COMPACT SUVs FOR THE WIN

#HelloLifestyle

by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Supplied

CHOOSE THE VENUE WISELY The Hyundai Venue (which won Car of the Year in the compact category at the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists’ 2021 Car of the Year competition) seems to be a favourite under the brand’s local range of sports utility and crossover vehicles. In fact, in October, altogether 17 162 Venues have been sold in South Africa since 2019.

Ideal for young couples, families or even singles shopping for a versatile car that’s comfortable in the city, as well as on the open road and off the beaten track, this vehicle is a lovely venue for the road.

According to Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, they’ve also added a rangetopping Venue N Line variant, with an individualised grille and several other bespoke exterior and interior design features to accentuate its status.

The new Venue comes with a perky engine and drivetrain, giving it a distinct road presence, which is exactly what its name suggests. ‘Venue’ refers to a place people want to be seen in and well, this is clearly it. Apart from its bold, attractive exterior, the Hyundai Venue also comes with an inviting interior with various convenience features, including intuitive controls and forwardthinking design.

Price: R294 900 for the Venue 1.2 Motion (manual) to R449 900 for the Venue 1.0 N Line. *VAT inclusive. 1 www.hyundai.co.za

FEISTY FIRST While we’re all for discipline and obedience, when it comes to navigating city streets (or dirt roads), we do like to have some fun. The Renault Kiger is certainly one vehicle that does the above quote justice. Once you’re buckled up behind the Kiger’s wheel, safety’s out the door and feistiness comes first.

Not that safety is really out the door, though. In fact, there’s just no reason for you to panic about it as Renault has already ensured that everything is up to scratch. (We can vouch for them since we’ve recently tried out the Kiger’s ABS and witnessed an airbag demonstration).

The Renault Kiger, with its modern, spirited design was launched in South Africa in 2021 and has been turning heads ever since. It’s an affordable, compact SUV that strongly represents the latest design evolution pioneered by the Head of Group Design, Laurens Van Den Acker. He says: “Armed for travel in the urban jungle we also designated it for escape and confront any type of roads with serenity. Kiger has a SUV coupé look, but its long wheelbase promises great habitability and volume on board. Its ‘smart cabin’ has been specially designed to encourage sharing and conviviality.”

Its sporty and muscular SUV styling and a sculpted front end enhances the vehicle’s lively personality. Evidently the higher ground clearance of 205mm and the functional roof bars also add to its charm. Not to mention the front grille with a 3D graphic finish with honeycomb shaped chrome effects and the LED tail lights.

Inside, the Renault Kiger is surprisingly spacious – especially when it comes to boot space – setting a high standard when it comes to load capacity. Furthermore, it also comes with a brand new, quality sound system. The auditorium 3D sound system by Arkamys with eight onboard speakers can automatically adjust sound volume according to the speed of the vehicle, which we think is a rather witty add-on.

Price: From R199 900 for the Kiger Life 1.0L 2yr/30 000km Service Plan to R289 900 for the Kiger Intens 1.0L Turbo CVT 3yr/45 000km Service Plan. *VAT Inclusive. 1 www.renault.co.za FIRST IMPRESSIONS What is it they say about first impressions? Well, from the first glance, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro certainly made a lasting impression on us. If you’re constantly up and on the go, this vehicle was designed just for you. The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, with its bold front face that depicts a crouching tiger, is one of the most advanced compact SUVs out there and it’s packed with much of the latest tech. Think an in-cabin 10.25-inch UHD ultra-clear floating LCD screen, with resolution up to 1920x720.

Similar to the Renault Kiger, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro also comes with a long wheelbase, hence its small body is surprisingly accommodating. Plus, it comes with up to 1100 litres of boot space and 34 additional storing spaces, including a forward-sliding armrest with a large opening angle allowing for a clutter-free ride. H

Price: R299 900 for the 5MT Urban 2022 to R399 900 for the CVT Elite SE 2022 1 www.chery.co.za