Hyundai’s Venue Cargo Crusade

Once upon a time, in a fitment center far, far away (okay, KwaZulu-Natal), Hyundai Automotive South Africa had a crazy idea. They decided to take a compact, zippy little car and turn it into something more, something… commercial. Enter the Grand i10 Cargo, the little LCV that could. Fast forward five years, and what started as an experiment has turned into a roaring success story that’s giving competitors a run for their money – or should we say, their cargo?

The Birth of a Cargo King

Back in 2019, someone at Hyundai thought, “What if we took our popular Grand i10, gutted the back seats, threw in a metal floor, and voila – a mini workhorse?” It was a gamble, but one that paid off big time. The Grand i10 Cargo wasn’t just another pretty face in the showroom; it was a practical, fuel-efficient, VAT-deductible wonder on wheels. And businesses, from couriers to security companies, couldn’t get enough of it.

Venue Cargo: The Grand i10’s Big Brother

Not one to rest on its laurels, Hyundai doubled down on the Cargo concept with the Venue Cargo last year. Think of it as the Grand i10 Cargo’s brawnier sibling, with a rugged SUV look, higher ground clearance, and the ability to tow a trailer – because sometimes your cargo has cargo. Whether you’re hauling pathology samples for Netcare or delivering gourmet pet food, the Venue Cargo has got you covered.

What’s Under the Hood?

For those of you who geek out over specs, here’s the rundown:

• Grand i10 1.0 Premium Cargo: A 3-cylinder, 998 cc petrol engine that pumps out 48 kW and 94 Nm of torque. It’s small, but mighty – perfect for zipping around town with a load of goodies in the back.

• Venue 1.2 Premium Cargo: A beefier 4-cylinder, 1,197 cc petrol engine with 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque. This one’s for when you need a bit more muscle to get the job done.

Both models are front-wheel drive with a 5-speed manual transmission, because why complicate things with more gears when you’re busy delivering the goods?

The Cargo Life

So, who’s buying these LCV marvels? Well, if you’re in the business of moving things from Point A to Point B, there’s a good chance you’ve already got one. From food delivery services to IT support companies, the Grand i10 and Venue Cargos are fast becoming the go-to vehicles for businesses that need practicality without the hefty price tag.

With the Nissan NP200 off the market, Hyundai’s Cargos are ready to swoop in and fill the void, offering up to 50% savings on service and maintenance costs. And let’s not forget the fuel efficiency – at 5.5 litres per 100 km for the Grand i10 Cargo, your accountant will thank you.

Safety, Convenience, and All the Tech You Need

These aren’t just stripped-down hatchbacks with a big trunk. Hyundai’s Cargo models come loaded with features that make life on the road a breeze. We’re talking manual air conditioning, electrically adjustable mirrors, remote central locking, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that plays nice with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Need to charge your phone? There’s a USB port for that. Need to see behind you? There’s a rearview camera for that too. And with safety features like ABS, airbags, and a sturdy metal grid divider to keep your cargo where it belongs, you can hit the road with confidence.

The Price of Practicality

Now, let’s talk numbers:

• Grand i10 1.0 Premium Cargo (manual): R 249,500

• Venue 1.2 Premium Cargo (manual): R 321,500

Oh, and if you’re the kind who likes to let the car do the shifting, the Grand i10 Cargo will soon be available with an automatic transmission for R 289,900.

But here’s the kicker – every Cargo model comes with Hyundai’s 7-year / 200,000 km warranty and 7-year / 150,000 km roadside assistance. You won’t just be buying a car; you’ll be buying peace of mind.

A Final Word

Hyundai’s Cargo range has proven that small can be mighty. Whether you’re a small business owner, a fleet manager, or just someone who needs to haul a lot of stuff without breaking the bank, the Grand i10 and Venue Cargos are here to make your life easier – and your wallet happier. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to join the Cargo revolution!