Latest news with #CheryTiggo4Pro
IOL News
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
South Africa's 20 best-selling SUVs in the first half of 2025: Chinese and Indian models gain ground
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is South Africa's top selling Chinese vehicle, and second overall in the SUV rankings. Image: Supplied More than half of all passenger vehicles sold in South Africa are SUVs or crossovers, and their popularity continues to grow as buyers gradually part with their trusty hatchbacks and sedans. In 2024, SUVs accounted for almost 52% of the passenger vehicle market, up from 45.2% in 2021, the year in which these high-riders overtook hatchbacks as the most popular body type. But what are the most popular SUV models in South Africa? We strung together the Naamsa numbers from the first half of 2025, and some interesting trends became apparent - with Chinese and Indian-built models dominating the scene. South Africa's top selling SUVs in the first half of 2025. Image: Jason Woosey / IOL Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Of the 20 top-selling SUVs in South Africa, six are the products of Chinese brands and nine are imported from India, under the Toyota, Suzuki, Kia, Hyundai, and Mahindra brands. However, the Prospecton-built Toyota Corolla Cross emerged as South Africa's most popular SUV product by a healthy margin, with a monthly average of 1,596 units in the first half of 2025. The Cross received a facelift in early 2025, and its popularity continues to grow, with an impressive volume of 2,132 units recorded in June. It is one of just two locally produced SUVs in the top 20, the other being its Fortuner sibling. The Toyota Corolla Cross is the country's top-selling SUV. Image: Supplied China has two strong contenders, with the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Haval Jolion taking the second and fourth spots for the first half of 2025, with respective average monthly volumes of 1,216 and 1,064 units. Suzuki's Indian-built Fronx was the third best-selling SUV product in the first half, outselling its Toyota Starlet Cross sibling with a monthly average of 1,077 versus 865. The Omoda C5 has gained significant traction since 2024, as has India's Mahindra 3XO, which received a significant upgrade last year. Interestingly, only one European-built SUV made the top 20, with the Volkswagen T-Cross taking 12th place with a monthly volume of 520. Manufacturers losing ground to importers The crux of that matter is that importers are gaining traction in South Africa. Overall new light vehicle sales for the first six months of 2025 (all segments) are 13.6% ahead of the same period in 2024, according to Naamsa. However, while imports increased by 25.6%, with independent importers seeing a 33.4% rise, the local manufacturers saw their sales drop by 14% year to date. Chief executives such as Toyota's Andrew Kirby speak of a slow but steady deindustrialisation of the South African motor industry, and this is particularly evident when it comes to South Africa's top-selling vehicle type, the SUV. That being said, local manufacturers have come to rely on export contracts for vehicles such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Volkswagen Polo, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. IOL Motoring
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Facelifted Chery Tiggo 7 debuts in South Africa - but is it still too close to the Cross?
The facelifted Chery Tiggo 7 is now on sale in South Africa. Image: Supplied While the smaller Chery Tiggo 4 Pro sets the sales charts alight in South Africa with its sharp pricing, two slightly larger models are fighting for a smaller share of the pie just above that. One of these is the Chery Tiggo 7, which has just received a comprehensive facelift and range realignment to shift it a notch or two more upmarket, presumably so it clashes less with the recently introduced Chery Tiggo Cross. The upgraded Chery Tiggo 7, which now rolls off the tongue a little easier thanks to the 'Pro' being dropped from the end of its name, hits the market in three new specification flavours. The Tiggo 7 is only slightly longer than the Tiggo Cross. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The 1.5T Prime kicks things off at R429,900, with the 1.6T Prestige taking the middle ground at R499,900 and the 1.6T Legacy laying on all the trimmings for R549,900. The pre-facelift Tiggo 7 Pro, for what it's worth, cost between R389,900 and R609,900. The Chery Tiggo Cross, which is actually the new Tiggo 4 in most overseas markets, retails from R399,900 to R449,900. But it's not much smaller than the Tiggo 7, being just 2mm shorter and 31mm narrower, albeit less spacious inside thanks to its wheelbase being 60mm shorter. The Cross is a good 102kg lighter, however, which translates to better economy and performance. The two vehicles are perhaps positioned a little too close for comfort, but it's worth keeping in mind that the Tiggo 7 is an older-generation product, ultimately providing more metal for the money. What's new for 2025? The Chery Tiggo 7 retains its basic body shell, but the front and rear sections have been redesigned. Upfront we see a new diamond-effect grille, flanked by standard LED headlights and garnished by a more deeply sculpted lower bumper. The back end is distinguished by new taillights and reprofiled tailgate and bumper, all of which forge a closer resemblance to the Tiggo Cross. The cabin also