Mumbai, March 10: Hyundai Motor India has announced the expansion of its compact SUV lineup with the launch of a more accessible diesel automatic variant for the Venue. The new HX8 diesel AT is priced at INR 13.70 lakh (ex-showroom), significantly lowering the entry point for customers seeking the diesel-automatic combination. This strategic move comes as the refreshed Venue surpasses the 1 lakh bookings milestone since its market debut in November 2025.

Prior to this launch, the 1.5-litre diesel engine paired with an automatic transmission was exclusively available in the top-tier HX10 trim, which carries a price tag of INR 15.51 lakh. By introducing the HX8 trim, Hyundai has reduced the entry price for the diesel-AT powertrain by INR 1.81 lakh. The company confirmed that online bookings and dealership orders are now open, with deliveries expected to commence shortly across India. Skoda Slavia Spotted Testing; New Design and Advanced Tech Features Revealed.

Performance and Powertrain Specifications

The Venue diesel AT continues to be powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. This unit produces 116 hp and a peak torque of 250 Nm, providing the mid-range punch typical of diesel engines in this segment. The engine is mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, though a 6-speed manual remains an option for those preferring traditional shifts.

In addition to the diesel engine, the Venue remains available with two petrol engine options: a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated motor and a high-performance 1.0-litre turbo petrol. Depending on the engine choice, customers can select from manual, iMT, or 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) units, maintaining one of the most diverse powertrain portfolios in the sub-four-metre SUV category.

Features and Equipment List

Despite its lower price point compared to the top-spec variant, the HX8 trim remains a feature-loaded offering. It retains premium equipment such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a fully digital instrument cluster, and ventilated front seats. Convenience features include a four-way powered driver’s seat, a sunroof, and automatic climate control.

The variant also incorporates advanced tech and safety elements, including an electric parking brake, wireless smartphone charging, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Drivers will have access to paddle shifters, multiple drive and traction modes, and Hyundai’s connected car technology with Over-the-Air (OTA) update capabilities. The interior is finished in leatherette upholstery with ambient lighting to maintain a premium cabin feel.

Market Milestone and Executive Insight

The introduction of the HX8 variant coincides with the Venue crossing 1 lakh bookings in just over four months. Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO of Hyundai Motor India Limited, stated that the milestone reaffirms the trust Indian consumers place in the brand's connected and feature-rich mobility solutions. He noted that the new variant aims to provide a "perfect blend of diesel efficiency and effortless convenience." Hyundai VERNA Price, Features and Specifications.

The Venue currently competes in a crowded segment against rivals like the Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV 3XO. With the diesel-automatic market seeing a resurgence among long-distance commuters, this more affordable HX8 trim is expected to further bolster Hyundai’s market share in the compact SUV space as the 2026 fiscal year concludes.

Rating:5

TruLY Score 5 – Trustworthy | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 5 on LatestLY. It is verified through official sources (Hyundai India). The information is thoroughly cross-checked and confirmed. You can confidently share this article with your friends and family, knowing it is trustworthy and reliable.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 10, 2026 06:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).