Hyundai upgrades Venue for an extra $500

HYUNDAI Motor Firm Australia (HMCA) is primed and able to roll out its MY21 Venue mild SUV vary which has been given a sequence of specification upgrades forward of the brand new mannequin yr because the model reacts to “perceived shortfalls in spec”.

With costs rising $500 for all three variants, HMCA has made a sequence of modifications each shared by and distinctive to every variant with the largest improve coming within the type of wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the base- and mid-spec Venue (beforehand Go) and Lively.

Now in a position available from $20,690 plus on-road prices in guide guise and $22,710 for the automated, different upgrades to the bottom Venue embody 15-inch alloy wheels, centre console storage bin with sliding prime, heated door mirrors and premium material seats.

The Lively ($22,620/$24,640) in the meantime scores the identical tech and storage upgrades on prime of its regular spec but in addition provides premium seat bolsters and 17-inch alloy wheels, the latter of which was first outlined in July.

On the top quality is the Elite ($26,490) which is including a sunroof to its repertoire in addition to a wise key with push-button begin and the aforementioned centre console storage bin.

In response to HMCA company communications common supervisor Invoice Thomas, the spec upgrades to the Venue have been primarily pushed by buyer and seller suggestions.

“We’re reacting to perceived shortfalls in spec and it’s essential to have the pliability from the manufacturing facility to offer us these modifications promptly,” he mentioned.

“The usual 17-inch wheel change for the Lively is a very sturdy improve, on condition that some sentiment advised us that the automotive seems a little bit ‘under-wheeled’ with the smaller 15s.”

Again July, HMCA chief working officer John Kett advised GoAuto the Venue had not loved the identical degree of preliminary success because the model hoped for and attributed the sluggish begin to the under-specification of the Go (now Venue) and Lively grades in addition to the COVID-19 induced preliminary delay of Elite inventory.

Now nonetheless issues have reportedly picked up with the Venue occupying 14.2 per cent of the sunshine SUV phase with 3099 gross sales this yr to the tip of October.

“Gross sales are sturdy for Venue and we’re proud of the best way it’s progressing, particularly given it’s nonetheless a relative newcomer to the market,” Mr Thomas mentioned.

“As extra are seen on the street, we anticipate gross sales to strengthen even additional.”

Whereas gross sales are on the rise, the Venue has an extended approach to go if it needs to face any hope of usurping the present mild SUV gross sales king, the Mazda CX-3, which has a 50.7 per cent stranglehold on the phase with 11,058 gross sales to the tip of October.

For reference, all Venues are powered by the identical 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine growing 90kW/151Nm, all of which is distributed to the entrance wheels through a six-speed guide or six-speed computerized transmission relying on the variant.

2021 Hyundai Venue pricing*