Hinjawadi is a relatively new development on the outskirts of the city and tends to take us inner-city folk a bit by surprise every time we visit it. The tall, strapping buildings with their modern architecture that’s all metal and glass is a sight to behold. You’ve got all the big tech players plying their trade here. Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant — the lot. Driving around these wide, organized streets with the imposing tech buildings forming the backdrop, the Venue feels right at home. Its unique headlamp design and bright Lava Orange shade fit right in with the jet-setter IT mogul lifestyle. Speaking of lifestyle, while I’m here, why not sample how the IT boffins at Hinjawadi wind down a little? So, we head to the fantastic-looking I Amsterdam, a restaurant in the area that offers some delectable grub and a really chill vibe. Having satiated my hunger pangs, it is time to hit the road again. Next stop: Hyderabad.
Another 550-km drive awaits and, again, it is a task easily accomplished from behind the wheel of the Venue. This compact SUV comes with a slew of connected features and Android Auto to play with. So, I do find ways to amuse myself with voice commands during the drive. It isn’t all fun and games, though; the Venue’s connected SUV tech has a strong safety component too. Features such as an emergency SOS button on the rear-view mirror, with a roadside assistance button right next to it, are comforting to see. You know this smart ride has your back in case things go south, as they often can on India’s cattle-ridden highways. Luckily, the run from Pune to Hyderabad doesn’t show any cause to push either button and I arrive in the City of Nizams without any untoward incident.
