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Why I switched from a Baleno CVT to Venue N8 DCT: 15+ pros & cons

2nd July 2023, 13:33 by Utkarsh Chaudhary

I also have a BMW 330i that has more than twice the power of my new Hyundai and it also returns the same fuel efficiency.

BHPian coolboy007 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Got my N8 Shadow grey Venue 20 days back, have already completed a trip to Himachal and done with 1700 kms together with the first service. This car replaces our Baleno CVT which had done just 18000 kms but I was fed up with the poor return to center action on the steering and numerous rattles.

The only contenders were Sonet and Venue, Venue won because of the stiffer dampers, rear discs, better exhaust note and the lovely Shadow Grey shade.

Upgraded the stock audio with Blam components, Sony XM GS4 4 channel amplifier, Infinity sub and damped all 4 doors and boot. Also swapped the crappy MRFs for Yokohama Blu Earth in stock size.

What's good

Coming from a Maruti, the heft of doors, NVH, interior quality and the switchgear is a level above.
The turbo petrol engine is fun when you are in the mood for it, can effortlessly cruise at 110-120 all day with the 7 ratios available.
The handling was a pleasant surprise for me, we have a new gen Creta at home too but this car handled the ghats effortlessly, rides absolutely F-L-A-T on expressways.
4 disc set up is very confidence inspiring, a big step up for me coming from a Baleno. I also have a 330i and the braking is just a notch below that car which is commendable.
I have changed to Yokos so for me the tyre noise is well controlled and the ride has become cushier. Suspension works silently for the most part.
AC performance is excellent, miss the UV cut glass which was there in Baleno though.
Gear changes are butter smooth and seamless, kick down takes at least a second to kick in.
Front seats get A+ for long drives, drove solo for 11 hours from Himachal to Delhi with no pain or discomfort noticed during the drive or the next day.
Excellent service by the dealers - casually called at 11 am to book the first service on a saturday and they promptly picked up the car within 2 hours, just paid 2000 for underbody coating.
Company fitted dash cam, just wish they develop an app to copy videos directly to my phone.
The touch screen has lovely graphics and is very fluid to use without any lag.

What's not good

Steering has more heft than normal but is devoid of any feel or feedback.
With stock audio, the doors made an irritating noise with bass-heavy songs, read online that this is common with Venue.
This engine+gearbox combo loves to gulp fuel, returns 10-11 in city and 14-16 on expressways, my 330i with more than twice the power returns the same FE.
You can feel some vibrations at idle as its a 3-cylinder engine.
The DCT is tuned for FE as it keeps upshifting in comfort mode, had to use paddles in ghats as the engine went out of its turbo zone multiple times due to this behaviour.
Seat ventilation is a big miss, should have been there.
Rear seat space is a bit tight, missing rear armrest on newer models now.
LED headlights are weak, way better than Creta but still average.

Issue - I don't know if anyone has noticed this but the lowest part of the front windshield has a sort of concave/convex view and this gets very irritating in the hills, not noticeable in the city, need to check if our Creta has the same issue.