a blend of style, performance, and convenience, especially with its automatic diesel powertrain. Let us find out if it is the right car for you.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Hyundai Venue HX 8 Knight Diesel AT comes with a robust and efficient engine.

• Engine Type: 1.5L U2 CRDi Diesel Engine
• Displacement: 1493 cc
• Maximum Power: 116 PS at 4000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 250 Nm at 1500-2750 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)

This engine is known for its smooth performance and impressive fuel efficiency, making it ideal for both city commutes and highway cruising.

Design Overview

The Hyundai Venue Knight Edition stands out with its distinctive sporty looks and premium feel.

Exterior:

• Blacked-out grille with dark chrome finish
• Red inserts on the bumper and side sills
• Red front brake calipers
• Black roof rails and shark fin antenna
• Knight Edition badging
• LED projector headlamps and DRLs
• R16 Diamond Cut alloy wheels (Knight specific dark finish)

The overall design is bold and youthful, giving the Venue a strong road presence.

Interior:

• All-black interior with red inserts and stitching
• Sporty metal pedals
• Premium fabric and leatherette upholstery
• Ergonomically designed cabin for comfort

The cabin feels premium and well-appointed, with a focus on driver and passenger convenience.

Key Features

The Venue HX 8 Knight Diesel AT is packed with modern features to enhance your driving experience.

• Infotainment System: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Connectivity: BlueLink connected car technology with over 60 features
• Sunroof: Electric sunroof
• Camera: 360-degree camera with front and rear parking sensors
• Charging: Wireless phone charger
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control
• Cruise Control
• Air Purifier
• Cooled Glovebox
• Rear AC Vents
• Push-button start/stop with smart key

What is the Ground Clearance of

The Hyundai Venue offers a practical ground clearance of 195 mm. This is sufficient to handle most of Indias road conditions and speed breakers with ease.

What is the Boot Space of

The boot space available in the Hyundai Venue is 350 litres. This is adequate for weekend trips and daily errands, offering good cargo carrying capacity.

What is the Dimensions of

The Hyundai Venue is a compact SUV with balanced dimensions for city driving and highway stability.

• Length: 3995 mm
• Width: 1800 mm

Height: 1665 mm
Wheelbase: 2520 mm

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the efficient diesel AT, it is good to know that the Hyundai Venue also offers other engine choices to suit various preferences.

• 1.2L Kappa Petrol Engine with 5-speed Manual Transmission
• 1.0L Kappa Turbo GDi Petrol Engine with 6-speed Manual Transmission or 7-speed DCT

The HX 8 Knight variant specifically gets the powerful 1.5L Diesel with 6-speed Automatic Transmission, offering a premium and convenient driving experience.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Hyundai, and the Venue comes equipped with a comprehensive list of safety features.

• 6 Airbags (standard on HX 8)
• Electronic Stability Control ESC
• Vehicle Stability Management VSM
• Hill Start Assist Control HAC
• Anti-lock Braking System ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution EBD
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System TPMS
• Rear Parking Camera with guidelines
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Automatic headlamps

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a cars safety rating is vital for informed buyers.

Note: The Global NCAP rating refers to the pre-facelift model tested in 2022. It is expected that the current model would maintain or improve upon these standards due to added safety features.

Rivals of Hyundai Venue HX 8 Knight Diesel AT

The compact SUV segment is highly competitive in India. The Hyundai Venue HX 8 Knight Diesel AT faces strong competition from several popular models.

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Smooth and Powerful Diesel AT: The 1.5L diesel engine paired with the 6-speed automatic transmission offers a refined and responsive driving experience.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Loaded with premium features like an electric sunroof, 360-degree camera, connected car tech, and wireless charging.
• Distinctive Knight Edition Styling: The blacked-out elements and red accents give it a unique and sporty appeal.
• Good Fuel Efficiency: The diesel engine is known for its excellent mileage, making it economical to run.
• Comprehensive Safety Package: Comes with 6 airbags, ESC, VSM, and other essential safety features.
• Hyundai Service Network: Extensive and reliable service network across India.

Cons

• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, it can feel a bit cramped for three adults on longer journeys compared to some rivals.
• Ride Quality at Low Speeds: Suspension can feel a bit firm over sharp bumps at lower speeds, though it improves at higher speeds.
• No Ventilated Seats: A feature increasingly offered by competitors in this segment.
• Price: The top-end diesel AT variant can be perceived as slightly expensive compared to some competitors.
• Global NCAP Rating for Older Model: While good, some rivals have achieved 5-star ratings more recently.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Venue HX 8 Knight Diesel AT emerges as a very strong contender in the compact SUV segment. It brings together a compelling package of stylish looks, a refined and fuel-efficient diesel automatic powertrain, and a cabin brimming with technology and comfort. If you are an urban explorer who values convenience, connectivity, safety, and a touch of sporty elegance, and your budget allows for a premium compact SUV, the Venue HX 8 Knight Diesel AT deserves serious consideration. It is a car that not only looks good but also delivers a well-rounded and enjoyable driving experience. Take it for a test drive and feel the difference yourself!