Hyundai Exter vs Venue: Go Small And Top-spec Or Large And Mid-spec?

The Hyundai Exter is the newest SUV around the block and the smallest one in Hyundai’s India portfolio. It bridges the gap between the Grand i10 Nios hatchback and the Venue sub-4m SUV. The micro SUV is based on the hatchback itself, so a lot of equipment, especially on the inside, is rather familiar. But do the Exter’s additional features allow it to have a go on one of the Venue’s mid-spec variants? Both are priced around the same mark and we bet there will be some cross shopping before choosing the final car. So which one should you choose? Let’s find out:

To keep it fair and square, we are only going to consider the 1.2-litre NA petrol MT variant of the Venue, given that the options of the auto box are only available in the turbo-petrol variants – something that isn’t available with the Exter. 

So it’s the Exter’s top-spec SX opt Connect MT variant VS the Venue’s S Opt MT variant that’s featured in the comparo. Let’s fire away:

Powertrains specifications

Because we’ve only taken the 1.2-litre MT powertrains for this comparison, there aren’t any differences on this front. Both use the same tune of the 1.2-litre NA petrol engine, which has an output of 83PS/114Nm. Both are geared using a 5-speed manual, but the Exter also gets an AMT option, which the Venue doesn’t. 

You’ll have to switch to the turbo-petrol engine if you wish to have an automatic transmission with the Venue and there’s also a diesel engine option available with the sub-compact SUV.

Dimensions

There’s no doubt that the Venue is the bigger one here. It fits the bill of a quintessential sub-4m SUV, while the Exter is essentially just a jacked up hatchback. Hence, the Venue is 180mm longer, 60mm wider, and has a 50mm wider wheelbase. However, the Exter actually beats the Venue in terms of overall height as it towers 26mm over the sub-4m SUV. In terms of bootspace, the Exter offers 391-litres of stowage, while the Venue has a capacity of 350-litres.

Features

The table above clearly states that the Exter’s top-spec manual variant is by far the better equipped variant here. Sure, there are a couple of features like wireless connectivity for Apple Carplay/Android Auto and the better sound system that the Venue boasts, but ultimately, the SX Opt Connect MT variant of the Exter triumphs over the Venue’s S Opt MT variant by offering you some niceties such as automatic AC and fully electric ORVMs. It even packs two additional airbags over the sub-4m SUV. 

Price

Although the ballpark of prices for the Exter and Venue vary significantly with more than Rs 3 lakh between their top-spec trims, the variants that we had chosen for this specific test were priced much closer.

The comparable Venue variant is Rs 45,000 more expensive than the Exter’s variant. 

So at the end of the day, it comes down to your personal preference. What you’re getting for Rs 9.31 lakh is a well equipped micro SUV with nearly all the features you’d wish from a modern day car. While for 45,000 more, you can get a slightly bigger car offering a better road presence, but with a trade-off in some of the features on the list. 

Also Read: 2024 Tata Nexon Spied Again; To Get A Complete Design Makeover

So if size and road presence is a higher priority for you, then the Venue S Opt MT variant makes sense. But if the features on offer are what you’re after, the Exter’s SX Opt Connect MT variant will be the perfect companion for you. Moreover, for Rs 68,000 more (Rs 9.99 lakh), you can upgrade to the Exter’s top-spec automatic trim for that added convenience.

Both take on cars from different segments, with the Venue fighting off other sub-4m SUVs like the Maruti Fronx, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 and the Renault Kiger, while the Exter rivals the Tata Punch and Citroen C3.