Venucia Star

Overview

The Venucia Star is an A+ segment compact SUV launched on 23 April 2020 by Dongfeng Nissan's Venucia marque. Developed leveraging the global technical resources of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the SUV is built on the VSA intelligent modular architecture and shaped by the "Hunyuan Aesthetics" design philosophy. At launch, 5 variants were introduced with prices ranging from RM109,600 to RM149,600. On 8 November 2022, the 2023 facelift model debuted, with prices adjusted to between RM126,600 and RM149,600. As of 2026, models on sale comprise mainly the 2023 and 2026 facelift variants. Positioned as an "A+ segment SUV First Class", the Venucia Star primarily targets the emerging middle-class in new tier-one cities, emphasising value for money and cross-segment equipment. Its key rivals include C-segment SUVs like the Haval H6 and Changan CS75 PLUS.

Design Language

The Venucia Star adopts the brand's signature "Hunyuan Aesthetics" design language, staying remarkably true to The V concept car unveiled at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. Up front, it features the V-Galaxy starry front fascia, where a bold hexagonal radiator grille accented with electroplated chrome studs merges neatly with the swept-back LED headlamp clusters on both sides, creating a commanding visual stance. The headlights feature diamond-style matrix LED units that produce a sequential sweeping effect upon illumination. In profile, a two-tone paint scheme complements its clean, sweeping character lines. At the rear, full-width LED taillights ensure high visual recognisability at night. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,691 mm long, 1,905 mm wide, and 1,706 mm tall (1,694 mm for select variants), with a 2,756 mm wheelbase. Its generous 1,905 mm width provides a distinct advantage in its class. Inside, the cabin features a 360-degree wraparound cockpit layout, highlighted by a horizontal chrome strip spanning the dashboard. Generous piano black trim inserts and diamond-quilted leather stitching further elevate the premium ambience. Higher-spec variants gain zero-gravity seats and a "queen co-driver seat" with an integrated ottoman and massage function.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the bonnet, the Venucia Star is powered by an A415TD 1.5-litre four-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine sourced from Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi, featuring an all-aluminium cylinder head and block. It churns out 140 kW (around 190 PS) and 260 Nm of torque, with peak torque delivered across a broad 1,500–4,500 rpm band. Drive is sent to the wheels via a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT). Selected early variants also featured a 48V mild-hybrid system. The 0–100 km/h sprint is completed in 9.9 seconds, onwards to a top speed of 190 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.1–6.7 L/100 km under the NEDC cycle, and 7.3 L/100 km under the WLTC standard. It runs on RON 92 petrol, with a fuel tank capacity of 60 litres. The vehicle is backed by a 3-year or 100,000 km manufacturer warranty.

Chassis and Handling

Underpinning the Venucia Star is a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, complemented by a rear anti-roll bar. The chassis setup is decidedly comfort-oriented, effectively soaking up road imperfections while maintaining composed high-speed stability. Thanks to the inherent flexibility of the VSA modular platform, the SUV delivers commendable handling agility and well-contained body roll in corners. Steering response is alert and precise. Braking performance is handled by front ventilated discs and solid rear discs. Wheel and tyre packages are available in 235/60 R18 and 235/55 R19 setups.

Cabin and Equipment

On the tech front, the Venucia Star features a 15.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen alongside a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster. The infotainment runs on the Venucia Connected System 4.0 (CCS4.0), supporting AR navigation, 4-zone voice control (with Cantonese recognition), three-screen linkage, telematics remote control via smartphone, and OTA firmware updates. Higher-end trims add a W-HUD head-up display. A Qi wireless charging pad is neatly integrated into the centre console. Audio is piped through a 4- to 6-speaker sound system depending on the variant. Creature comforts on top variants include a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters, electronic parking brake (EPB) with auto brake hold, and keyless entry with push-start ignition. Passenger space is generous, with the 2,756 mm wheelbase providing 208 mm of rear knee room, paired with a flat rear floor and recline-adjustable rear backrests. Boot space is competitive and expandable thanks to 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

Safety and Driver Assistance

In terms of safety, the Venucia Star is engineered around a high-tensile safety cell. Passive safety kit includes front dual airbags, front side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags, bringing the total to 6 airbags. Active safety is bolstered by the Bosch ESP 9.3 electronic stability programme, incorporating 13 active safety features. Advanced driver assistance is standard on top variants via a Level 2 ADAS suite. Key functions include full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Automated Parking Assist. Additional driver aids include a 540° panoramic camera with a transparent underfloor view, 3D AVM 360-degree camera, integrated DVR dashcam, and Moving Object Detection (MOD).

Market Performance and Reception

The Venucia Star saw a lukewarm market reception following its launch. In May 2020 (its first full sales month), it registered 2,946 units. Sales subsequently dwindled, bottoming out at just 215 units in July 2022. Brand-wise, Dongfeng Venucia experienced three consecutive years of sales contractions after becoming an independent entity, with March 2020 monthly sales hovering at just over 3,000 units—a steep year-on-year drop of over 70%. Owner feedback has generally been positive regarding its expansive cabin space (thanks to the long 2,756 mm wheelbase), stylish looks, and generous value proposition. However, some owners reported sluggish low-end torque and noticeable turbo lag; base variants were also criticised for omitting essential kit like the panoramic sunroof and Level 2 ADAS, while features like wireless charging and the HUD were strictly confined to the flagship trim. Market analysts noted that its price tag—starting at RM126,600 for the automatic variants—was on the higher side against rival Chinese A+ segment SUVs, which, combined with weaker brand equity, hampered sales potential despite its solid product strengths. Overall, the Venucia Star carved out a unique niche in the RM100,000–RM150,000 compact SUV segment with its VSA architecture, 1,905 mm wide-body stance, 2,756 mm wheelbase, 15.6-inch infotainment screen, and Level 2 ADAS; nevertheless, brand perception and pricing hurdles have left significant room for commercial improvement.