The new Hyundai Veloster has joined the Korean manufacturers local model line-up; bringing with it innovative styling and a range of features that Hyundai hopes will attract both new buyers as well as loyal brand customers.
Featuring the all-new (for South Africa anyway) 1.6-litre direct-injected four-cylinder GDI petrol, and a dual-clutch transmission option, the Veloster also offers a distinctive ‘2+1 door’ coupé design with the functionality of a hatchback and the style of two-door, thanks to the passenger-side rear door which allows for easy rear-seat access.
The 2+1 door configuration for the Veloster has been adapted for right-hand-drive markets, ensuring that customers not only benefit from the great practicality of the rear door that opens on the ‘safe’ passenger side of the car, but also from high levels of occupant safety.
Inside the cabin, the Veloster offers class-leading cabin and cargo space. It has a wheelbase of 2.6 m, and Hyundai engineers have sculpted the Veloster’s interior to provide generous interior space for its occupants. Cargo capacity in the Veloster’s boot is 440 litres. Loads of high-tech gadgets and technological features are stylishly integrated within the cabin design. These elements combine to add visual appeal. The Veloster’s impressive audio system supports radio, CD, MP3 and a range of external devices thanks to an AUX, USB, iPod and Bluetooth.
The sound system displays it functions on a large LCD screen in the centre console. The steering wheel is equipped with remote controls for the sound system, as well as the controls for setting the cruise control. Automatic Climate Control is also easy to configure on the LCD screen, where an image of the car with the chosen settings are shown.
The Hyundai Veloster is powered by the new GDI petrol engine that generates 103 kW and 167 Nm torque. Buyers will be offered a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or the company’s first dual-clutch transmission (DCT). It is a dual dry clutch transmission and is an in-house developed gearbox from Hyundai. They say the DCT includes a 6% improvement in fuel efficiency, as well as a 7% improvement in acceleration. There are no paddle-shifters on the steering wheel.
The Veloster runs on a McPherson strut front suspension, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a 24 mm diameter front stabilizer. The rear suspension is a light-weight V-torsion beam and monotube shock absorbers. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS); and Electronic Brake Distribution are in attendance from an active safety point of view.
Passive safety features in the Veloster include six airbags; a driver and passenger airbag, curtain airbags and side airbags, and a strengthened, rigid safety cell to protect occupants from serious injury in an accident.
Veloster 1.6 GDI Executive (manual) R259 900
Veloster 1.6 GDI Executive (auto) R276 900
Hyundai’s 5 year/150 000 km warranty and roadside assistance forms part of the Veloster package, supplemented by a 5 year/90 000 km service plan. Services are done at intervals of 15 000 km.
