The Cargo is based on the entry-level Venue 1.2 Motion. As in the case of its upgraded range partners, the Venue Cargo has a bold new front grille with wider dimensions and a cascading chocolate-box appearance.

The hatch door has also been made wider at the bottom, offering a bigger bottom opening that would ­– especially in the case of the Venue Cargo – ease the loading and unloading of large items into and from the rear compartment.

The Venue Cargo, which is equipped with 15-inch steel wheel rims with a styled plastic cover, comes in a Polar White exterior colour.

Interior and convenience features

The Venue Cargo’s interior offers intuitive controls and a spacious cabin for the driver and front passenger.

The dimensions of the cargo compartment are:

• Length: 1 200 mm;
• Width: 1 200 mm; and
• Height: 900 mm.

Convenience features include an infotainment system that features an 8-inch display audio touchscreen system and rear-view monitor in the front console.

Consumers will also appreciate the USB cell-phone charging ports, a Supervision 4.2-inch TFT LCD display to show useful information for the driver, a rear-view camera with display on the infotainment system’s 8-inch screen, and Bluetooth hands-free phone operation. The Venue Cargo is equipped with a manual air conditioner.

Safety

The Venue Cargo’s passive safety features include two front airbags and three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters (for driver and passenger respectively). An Advanced Braking System (ABS) for active safety assists to keep the Cargo under control when having to stop suddenly in difficult road conditions.

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which balances braking forces at each wheel when the car is dynamically loaded, and Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force to the driver when an emergency stop is necessary, are also on the Cargo’s list of standard safety equipment.

Drivetrain and suspension

The naturally aspirated 4-cylinder Kappa 1.2-litre MPi petrol engine, delivering 61 kW maximum power and 115 Nm maximum torque, drives the Venue Cargo through a 5-speed manual transmission. The frugal engine boasts an average fuel consumption of 6.5 litres per 100 km, measured in a mix of open-road, highway and city driving.

The Venue’s suspension configuration and tuning create a good compromise between ride comfort and confident vehicle control.

Price

The price (VAT inclusive) of the new Hyundai Venue Cargo is R329 900.

Included in the price is Hyundai’s 7-year / 200 000 km warranty; 7-year / 150 000 km roadside assistance; and a 3-year / 45 000 km service plan.