The Hyundai Veloster range in South Africa has received a shot in the arm with the addition of a turbo boosted direct petrol injection engine, along with more sporty and luxury features that makes this attractive hatchback a well rounded sports package.
At its global launch the Veloster Turbo was the first Hyundai to feature the company’s 1,6-litre GDI engine with a high-compression, twin-scroll turbocharger. This T-GDI unit, generating 150 kW maximum power and 265 Nm of torque, has now made its debut in the local Veloster range, with performance figures that are quite a step up from its non-turbocharged sibling which delivers 103 kW and 167 Nm.
“The Veloster Turbo is also pointer to where the Hyundai brand is heading: to produce vehicles with advanced engine and transmission technology that will appeal to car buyers that are looking for an exciting, yet reliable and well-designed automobile. The engine used in the Veloster Turbo forms the base for the power plant in Hyundai Motorsport’s World Rally Championship i20 car – the only difference is that the rally car delivers 200 kW .,” says Stanley Anderson, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
“The heart of the Veloster Turbo is its powerful engine, and the performance that it injects into this innovative sports hatchback in our range. You can watch this space, for this engine is the start of many new developments to come from Hyundai’s Namyang Research and Development Centre in South Korea,” says Anderson.
Maximizing fuel efficiency and performance, the Veloster Turbo’s engine has an air-guided intercooler, direct fuel injection system and dual CVVT, with a bed plate and a serpentine auxiliary belt adopted for enhanced engine reliability
The Veloster Turbo is fitted with a quicker-ratio steering rack and a revised steering calibration to match, which provide for precise cornering, feedback and control. As with the turbocharged engine, the front and rear suspension set-ups have been tuned to match the expectations of drivers that appreciate firm and surefooted road manners.
The driving experience is further enhanced by the sport-tuned engine intake and exhaust notes: the trapezoidal centre tailpipes of the normally-aspirated Veloster have been replaced with two larger free-flowing circular pipes, allowing for a more robust sound.
To handle the power enhancements, the Veloster Turbo is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission – developed in-house by Hyundai – featuring a wider gear ratio spread to handle the additional torque output. It also comes with a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) which changes gears automatically or through driver input with steering wheel mounted paddles or the gear lever.
“The Veloster Turbo is not only about power and performance on the road – it is a well-equipped hatchback with a long list of luxury features, from the sound system with its Gracenote music management feature to leather seats, and Bluetooth sound system and cell phone integration. Furthermore, it has scored exceptionally well in the safety ratings of the Euro NCAP crash tests,” says Anderson.
The Veloster Turbo has the same practical appeal as the original model, thanks to the innovative 1+2 door design. It also now features unique front and rear bumpers and fog lights, a new rear spoiler and grille, new 18-inch alloy wheels, projection headlights with unique LED headlight accents, and unique LED taillights. These elements further accentuate the car’s eye-catching styling and add a greater emphasis on its performance.