receives a significant update. New taillights and reprofiled sheet metal distinguish the rear section. Image: Supplied The 1.5-litre turbocharged engine in the entry version of the Tiggo 7, also found in the Cross, carries over as before, with outputs of 108kW and 210Nm, channeling power through the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine, fitted to Prestige and Legacy, delivers 145kW and 290Nm, through a seven speed dual-clutch gearbox. A plug-in hybrid version of the Tiggo 7 was also introduced recently, priced at R599,900. What features do you get in the Tiggo 7? As is the norm with Chinese SUVs, buyers are not left wanting for gadgets, even in the lower-specced versions. To that end, the 1.5 Prestige ships with 18-inch alloy wheels, 12.3-inch dual screen infotainment system with 'Hello Chery' intelligent voice command, dual-zone climate control, keyless start, rear-view camera, four airbags and traction control, to name a few. The 1.6T Prestige adds 19-inch alloys, synthetic leather seats, with power adjustment for the driver, surround-view camera and multi-coloured ambient lighting. The airbag count now rises to eight, including a front-centre crash bag, and additional safety features include Blind Spot Detection and Rear Collision Warning. The cabin also receives a fresh look and new dual-screen infotainment system. Image: Supplied Up at the top, the 1.6T Legacy gains a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, power-operated tailgate, eight-speaker Sony sound system and a vast suite of driver assist gizmos, including Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking. All Chery Tiggo 7 models are sold with a five-year or 60,000km service plan, five-year or 150,000km warranty and 10-year/1-million kilometre engine warranty for the first owner. Chery Tiggo 7 Pricing (July 2025) 1.5T Prime - R429,900 1.6T Prestige - R499,900 1.6T Legacy - R549,900 IOL Motoring
IOL News
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Cars priced below R400,000 are driving the growth in SA's new vehicle market
Affordable vehicles such as the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, which entered the top three this month, are driving growth in the market. Image: Supplied The good times are rolling in South Africa's new vehicle market, with nine consecutive months of sales growth putting the industry 13.6% ahead of where it was this time last year, Naamsa figures show. June was a particularly strong month for the motor trade, with year-on-year sales growing by 18.7% to 47,294 units, as both passenger cars and light commercial vehicles made solid gains of 21.7% and 14.9% respectively. But household budgets remain tight and much of the growth is currently concentrated at the lower end of the vehicle market. 'The majority of the growth we're seeing is centred in the sub-R400,000 segment,' said Brandon Cohen, chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers' Association (NADA). 'This price point remains critical for volume, affordability and trade-ins, with a direct knock-on effect on pre-owned sales performance,' He added that the used vehicle market was also benefiting from improved affordability metrics, driven by softened interest rates, favourable vehicle pricing, and the rollout of the two-pot retirement savings reform. Most telling is that 24 of the 30 best-selling new passenger vehicles in South Africa last month (see IOL's top 50 list here) have a starting price of below R400,000. In fact, four of the five top-sellers, namely the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, Suzuki Swift, and Hyundai Grand i10, all have starting prices of less than R300,000. Many buyers continue to face budget constraints, said Lebo Gaoaketse, marketing head of WesBank, and at a finance level this is being seen through longer contract terms and lower credit amounts. "These are two major indicators of affordability pressure to reduce monthly installments within the need for new replacement vehicles,' Gaoaketse added. 'In short: South Africans want new cars – but they're spending less on them.' According to late-2024 data from TransUnion, the average loan amount on a new car in South Africa is currently R401,000. Yet, regardless of how much South Africans are spending, it seems evident that lower interest rates have had a positive effect on new vehicle sales. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'South Africa's new vehicle market growth has an uncanny alignment to the start of interest rate cuts,' Gaoaketse added. 'Interest rate reprieve since September 2024 has lifted some burden on indebted consumers and stimulated demand for credit and consequently new vehicles. The South African Reserve Bank has lowered rates 0,75% over the past nine months but may become more cautious with further cuts given global economic turmoil.' Absa's new vehicle application figures show a 13% year-on-year increase in June compared to the same period last year. 'The decreasing interest rate and the stable inflation rate have provided a welcome boost to consumers. As a result, consumers pay less on home loan and other debt instalments, increasing their ability to purchase new cars,' said Henry Botha, strategy executive at Absa Vehicle Finance. IOL Motoring
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
New vehicle sales surge continues: These were the 50 best sellers and top brands in June
