Living Life: June 25, 2020

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GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES BY ROSS KIDDIE 4 LIVING LIFE MOTORING Quite simply I don’t understand how it works, two companies under the one umbrella selling similar models. I’m talking about Hyundai and Kia, both of which have released the Venue and Seltos respectively, small sport utility vehicles that have just landed in the New Zealand market. I’m a big believer in shared product development and componentry, it makes for cost savings which then trickle down to the customer, but these two models compete in a tight market where choices will be made solely on cost and value. I drove the Kia Seltos evaluation in late March. The car in this evaluation is Hyundai’s Venue, and while both share the same floorpan and many similarities, there are plenty of differing features such as exterior design and drivelines. The Venue also has a shorter wheelbase than the Seltos, and measures just 4m against the Seltos at 4.3m. But therein lies a bit of a trick, for those who definitely want, or need, a small SUV then the Venue is the pick. It fits into a market where the buyer will benefit from the easy access up front and tall seat height, it’s great for those in my generation who are advancing in years. If you don’t have young ones in tow or seldom have rear seat passengers and like the manoeuvrability short cars offer, then the Venue has advantages. It also has a more traditional driveline, its 1.6-litre engine is paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, as opposed to the continuously variable transmission in the Seltos. And if you are already thinking that the Venue’s 1591cc engine wouldn’t compete against its stablemate’s 2-litre unit, then think again. Hyundai rate the Venue at 90kW and 151Nm, and although both outputs are realised tall in the rev band at 6300rpm and 4850rpm respectively, the engine doesn’t work overly hard. That’s because at just over 1100kg, the Venue in total is a lightweight, and that doesn’t ask much from under the bonnet. This engine is used widely across the Hyundai/Kia range, in turbo and non-turbo form, it is a sweet unit that delivers smoothly and quietly. The naturally aspirated unit in the Venue is responsive and fills the close gaps between gears easily. In terms of performance, the Venue will reach 100km/h from a standstill in 11sec. It isn’t a fast car, but then again, the market it is destined for doesn’t require speed, it is capable amidst the hurly burly of today’s traffic, and that is all that would be requested from it. Hyundai claims a combined cycle average fuel usage figure of 7.2-litres per 100km. That fits well with the consumption gauge in the test car, it was showing 8.4l/100km when I returned it to the dealership. In Elite form the Venue has enough wizardry to keep buyers happy. Major items of fitment include part leather trim, keyless entry and ignition, central screen touch display, Apple Car Play and Android Auto capability and heated steering wheel, the latter ideal for those frosty Canterbury mornings soon to arrive. For safety, the Venue has a lot of the kit Hyundai has developed for its car range. The list is too extensive to detail, but I’m sure it will easily fit a five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program rating when crash testing is carried out. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles of the Elite, the Venue also lands here in entry-level form, it doesn’t miss out on much and will still give plenty of satisfaction within the buying experience. The Venue lands at a special launch price. It lists at $27,990 for a limited time. It will go up to $29,990 at any given point, and you’d need to add $4k for Elite trim. That doesn’t quite meet the keen price of Kia Seltos, but it is close and with the Venue’s extra goodies I guess buyer choice will come down to whatever feels right on the day of purchase. Price – Hyundai Venue Elite, $31,990 Dimensions – Length, 4040mm; width, 1770mm; height, 1592mm Configuration – Four-cylinder, frontwheel-drive, 1591cc, 90kW, 151Nm, six-speed automatic. Performance – 0-100km/h, 11sec Fuel usage – 7.2l/100km Apartments from $275,000 A great lifestyle in a supportive community Where New Memories are Made • Stunning serviced apartments • Restaurant & bar • Landscaped courtyards • Close to The Palms Resthome and Hospital Care – Care is what we do best • 24/7 care available throughout the Village Palms. Fully serviced care suites offering hospital and resthome level care • Dedicated registered nurses, carers and household staff • Additional support of a physiotherapist, diversional therapist, podiatrist and visiting GP Open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm or by appointment including weekends Call Jenny for your personal guided tour 021 993 943 31 Shirley Road, Shirley www.thevillagepalms.co.nz
End oF LoCkdown Villa SpecialS! 2 and 3 bedroom luxury villas now available from $499,000 • Fantastic extra large 2 bed villas (112m2 to 120m2) & 3 bed (138m2) • Christchurch’s leading boutique retirement village (only 49 villas) • Wellness, meals and support can be tailored to suit • Option of fixed weekly fees for life • Appliances, TV’s and some villas with gas fires included • Silverstream is smaller in size but bigger in friendship, with mini-bus trips, leisure centre activities and caring staff. $10,000 cash back to assist with your relocation costs (T&C’s apply) 488 Greers Road, Papanui, Christchurch (corner Sawyers Arms Road) www.silverstreamretirement.co.nz Phone Donna for a safe, private viewing on 021 778 775 or email enquiries@silverstreamretirement.co.nz View our display villa: Tues - Fri & Sun 10am - 4pm Ph: 352 5488 or 021 778 775 Silverstream <strong>Life</strong>style Retirement Village is registered under the Retirement Village Act 2003
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Living Life: June 25, 2020

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