Hyundai Venue Crosses 1 Lakh Bookings, New HX8 Diesel AT Launched at ₹13.70 Lakh

The Hyundai Venue has been one of India's most popular sub-4 metre SUVs since its original 2019 debut, and the all-new second-generation model launched in November 2025 has only strengthened that reputation. In a remarkable achievement, Hyundai Motor India has confirmed that the new Venue has crossed 1 lakh cumulative bookings within just four months of going on sale. To celebrate this milestone and expand buyer choice, the company has introduced a new HX8 Diesel Automatic variant priced at ₹13.70 lakh (ex-showroom). The Venue now contributes over 20 per cent of Hyundai India's total monthly domestic sales, cementing its position as a volume driver in the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment.

The 1 Lakh Bookings Milestone

Hyundai Motor India launched the second-generation Venue in November 2025 with a completely overhauled design, new platform underpinnings, and a significantly upgraded feature list. The response from Indian buyers has been overwhelming — the company confirmed in late March 2026 that cumulative bookings have crossed the 1 lakh mark, averaging roughly 25,000 bookings per month since launch.

This pace of bookings places the new Venue among the fastest sub-4 metre SUVs to reach the milestone in India. The original Venue took considerably longer to hit similar numbers when it debuted in 2019. The strong demand has been driven by a combination of competitive pricing, segment-first features, and Hyundai's extensive dealership and service network spanning over 1,400 touchpoints across the country.

The Venue now accounts for over 20 per cent of Hyundai India's total monthly domestic dispatches. For context, Hyundai India typically sells between 45,000 and 55,000 units per month domestically, as per FADA registration data. This means the Venue alone is responsible for roughly 10,000-plus monthly registrations, placing it consistently among the top five best-selling SUVs in the country.

New HX8 Diesel Automatic Variant — Full Details

Alongside the booking milestone announcement, Hyundai has introduced the new HX8 Diesel Automatic variant, priced at ₹13.70 lakh (ex-showroom). This fills a crucial gap in the Venue lineup — previously, diesel buyers who wanted a feature-rich variant with an automatic transmission had to look at the fully-loaded HX9, which commands a premium. The HX8 Diesel AT offers a more accessible entry point into the diesel-automatic combination.

The HX8 Diesel Automatic is powered by the same 1.5-litre U2 CRDi turbocharged diesel engine that produces 116 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. This combination has been well-received for its refinement and fuel efficiency, with ARAI-certified mileage figures of approximately 23.7 km/l.

HX8 Diesel AT — Key Features

Complete Hyundai Venue Price List (March 2026)

The Hyundai Venue is offered across multiple variants spanning three engine options — 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.0-litre turbo petrol, and 1.5-litre diesel. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic for turbo petrol), and 6-speed torque converter AT (for diesel). Here is the complete ex-showroom price list as of March 2026:

How the Venue Compares to Rivals

The sub-4 metre SUV segment in India is one of the most hotly contested spaces in the market. The Venue faces stiff competition from the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and the Nissan Magnite. Each rival brings its own strengths — the Nexon leads on safety ratings, the Brezza on brand trust and CNG availability, and the Sonet on feature-value ratio. Here is how the Venue stacks up on key parameters:

The new HX8 Diesel AT variant gives the Venue a particular edge over the Maruti Brezza, which does not offer a diesel engine at all. Against the Tata Nexon diesel automatic, the Venue's torque converter unit is generally considered smoother than the Nexon's AMT gearbox, especially in city traffic. The Kia Sonet, being a corporate cousin, shares the same diesel-AT powertrain but commands a slight premium for its sportier design.

What This Means for Used Car Buyers and Sellers

The Venue crossing 1 lakh bookings in four months sends a strong signal through the used car market. High demand for the new model means the first-generation Venue (2019–2025) will see increased supply in the pre-owned space as existing owners upgrade. This is good news for used car buyers looking for a well-equipped compact SUV at an attractive price point.

First-generation Hyundai Venue models (2019–2022) in good condition with single ownership currently trade between ₹5.5 lakh and ₹8.5 lakh in the used car market, depending on variant, mileage, and city. The turbo petrol DCT variants hold their value best, while the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol versions have depreciated more steeply. Buyers searching for a used Hyundai Venue can expect more options to appear in the coming months as upgrade cycles accelerate.

For sellers of the first-generation Venue, the timing is important. Residual values tend to dip when a new generation gains mass market traction. If you are planning to sell your first-gen Venue, listing it sooner rather than later is advisable — the 1 lakh booking number indicates the new model is well past the early-adopter phase and is now a mainstream choice. Buyers in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, where compact SUVs are especially popular, may find strong demand for well-maintained first-gen units.

The introduction of the HX8 Diesel AT also has an indirect impact. Previously, buyers who wanted a diesel automatic Venue had to buy the top-spec HX9, which meant a higher acquisition cost and therefore a higher used car price when these units eventually enter the resale market. The HX8 gives future used car buyers a more affordable diesel-automatic option to look out for in the 2027–2028 timeframe.

Hyundai Venue Engine and Performance Specs

The second-generation Venue offers three distinct powertrain options catering to different buyer priorities. The 1.2-litre Kappa naturally aspirated petrol is the entry point, ideal for budget-conscious city buyers. The 1.0-litre Kappa turbo GDi petrol targets enthusiasts who want more performance with the convenience of a DCT automatic. The 1.5-litre CRDi diesel is the choice for high-mileage users who prioritize fuel economy and highway cruising ability.

The 1.5-litre diesel engine, in particular, delivers strong mid-range torque of 250 Nm available from just 1,500 rpm, making it exceptionally capable in both city driving and highway overtaking situations. Paired with the new 6-speed torque converter automatic in the HX8 and HX9 variants, it offers a smooth and refined driving experience that rivals significantly more expensive SUVs.

Booking and Availability Status

With 1 lakh bookings already in hand, the Hyundai Venue does carry waiting periods that vary by variant, colour, and city. The diesel automatic variants — including the newly launched HX8 — typically have the longest waiting periods due to limited production allocation for diesel AT units. The naturally aspirated petrol variants in lower trims are generally available within 2–4 weeks.

Hyundai operates its primary manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur near Chennai, where the Venue is produced alongside the Creta and other models. The company has been gradually ramping up Venue production capacity to meet demand, but the diesel variants remain supply-constrained due to the shared engine production line with the Kia Sonet.

Back to Auto News