The Toyota Corolla Cross was SA's best-selling passenger car in June. Picture: Supplied Image: supplied South Africa's new vehicle market continues to defy the economic odds, with another strong sales month recorded in June. The total new vehicle market saw a volume of 47,294 units last month, an impressive increase of 18.7% versus the same month in 2024. Robust growth was seen in both the passenger car market, which grew by 21.7% year-on-year to total 26,763 units in June, and the light commercial sector, which surged by 14.9% to 10,559 units. But while the medium commercials also showed solid growth, up 24.7% to 652 units, the heavy commercials decreased by 3.1% to 1,943 units. 85.9% of vehicles were sold through the traditional dealer channels in June, Naamsa said, while the rental industry scooped up 8.2% and corporate and government clients accounted for 3.2% and 2.7% of the market, respectively. Naamsa said that sales for the first half of 2025 were now 1.36% ahead of the same period in 2024. On the sales charts, the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger led the bakkie race, both making notable gains over the previous month, while the Toyota Corolla Cross surged to the top of the passenger car list with an impressive volume of 2,132 units. Suzuki's Swift, which led the way last month, fell back to seventh after the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro made some notable gains. South Africa's 50 best-selling vehicles: June 2025 Toyota Hilux - 3,035 Ford Ranger - 2,318 Toyota Corolla Cross - 2,132 Volkswagen Polo Vivo - 1,962 Isuzu D-Max - 1,678 Chery Tiggo 4 Pro - 1,538 Suzuki Swift - 1,466 Hyundai Grand i10 - 1,301 Haval Jolion - 1,116 Suzuki Fronx - 1,112 Toyota Fortuner - 878 Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up - 860 Toyota Starlet - 852 Suzuki Ertiga - 840 Toyota Vitz - 794 Volkswagen Polo - 756 Kia Sonet - 735 Toyota Urban Cruiser - 720 Nissan Magnite - 678 Toyota Starlet Cross - 657 Renault Kwid - 597 Toyota Land Cruiser PU - 591 Volkswagen T-Cross - 588 Toyota Hi-Ace - 524 Omoda C5 - 478 Mahindra 3XO - 475 Haval H6 - 456 Hyundai Exter - 438 Renault Kiger - 437 Nissan Navara - 403 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro - 401 Suzuki S-Presso - 379 Toyota Rumion - 375 Jetour Dashing - 373 GWM P-Series - 367 Suzuki Baleno - 360 Volkswagen Amarok - 354 Citroen C3 - 348 BMW X3 - 339 Jetour X70 Plus - 310 Ford Everest - 306 Ford Territory - 286 Hyundai i20 - 278 Volkswagen Tiguan - 273 Suzuki Jimny - 250 BMW 3 Series - 236 Jaecoo J7 - 230 Foton Tunland G7 - 224 Beijing X55 Plus - 215 Omoda X5 X - 215 Volkswagen Polo Sedan - 214 Top Manufacturers Toyota - 11,690 Suzuki Auto - 5,221 Volkswagen - 4,973 Ford - 3,058 Hyundai - 2,905 GWM / Haval - 2,288 Chery Auto - 2,101 Isuzu Motors - 2,087 Mahindra - 1,483 BMW Group - 1,349 Naamsa said the strong sales performance this year is due to a number of factors, including decreasing interest rates, low inflation and improved credit access across the market. 'The first half of 2025 has shown just how resilient and responsive our domestic market truly is. Strong consumer demand, supported by positive economic fundamentals, has helped the automotive sector deliver impressive growth amid global turbulence,' said Naamsa CEO Mike Mabasa. IOL
7NEWS
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2025 Hyundai Venue Elite review
The Hyundai Venue entered 2025 unchanged, aside from price rises of $250 across the range. Note: This article is based on our most recent review of the Venue, as there have been no major changes to pricing or specifications since it was published. We have updated the article with the most up to date information available, and you can read our most recent pricing and specs article here. Despite the hike, it's still one of the cheapest SUVs in the country – at least in base manual form. The flagship Elite, on the other hand, is starting to look a bit exxy within the growing small SUV segment. After all, you can now get a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro or new MG ZS for less, both of which are better equipped than the Hyundai. However, sometimes when it comes to cheap cars, less can be more. Does the Hyundai Venue Elite fall into that category, or is it in need of an urgent update to remain competitive within a growing pool of affordable rivals? Read on to find out. How much does the Hyundai Venue cost? The Hyundai Venue range starts at $22,750 before on-road costs for the base manual, and tops out at $29,500 plus on-roads for the Elite tested here. All four variants in the Venue range have been hit with a $250 price rise, after $500 price rises across the board last year. The car that we are testing is a Venue Elite optioned with The Denim exterior paint ($595), bringing the total recommended retail price to $30,095 plus on-road costs. To see how the Hyundai Venue compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool What is the Hyundai Venue like on the inside? Stepping into the Venue, it's clear where Hyundai has spent its money on this entry-level model. You're greeted by a leather wrapped steering wheel that feels soft to the touch, and a 4.2-inch trip computer display sits between digital readouts for speed and revs behind it. Speed and rev displays can't be moved, while the trip computer shows fuel use and engine temperature readouts in its default setting, but can be configured to show fuel economy, tyre pressure, and lane-keep assistance. It's a nice inclusion, but the constantly fluctuating digital rev readout made me