What is it?
The halo model in Hyundai’s extensive hatch line-up which now fields roughly twenty models and is responsible for the majority of brand volume. Yet bringing the Hyundai Veloster Turbo to South Africa has not been easy; delays due to the exchange rate put the Veloster Turbo on pause several times.
Arguably situation has barely improved but as other segment players steadily increase pricing, Hyundai believe they’ve spotted a small gap. The flipside of this gamble is towards a longterm vision with the intention to introduce turbo GDI engines into a raft of future roles – the Hyundai Veloster Turbo is merely a catalyst for a new era of turbo charged Hyundai engines. For that reason the launch of this car is rather a significant milestone for the brand, even if the car falls short.
What’s it like?
The puffed out bodywork, bonnet recesses and big bore tailpipes talk a big game and besides the visual references to Volkswagen Scirocco, it shares an almost identical footprint. Dig deeper and its design remains a rather muddled affair with the quixotic asymmetrical 3-door layout ostensibly providing a modicum of practicality to a coupe profile. That slight virtue largely comes to nothing, compromised by the low roofline and narrow door apertures. What it does to the weight balance and rigidity is another subject of debate entirely.
The engine provides a mildly sporty but ultimately cautious and half-hearted foray into the hot hatch market. A small injection of enjoyment that was thoroughly lacking in the standard version but still unlikely to be the subject of 0-100 comparisons and quarter mile times. The provision of forced induction has increased power to 150kW and 265Nm – curiously slightly down on the similar-engined Kia Koup – and rather tellingly Hyundai didn’t provide official performance times.
In what is a typical ‘modifiers’ mindset, Hyundai spooned in the power but then largely neglected the bits required for slowing it down. A brisk run down Franschoek Pass saw the brake pedal turn mushy with other journalists reporting a similarly unnerving experience. Lumped with the rear torsion beam suspension, a carry-over from the standard Hyundai Veloster, it soon becomes apparent that in this turbo guise, the handling is slightly at odds with itself, underscored by unpredictable shifts in balance. Forget trick differentials or torque vectoring while the soundtrack, like the engine, is wheezy.
Those who like to see the traction light flicker as an indicator of Newton metres will be better off in the six-speed manual which to its credit has a nice action and breathes some life into the 6000rpm redline. Hyundai’s version of the twin clutch automatic results in a more languid power delivery and even reverting to the steering paddles does little to improve it.
Appealing to younger buyers the Hyundai Veloster Turbo is fitted with a more comprehensive audio system which includes a subwoofer amongst the usual audio software. Other small changes include the stitched turbo insignia into the more sculpted front seats. Build quality, insulation and ergonomics are all very satisfying traits while equipment offers a few standard items which the competitors don’t. This includes panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and reversing camera.
Should I buy one?
Not yet but Hyundai’s performance ambitions are growing and if they can repeat the rapid progress that they’ve managed in other segments then we shouldn’t have to wait too long for a more serious assault. As for now the pricing extinguishes any hope right from the get-go and with too many alternatives to mention one can either pay less for a Polo GTi or slightly more for the Golf GTi Performance Pack.
