Hyundai pumps it up with the new Veloster Turbo.
The Hyundai Veloster has been turning heads ever since the South Korean automaker rolled it out last autumn. If the quirky little hatchback had a downside it was an anemic powertrain that limited its fun factor.
To their credit, Hyundai officials listened to the critiques and responded with unexpected speed, a new Veloster Turbo ready to hit market for the 2013 model-year that is bound to win over even more fans looking for a car that’s both cool and now has ample power to back its ambitions.
The restless folks at Hyunda Motor America have also tweaked the Veloster’s still fresh exterior design with the turbo version while adding more equipment. The results should provide some serious competition for more established nameplates in this class such as the Volkswagen GTI, the Honda Civic Si and the Mini Clubman.
The original Veloster won raves for styling but offered anemic performance.
For starters, the 1.6 liter turbo produces 201 horsepower, which is a significant boost from the original model’s anemic 138-hp. Better news is that Hyundai has tamed that dreaded turbo lag. The added power is delivered instantly, whether launching from a light or passing at freeway speeds.
Hyundai’s been tinkering with its turbocharger technology for quite a while and its latest turbo entry not only delivers solid performance but pretty good fuel economy, as well, in keeping with the company’s progressive mantra that 40 miles per gallon is the new 30 mpg. By the numbers, the Veloster Turbo gets a 30 miles per gallon combined, the EPA rating it at 26 miles per gallon in city driving and a 38 miles per gallon on the highway, which is more than respectable for a “pocket rocket.”
The engine is also matched up with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, which aren’t there just for bragging rights. They really perform as promised, with reasonably crisp manual shifts. There is also sport-tuned engine intake and exhaust note to go along with the extra power.
The new turbo bumps power up by rougly 50%.
The exterior design has been sharpened with an integrated rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels, projector head lights with LED accents, fog lamps and LED taillights as well as turn indicators on the mirrors, creating an impression of bold modernity that the power that be at Hyundai helps the brand appeal to the younger buyers of “Gen Y.” The Graphite Black interior color scheme also comes with Blue accents.
The Veloster turbo also comes equipped with a full suite of safety equipment including multiple air bags, electronic stability control, ABS and four-wheel disc brakes that give the car impressive stopping power.
In addition, it’s equipped with “Blue Link,” the Hyundai connectivity and driver support system that allows the driver to stay connected to the web and smarphone apps such as Pandora.
The new Veloster features a significantly richer content mix than the base model introduced last year.
The entertainment system in the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo also includes AM/FM as well as standard satellite radio and iPhone/iPad connection. Air conditioning is standard.
Hyundai has done a good job packaging the Veloster Turbo which includes controls on the leather wrapped steering wheel, leather seating surfaces and heated front seats.
The $2,500 of optional features in the version I drove included a panoramic sunroof, backup sensors, automatic headlights and navigation and rear-view camera connected to a 7-inch screen in the center console.
The total price tag on the car was $25,320, which was quite impressive considering the overall level of performance and equipment that’s baked into the car. In addition, Hyundai also is offering interested Veloster Turbo buyers a special Matte Gray paint exterior finish.
A well-equipped version of the Hyundai Veloster Turbo will nudge up towards the mid-$20,000 range.
The ride and handling is solid but if there is a weakness in the car it’s in the tuning of the suspension and the steering, two admitted weaknesses Hyundai has continued struggling with. The Veloster Turbo’s ride and handling don’t seem to have the same level of refinement found in the car’s powertrain and overall design.
But the Veloster is already a hit and it’s pretty much a cinch the turbo version will also command a solid following as Hyundai continues to expand this winning product line.