feel like I was in The Matrix. Looking left there's a 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which will be familiar to Hyundai and Kia owners. It's a responsive unit, and physical shortcut buttons are located below it to boost usability. Smartphone mirroring requires a wired connection, but Apple CarPlay was responsive and reliable during our testing period. The USB-A port offers smartphone mirroring, USB-C is on hand for fast charging, and there's a 12V port for accessories. The Venue is equipped with a wireless charging pad, which is handy for those who still prefer to use the native infotainment system. If you're that way inclined, the built-in satellite navigation is easy to use. The maps are detailed and searching for destinations is a quick process. Elsewhere in the system, settings can be tweaked for the visual displays and safety aids, so the car can work with rather than against you. The environment inside the car is controlled by two climate control dials flanking a circular screen that shows temperature and fan speed. The top-spec Elite comes with a sunroof, which is a premium piece of kit for a car in this price bracket. The Venue may be a budget buy, but in top specification the tech inclusions make it a very functional car in 2025. In order to keep the car among the most affordable SUVs on the market something has to give, and in the Venue that's quality of materials. Outside of the nicely trimmed steering wheel and elbow padding on each door card, the cabin predominantly consists of hard plastics, including a dotted plastic dash which looks and feels cheap. Likewise the door handles, which sit at an angle that makes them feel flimsy. The air vent and gear lever surrounds are made of white plastic; it's not my style, although some buyers may appreciate the dash of flair. The manually adjustable seats, finished in denim-coloured cloth with leatherette accents and white stitching, are interesting to look at and provide a decent level of comfort. There's not much side bolstering, though. Considering the small stature of the Venue, the interior storage options are quite generous. Up the front you'll find door bins big enough for a small water bottle and other miscellaneous items, while the central cup holders are capable of swallowing a 1L bottle. A small lined cubby sits under the armrest, and there's an even smaller space located near the window switches in each door. On the passenger side, above the standard glovebox is a wide tray carved into the dash which is perfect for a phone or other smaller items. Moving to the second row, both doors feature a cubby capable of fitting a small drink bottle. There's no centre armrest though, and just one map pocket. There's not much room for larger people, either. Kids will be able to get comfortable back there, but bigger bodies will struggle on longer journeys because there's very little legroom in this tight package. I had a few inches of headroom though, and the combination of a sunroof and light-coloured headliner prevents the Venue from feeling claustrophobic. Overall, you get more room than what's available in similarly priced hatchbacks, and a couple of average-sized adults will fit in the back without issue. In keeping with Hyundai's focus on technology in the Venue, rear passengers have access to two USB-C ports, which is a rare feature in economy cars. It can get stuffy though, as there are no air vents in the rear. Boot capacity is quoted at 355 litres, which is more than you'll get in similarly priced rivals. The space is wide and easy to load items into, while the rear bench folds 60/40 for added practicality. It folds with a minimal step between the boot floor and seatbacks too, so the extra cargo room is usable. To see how the Hyundai Venue compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool What's under the bonnet? The whole Hyundai Venue range is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 90kW of power and 151Nm of torque. To see how the Hyundai Venue compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool How does the Hyundai Venue drive? The Venue may be an 'SUV', but don't expect an insulated, cushy driving experience. Our tester never quite felt settled on regular suburban streets, transmitting harsh vibrations into the cabin. The car was also crashy over speed humps, which caused me to flinch on approach. Base model examples are equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, but the Active and Elite feature 17-inch alloys which may have played a role in the harsher ride. At least its compact dimensions and reversing camera make parking simple, especially in tight confines. The automatic transmission is smooth and smart for the most part, keeping revs down where possible at lower speeds. However, we found the steering requires a lot of effort before the car responds, which undermines your confidence navigating city laneways and narrow country roads. It's all a bit vague. You have to be gentle with the Venue, because it doesn't like to be rushed. That sentiment extends to the engine, which is underpowered outside of urban environments. With just 90kW and 151Nm, the naturally aspirated four-cylinder under the bonnet has to work particularly hard to reach highway speeds. It's okay once you're cruising, but getting past a dawdler requires some planning in advance. With that said, one of the Venue's key rivals – the Kia Stonic – makes do with 74kW, and is even slower to accelerate to 100km/h. It's