Pros Refined Cheap to run Build quality
Cons Small for an SUV Expensive top trims Infotainment touchpad
It might be a bit quirky for some, but quiet EV power really suits the Lexus vibe
Pros Slick, sophisticated, well judged
Cons Suffers slightly from not being a bespoke e-platform
If you live in a city, are hankering after a posh compact SUV and fancy going electric, we can see why the Lexus UX300e would be a tempting proposition. It’s well-equipped, pleasant to drive and comes with the promise of Lexus’s excellent reliability record. However, if you have a family or frequently need to do longer journeys, there is a plethora of more spacious rivals out there, the Kia e-Niro, Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen ID.4 (or even the ID.3) and Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric being among them. All those cars offer significantly longer ranges, faster charging, better infotainment and much more interior space.
Pros Well-equipped Comfortable ride Reliability record
Cons Cramped rear seat space and boot Short range and slow charging Frustrating infotainment
The 2020 Hyundai Venue is a subcompact crossover with big ideas.
Pros Spunky looks Flexible cargo space Hatchback practicality 8.0-inch touchscreen Automatic emergency braking is standard
Cons Is it too small? That grille, though Wild colors Stretching the definition of a crossover
The Hyundai Venue will be the Korean automaker's newest and smallest crossover when it goes on sale for the 2020 model year. The tiny ute will slot below the already subcompact Hyundai Kona. We expect the 2020 Hyundai Venue to be in dealerships before the end of 2019. The Venue will have few direct competitors—namely the Ford EcoSport and the Nissan Kicks. We expect the pint-sized Hyundai to have an equally diminutive stature. An 8.0-inch infotainment system will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as well as streaming audio and voice-controlled search functionality. Navigation with real-time traffic updates will be optional.
The Hyundai Venue is a new runner in the small SUV segment, having made its debut in late 2019. Three grades are offered in Australia, but on test we have the range topper, the Venue Elite, which costs $25,490 (before on-road costs).The Venue Elite slots in neatly below the slightly larger Kona and features a suite of features like autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, cruise control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 17-inch alloy wheels, two-tone paint, satellite navigation and climate control.
