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A welcome arrival when launched in 2012, the Veloster Turbo was a spicier addition more befitting Hyundai’s unconventional, striking and assertively styled hatchback-cum-coupe. Revised for 2015, the hotter Veloster Turbo now features a 7-speed dual clutch automated gearbox, but with engine unchanged, hasn’t yet been fettled by Hyundai’s long-awaited and recently announced performance N sub-brand.
Noticeably better focused than the garden-variety Veloster, the Turbo’s sharpened steering and chassis make it a rewardingly more engagingly and sporty drive. However, with output rated at 183BHP, the Veloster Turbo seems not pitched at the white-knuckled hell-raising end of the hot hatch spectrum, but rather the suitably warmed over but still efficient and refined daily drive end of the segment.
Urgent aesthetic
Intricately designed with huge gaping hexagonal grille echoed by similarly carved fascia frame, sharp-layered lower lip and bonnet extractors, the Veloster Turbo exudes urgency and dynamic tension. And with rakishly low roofline, tailgate spoiler, dual central exhaust tips, rear air splitter, muscular wheel arches and large 225/40R18 tyres, the Veloster Turbo’s is among the most aggressively styled in its segment.
Overtly assertive with complex wavy design lines and sharply descending roofline, the Veloster Turbo offers similar aesthetic aggression to more powerful but considerably pricier Renault Megane RS, Opel/Vauxhall Astra OPC and Volkswagen Scirocco R hatchback coupes. But, where performance and accessibility are concerned, it is more accurately comparable to more similarly powered and accessible Megane GT, Astra GTC and Scirocco.
Unique among current cars — and similar to the outgoing Mini Clubman — the Veloster is perhaps best known for its unconventional door arrangement. With two doors on the right-hand passenger side, the Veloster offers more practical rear seat access than similar hatchback-coupes. Meanwhile, the left-hand driver’s “coupe” side it features a longer single door for a cleaner profile aesthetic and better over-shoulder visibility.
Rewarding revs
Powered by a turbocharged direct injection 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through an optional 7-speed automated dual clutch gearbox, the Veloster Turbo develops 183BHP at 5500rpm and 195lb/ft throughout a broad, muscular and flexibly exploitable 1500-4500 band, as driven in Euro spec guise. US versions are, however, tuned to 201BHP but receive a 6-speed auto.
With somewhat long accelerator travel and slight turbo lag from idling engine speed, the Veloster Turbo responds well to firmer throttle inputs of the line, pounces eagerly and through the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds flat. Versatile in mid-range for confident overtaking, the Veloster Turbo’s gearbox delivers smoothly succinct auto or manual shifts — through steering mounted shifters — well compromised between comfort and speed.
Rewardingly brisk, the Veloster Turbo pulls confidently in its mid-range sweet spot, with a faint growl at heavy load. Unleashing peak power in a progressive build up, underwritten by a stout torque band, the Veloster Turbo likes to be worked hard through revs, rather than blasting through to high speeds too effortlessly that one can’t enjoy the accumulatively urgent experience.
Taut and tidy
Capable of a 214kph top speed, the Veloster Turbo pulls through revs with rising urgency and smoothly swift progression. Driven on Germany’s derestricted Autobahn to 160kph, the Veloster Turbo was reassuringly stable at speed. Firm yet smooth riding, the Veloster Turbo’s chassis feels distinctly more buttoned down, crisply connected and confidently taut than the garden variety Veloster.
Firm but not uncomfortable, the Veloster Turbo’s tauter front MacPherson Strut and rear torsion beam suspension and low profile 225/40R18 tyres provide poised body control through brisk and sweeping corners. Similarly vertical control is significantly improved, but slightly firmer damping — rather than springs — would further improve and make rebound control better tied down over sudden crests and dips.
Much improved, the Veloster Turbo’s quick 2.78-turn electric-assisted steering is better weighted, more direct, responsive and with better feel and feedback. Tidy and crisp into corners, with a balanced chassis, the Veloster Turbo offers reassuringly good front and rear lateral grip through corners and even during heavy rain, as was often the prevailing condition during test drive.
Dual persona
Unconventionally designed with single driver’s side door and two passenger side doors for more practical rear seat access — especially right side — the Veloster’s longer driver’s door, with B-pillar set further back, enables better driver access, over-shoulder visibility and provides a sleek coupe profile. However, the rear driver’s side passenger seat feels somewhat claustrophobic, and would benefit from a quick flip release coupe-style driver’s seat as alternative access.
With supportive semi-electric adjustable sports seats, steering and good front visibility, the Veloster provides a good hunkered driving position. In terms of space, the front seats well accommodate larger drivers — especially without the optional sunroof. Meanwhile rear seats are practical and useable, but are not suited — nor intended — for large and tall passengers, especially given the rakishly low roofline and tailgate being hinged ahead of rear passengers’ heads.
Well-equipped with infotainment, convenience and safety systems, the Veloster Turbo’s controls and buttons are slightly busy but user-friendly and within easy reach. Dashboard design is complex and fashionable with sharp lines and uses a good amount of soft textures in prominent places. Meanwhile, boot space usefully accommodates 320 litres of volume, which expands to 1015 litres with rear seats folded.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 1.6-litre, turbocharged, transverse 4 cylinders
Bore x stroke: 77 x 85.4mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Valve-train: 16-valve, DOHC, variable valve timing, direct injection
Gearbox: 7-speed automatic, dual-clutch automated, front-wheel drive
Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 183.5 (186) [137] @5500rpm
Specific power: 115.3BHP/litre
Power-to-weight: 141BHP/tonne
Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 195 (265) @1500-4500rpm
Specific torque: 166.5Nm/litre
Torque-to-weight: 203.8Nm/tonne
0-100 km/h: 8-seconds
Top speed: 214km/h
Fuel economy, urban/extra-urban/combined: 9.4/5.8/7.1 litres/100km
CO2 emissions, combined; 165g/km
Fuel capacity: 50 litres
Length: 4250mm
Width: 1805mm
Height: 1405mm
Wheelbase: 2650mm
Track, F/R: 1561/1574mm
Overhang, F/R: 850/750mm
Ground clearance: 149mm
Headroom, F/R: 990/896mm
Legroom, F/R: 1115/805mm
Shoulder room, F/R: 1412/1371mm
Hip room, F/R: 1351/1336mm
Boot volume, min/max: 320/1015 litres
Aerodynamic drag co-efficient: 0.32
Unladen weight, min-max: 1300-1360kg
Suspension: MacPherson struts/torsion beam
Steering: Electric assisted, rack & pinion
Turning circle: 10.4 metres
Lock-to-lock: 2.78 turns
Brakes, F/R: Ventilated discs, 280mm/discs, 262mm
Tyres: 225/40R18