not exactly a segment packed with traffic light drag racing royalty. Highway driving in the Venue reveals another issue, in the form of noise. Weighing in at just 1225kg it's a lightly built machine, and that is noticeable in the road and wind noise it produces. We had to turn the stereo right up to drown out tyre roar and wind buffeting which peaked at speeds over 80km/h. The Venue is more at home in the city, where its little engine doesn't need to work as hard. We achieved an average fuel economy figure of 8.5L/100km, which is just ok for a naturally aspirated small SUV, and definitely not standout when you consider a hybrid-powered Toyota Yaris Cross will achieve less than half that. The integration of safety technology into modern cars can't necessarily make them, but it can break them, which isn't the case for the Venue. We barely noticed the safety systems during our time with the car, and the lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and driver attention warning functions worked seamlessly. That makes the Venue an easier car to drive on road trips, if you can tolerate the noise and firm ride. While the Venue is no rugged off-roader, adventurous owners can select sand, mud and snow traction control modes via a rotary dial on the centre console. The same dial can also be used to switch drive modes. What do you get? There are three trim levels in the Venue range. 2025 Hyundai Venue equipment highlights: 4.2-inch colour instrument cluster screen Qi wireless phone charger 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto 1 x 12V outlet, 1 x USB-A outlet, 1 x USB-C outlet 4-speaker sound system Cruise control Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment Tyre pressure monitoring Remote central locking 60:40 split/fold rear seat Cloth upholstery Power windows Manual air-conditioning 15-inch alloy wheels Space-saver spare Halogen daytime running lights Auto halogen projector headlights Venue Active adds: 6-speaker sound system 'Premium' seat bolsters Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter Power-folding exterior mirrors 17-inch alloy wheels LED daytime running lights LED positioning lights Static bending lights Venue Elite adds: Bluelink connected services (5yr subscription) 2 x USB-C outlets (rear) Electrochromatic rear-view mirror 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system Sunroof (not available with two-tone roof option) Keyless entry and start Rear privacy glass Single-zone climate control LED rear combination lights To see how the Hyundai Venue compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool Is the Hyundai Venue safe? The Hyundai Venue has a four-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2019. The following safety equipment is standard on all Venue models: Autonomous emergency braking (camera-based) Automatic high-beam Lane keep assist Rear occupant alert Driver attention warning Leading vehicle departure alert Reversing camera Front, front-side and curtain airbags Venue Active adds: Rear parking sensors Venue Elite adds: Blind-spot monitoring Rear cross-traffic alert To see how the Hyundai Venue compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool How much does the Hyundai Venue cost to run? The Hyundai Venue is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Hyundai Australia is preparing to introduce a longer seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty across its local lineup. CarExpert understands the Korean manufacturer is aiming to increase the warranty period from five to seven years from July 1 this year, with the changes backdated to January 1. All models will be covered by the new warranty, which is a base coverage period free of extension conditions. The introduction of a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty brings Hyundai in line with sister brand Kia, as well as competitors Chery and Skoda. To see how the Hyundai Venue compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool CarExpert's Take on the Hyundai Venue The Hyundai Venue Elite is a serviceable small SUV for younger (or older) buyers who appreciate practicality and having user-friendly tech at their fingertips. It's got plenty of infotainment and safety gadgets, while still coming in at an affordable price point. Cargo room and second row space is also superior to most comparable city hatchbacks. The driving dynamics leave some room for improvement, though – the ride is firm in the Elite on its big wheels, and the engine runs out of puff when you get away from the city. There's also work to be done on the steering, which undermines this car's credentials as an easy-to-park option for urban dwellers. Given that the going rate for a well-equipped compact SUV has dropped below $27,000 drive-away with the introduction of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Ultimate and MG ZS Excite, the top-spec Venue Elite doesn't make a whole of sense in 2025. If you're set on the Hyundai, it's probably worth dropping down to the base model which doesn't undermine many of the Venue's strengths. It's an absolute bargain at $22,750 before on-roads, as long as you know how to drive a manual. Interested in buying a Hyundai Venue? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here Pros More practical than rivals Modern tech Useable second-row seating Cons Harsh ride Cheap cabin materials Underpowered engine Top Line Specs Power: 90kW Fuel Type: Unleaded Petrol Economy: 7.2L/100km CO2 Emissions: 165g/km
