Venue - Driving Pleasure

I bought the Venue SX Plus 1.0 AT Petrol in Dec'19 after careful deliberation and extensive test rides on competition C-SUVs (only automatic). During the decision making, I also went through multiple reviews by experts and users of the Venue. As per my experience, Brezza 2019 (sturdy vehicle with Maruti assurance, but a very stiff suspension + outdated features + poor interiors), Nexon( wide-bodied and comfortable, not sure, but I dint get an SUV feeling + AMT in this car wasn't that gr8), EcoSport ( good quality&looks, but cramped for space, more so if you are on the taller side + way too pricey ++ with the GM story in India, wasn't quite confident of the future ++ mileage was ??), XUV300 ( awesome car, loaded with features, possibly the best AMT in its category - everything seemed right except that I found it over priced for a M&M car and its services) Finally zeroed down to the Venue DCT. I have driven an American & a German sedan for over a decade, both of them were best sellers - Fiesta(old) and Vento.These 2 cars were very powerful and therefore my expectations from the C-SUV were similar in terms of power. At first I was a bit apprehensive about the 1.0 cc Petrol engine of Venue being able to match up to my expectations, but post the test drive and finally after having driven it for 1000kms+, I can say that I have made the right choice. I have read reviews about the Venue being under powered which is surprising because after having driven powerhouses like Vento(D) and Fiesta(P) - I seemed to relish it. The best part is the steering, it could not have been smoother. The height is fine and at 6ft. there is more than enough head room unlike say, an EcoSport. The turbo is what gives you that additional power and if you are wondering how a 1.0 Lt engine is feeling so powerful, guess, its the 172Nm of torque combined with 120PS of max. power. So far, the ride in city and on highway has been even and smooth. The dickey size is adequate and in the rear 3 passengers(of normal size) would feel comfortable with the seating and also the rear AC vents. On the cons, as claimed by the critics that the rear of a Venue doesn't look like an SUV, I tend to agree with them! Some key features are missing like rain-sensing wipers, rear wipers,IVRM etc. which are available with competition. On the driver side, the panel for OVRM control,central locking, power windows has just one button illuminated which makes you struggle at times in the dark. Since I have experienced Ford and VW, the quality of glass/interiors/plastics and even the vehicle manual is not comparable and this is true of other competition CSUVs,as well. All in all a good vehicle to own and drive, go for it.