Veloster Turbo for under $30K

Hyundai has officially introduced its upgraded Veloster Series II range for the Australian market.

During a media presentation yesterday, the importer announced a raft of changes for the quirky, asymmetrically-doored hatch, chief among which are a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission replacing the Turbo variant's six-speed epicyclic auto, Aussie-tuned suspension and steering, and a new, lower priced turbo variant available from $29,990. Hyundai has reserved the new colour, Blue Sprinter, for Turbo models, which come with matching accented seats and trim.

The upmarket Veloster SR Turbo + remains in the range, but is now equipped with Flex Steer three-mode adjustable steering assistance and heated seats.

Naturally-aspirated variants continue largely unchanged, other than new wheel design, and a redesigned interior. Two new styles of 18-inch alloy wheel distinguish the turbo from the naturally-aspirated models, with both variants riding on wider 225/40 tyres (previously 215/40 R18).

Australian feedback for the Veloster upgrade resulted in spring and anti-roll bar changes, allied with Hydraulic Rebound Stops in the front dampers. According to the importer, 49 separate suspension permutations were tested before the engineering team settled on the new car's configuration.

"The bigger tyres on Veloster Series II meant we needed to address the subtle increase in the car's unsprung weight," said team leader Hee Loong Wong.

"We reduced the front stabiliser bar diameter across the Veloster Series II range to allow for more independent front-wheel movement. In the naturally-aspirated Veloster and Veloster +, the bar was reduced from 24mm to 21mm. In Veloster SR Turbo and SR Turbo +, it was reduced from 24mm to 22mm.

"We were able to use a smaller-diameter stabiliser bar in the naturally aspirated Veloster and Veloster + because that engine is marginally lighter than the Turbo, with subsequent lower impact loads and reduced roll tendency."

Springs rates are also marginally lighter in the naturally-aspirated models. Other than new dampers, the rear suspension (a torsion beam) is carried over unchanged from the previous model's.

Veloster's electrically-assisted steering migrates from a 16-bit processor to a new 32-bit processor, for faster response.

The 1.6-litre Gamma GDI engine produces output of 103kW and 167Nm in naturally-aspirated form, or 150kW and 265Nm in turbocharged form. While the atmo engine continues to offer six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch transmission choices, the turbo variants have dropped the previous six-speed epicyclic automatic option in lieu of a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which brings a claimed seven per cent improvement in fuel economy when compared with the previous automatic option. That's 7.1L/100km, or 6.9L/100km for the six-speed manual Veloster SR Turbo that Hyundai continues to sell as standard.

Inside, for both levels of trim, the SR Turbo models gain a new instrument cluster, coloured seatbelts (effective from April production) and colour-coded stitching for the steering wheel. Leather-trimmed models are now offered with black upholstery for the pillars and headlining, with the Turbo models featuring redesigned seats.

Prices start at $24,490 for the naturally-aspirated Veloster with manual transmission, or from $29,990 for the Veloster SR Turbo with manual. The dual-clutch transmission option for both drivetrain variants adds $2500 to the price and the higher-specification + models cost $5000 more for the atmo Veloster or $4000 more for the turbo variants.