Under the hood, the Hyundai Venue 1.5 Diesel S+ is powered by a 1500 cc 4 cylinder diesel engine that delivers 250 Nm of torque. The power surge starts at 1,500 rpm, making overtakes effortless. I rarely had to press the throttle beyond 50% to get the response I needed. NVH levels are well-contained, with only a few rumbles when pushing the engine hard.

The 6-speed manual gearbox has its quirks. Gear shifts require a precise hand due to their long throws, and while the clutch bite point is predictable, there is a slight learning curve. Sadly, Hyundai doesn’t offer an automatic transmission for the diesel variant—a missed opportunity for those stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic (as I often found myself in Mahipalpur).

Fuel economy is one of Venue’s strong suits. I managed 14 kmpl in city traffic and 22 kmpl on highways, numbers that even an identically equipped Seltos Diesel or Alcazar couldn’t match.

The ride quality is slightly firm,compared to Nexon. Likely due to the added weight of the diesel engine. Hyundai seems to have stiffened the front suspension for better handling, but the steering feel remains light, making urban maneuvering effortless. However, some might find it lacking in precision during spirited driving.

The 8-inch infotainment system is oddly positioned—it looks like it's covering the AC vents. It supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is convenient. The digital gauge cluster features cartoon-like graphics that change colors based on the driving mode in higher variants.

The cabin layout is spacious, but material quality is inconsistent. While Hyundai has tried to introduce soft-touch elements, hard plastics dominate the dashboard, door panels, and center console, reducing the premium feel. That said, the matte-finished door handles, rear AC vents, and fast-charging ports are thoughtful additions.

The black/off-white fabric seats create an airy cabin feel, somewhat making up for the absence of a sunroof in this variant. The height-adjustable front seats offer adequate padding and a commanding driving position. At the rear, two adults and a child can sit comfortably, but variants with a sunroof feel cramped due to reduced headroom.

Boot space is decent and can easily fit three to four large suitcases. The rear seats split-fold, offering additional cargo capacity when needed.

The Hyundai Venue’s facelifted design has always been polarizing. The large checkered grille is attention-grabbing but not exactly timeless. My S+ variant came with automatic LED DRLs and projector lamps at the front, while the rear had reflector-based LED tail lights.

The gray-colored bumpers and door handles add a cohesive look, as do the LED indicators on the mirrors—though they might be expensive to replace. However, the R15 steel wheels with cheap-looking covers are a letdown. Many owners, including the one I borrowed this car from, replace them with aftermarket alloys.

Hyundai has made six airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control standard across the Venue lineup. Additional features include rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and electronic driver aids, making it a safe choice for city driving. However, Hyundai has yet to send the Venue for BNCAP crash testing, leaving its real-world safety rating unknown.

The Hyundai Venue 1.5 Diesel competes with the Tata Nexon Diesel, its sibling Kia Sonet Diesel, and the Mahindra XUV 3XO Diesel.

The Hyundai Venue remains a tried-and-tested bestseller, offering value for money package. The Venue doesn't have CNG, automatic diesel options, and rear seats are best suited for two adults. These drawbacks are minor compared to its punchy engine, spacious boot, and refined driving experience.