Day 2 of JIMS 2013 saw Hyundai introduce the Hyundai Veloster Turbo, armed with a turbo-charged 150 kW, direct-injection petrol engine. This the Veloster Turbo’s first appearance in Africa, it’s due to be launched on local roads in the first half of 2014 and is the first model in South Africa to feature Hyundai’s 1.6-litre T-GDI engine with a high-compression, twin-scroll turbo-charger.
The Veloster Turbo with the manual 6-speed gearbox accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7,8 sec., and with the automatic 6-speed transmission it is achieved in 7,4 sec. The Veloster Turbo delivers CO2 emissions of 176 g/km and fuel economy of 7,4 liter/100 km for the manual model, and 187 g/km CO2 and 7,8 litres/100 km for the Veloster Turbo equipped with the automatic gearbox in a combined testing cycle.
On the outside the Veloster Turbo features the standard car’s unique 1+2 door layout but with the addition of visual enhancements designed to give the car an even more athletic and purposeful look. The front bumper, radiator grille and front fog lights are new to the Turbo. The rear also benefits from a revised bumper, which includes a new fog lamp design plus round twin exhausts and diffuser. The Hyundai designers have removed the Veloster 1.6 GDI’s trapezoidal center exhaust and replaced it with the Turbo model’s two larger free flowing circular pipes, giving the engine a more robust sound.
A longer and wider rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light is included in the visual changes along with a red “Turbo” nameplate on the bottom right of the boot lid. The Veloster Turbo is equipped with new 18-inch alloy wheel designs with chrome inserts. These are complemented by a moulded side sill, which gives it a low and sporty stance. An extensive range of colour options shall be available for the Veloster Turbo in South Africa.
Inside, the Turbo features re-designed leather seats with grey panels, with the “Turbo” nameplate embossed on the driver and front passenger seats. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable with lumbar support. Hyundai’s 7-inch touchscreen, incorporating a media centre and reverse parking camera with parking guidance and with three interface layouts the user can choose from, comes as standard. Buyers will also receive a 450-Watt Dimension Premium Audio system with eight speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer, external amplifier and with iPod/USB/Auxiliary input jacks.
As with all new Hyundai products, the Veloster Turbo will be backed by the manufacturer’s fully transferable 5 year/150 000 km warranty and 5 years/150 000 km free roadside assistance. A 5 years/90 000 service plan brings added value to the package.
