As a parent of two little ones, not quite pre-teen, but racing towards adulthood nonetheless, I find myself thinking more and more about what I’d want for them in a first car. In short, it’d probably look a lot like the new Hyundai Venue.This is for several very good reasons. Allow me to elaborate.
First, the Venue, as a subcompact crossover, is surprisingly spacious all around. Plenty of room for my upcoming teens and a few of their friends in the back.
Second, It comes equipped with several driving assist features standard. Aides like: pedestrian detection, forward collision avoidance, land keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rearview camera and cross-traffic detection. Each acting as an additional safety net for any new driver. Granting a metaphorical ‘get out of jail free’ card in instances that would’ve surely meant an accident for me when I was in my youth, first getting behind the wheel.
Third, While a plethora of driving aides may come standard, good ol’ fashion horsepower does not. The overworked 1.6L 4-cylinder wheezes out a mere 121 hp. The result is slow acceleration. Of course. Especially on the highway. For the parent of any young driver, the lower the horsepower number is, usually the better. After all, how much trouble can they get into with just 121 hp?
Fourth, Undeniable value. The Hyundai Venue starts at just $18,750.00. A Premium Package will add heated seats and LED headlights at all four corners. Plus other niceties like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a power sunroof, 8” navigation display and proximity key with push button start. A good list of upgrades for an extra $2,350.00, but probably not important for our first-time driver.
However you slice it, the 2021 Hyundai Venue checks plenty of boxes as a safe, budget friendly, underpowered first car. In an urban setting, you’ll find it to be perfectly agile and at home. Good gas mileage, easy to park, room for friends and a four-star overall safety rating. With so much going for it, the search for that perfect first car could begin and end right here.
Price as tested: $23,490.00
