NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Hyundai Venue SUV takes shape

The oddly-named Hyundai Venue has been teased via four new sketches ahead of its New York motor show reveal on Thursday April 18, showing off a sporty exterior design and a minimalist cabin.

The compact SUV will slot in underneath the $23,500 Hyundai Kona small SUV and is due in Australia later in 2019, set to compete against vehicles such as the Mazda CX-3 and Suzuki Ignis at a price point below $20,000.

Engine types that will propel the sharply-priced tiddler are expected to be announced in New York.

An automatic transmission is a given and most models are tipped to drive the front wheels only, to keep costs down. Engine options will include a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol unit, while a hybrid powertrain may be necessary for mature car markets.

Mirroring Hyundai's new SUV design ethos of pinched upper-level headlights and conventional mid-level lights, the new model appears to feature a more assertive design than the happy-go-lucky Kona.

When the Hyundai Venue breaks cover at the 2019 New York motor show it will have roof rails, which are almost certain to be supporting a small surfboard, highlighting its 'lifestyle' capability.

The rear end is less bombastic in its design with a sloping rear windscreen and square brake light clusters that bear a passing resemblance to those of the Audi Q2.

History has proven that preview sketches should be digested with a few grains of salt; the finished product is likely to be a much more conservative design in the flesh. The massive 23-inch alloy wheels may also be a no-show.

The sketches of the dog-friendly interior are likely to be closer to reality. The simple, uncluttered cabin design will have a handy side effect of costing less to build, too.

Despite being Hyundai's cheapest SUV the Venue will offer touchscreen infotainment systems with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Given the brand's safety bent, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and at least six airbags are all but certain to make the grade.

The Hyundai Venue will also make its pitch to younger buyers with a number of clever storage solutions, touting the SUV's "abundance of playful and practical features including seamless safety, versatility and connectivity."

And the curious Venue badge? Technically it's Hyundai's place-names nomenclature redefined. The Venue is 'the place to be'. However, it bucks the trend of using North American names, such as the Santa Fe (New Mexico), Kona (Hawaii), Tucson (Arizona) and Palisade (California) SUVs.

Perhaps the brand is targeting European markets with the new model, but the Hyundai Zagreb didn't rate well with consumer groups?

Whatever the case, Hyundai says the Venue "embodies the characteristics of 'the place to be', en route to the final destination, wherever that may be."

It's not clear whether Hyundai's N hot shop will sink its teeth into the Venue but the go-fast division is certainly not ignoring SUVs, with the Tucson N on its way.

The Hyundai Venue could become one of the brand's top-selling vehicles in Australia and will see the brand inch closer to Toyota in terms of annual sales, if it can leapfrog Mazda first. If Hyundai Australia is granted its wish of a one-tonne ute to rival the Toyota HiLux, it could upset the status quo.

Check out full New York Show gallery at motoring.com.au