Hyundai Philippines has brought in a new subcompact crossover that is even smaller and more affordable than the Kona, and it’s called the Venue. Now, many people are wondering if this is the same car that is doing battle with the likes of the Honda WR-V, the Kia Sonet, the Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the Toyota Urban Cruiser and pretty soon the Nissan Magnite in India’s sub-4,000mm category, and the answer is no. The aforementioned vehicles in India measure shorter than 4m to avail of the country’s tax breaks.

What we’re getting for our market is, in fact, manufactured in South Korea, and this one measures 4,040mm long, 1,770mm wide and 1,590mm high with a 2,520mm wheelbase (versus 3,995mm/1,770mm/1,605mm and 2,500mm for India’s Venue).

Also, while India’s Venue gets three engine choices—1.2-liter gasoline, 1.5-liter diesel and 1.0-liter turbo gasoline—our Venue is equipped with a 1.6-liter petrol powerplant rated at 121hp and 151Nm. This motor is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

We honestly like the Venue more than the Kona. It looks funkier and more capable. And because it has more compact dimensions, it’s also cheaper:

• 1.6L GL – P915,000
• 1.6L GLS – P985,000

The available colors are:

• Denim Blue
• Fiery Red
• Cosmic Gray
• Polar White
• Phantom Black

See the complete list of specs and features of the Venue below. Does the equipment justify the pricing?