Veloster update gets dual-clutch transmission

The quirky Hyundai Veloster is set for a mid-life overhaul, with a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission headlining the changes.

The news follows spy photos published on motoring.com.au last month, with images today leaked on-line detailing an uptick in power for US-spec Veloster SR models, its turbocharged 1.6-litre T-GDi engine now matching the output of Australian models at 150kW and 265Nm. The normally-aspirated 1.6-litre Veloster and Veloster + will remain unchanged at 103kW and 166Nm.

The six-speed manual transmission is likely to remain as the standard offering, though Hyundai's six-speed automatic seems to be replaced by a new in-house-developed seven-speed dual-clutch unit. It's good news for Australian consumers, who favour self-shifting versions of the Veloster by a factor of five to one.

Visually, the refreshed Veloster will also score new seats, a new alloy wheel design, new instrument panel, new silver trim on the front grille (previously body-coloured) and three new colour choices. An engine sound symposer – similar to that featured in Renault's Clio – will also be added, piping a choice of six synthesised sounds through the Veloster's all-new 'Beats' audio system.

It is also likely the tyre size will grow to 225/40-series on the turbocharged SR (up from 215/40), the model retaining 18-inch alloy wheels. HID headlights may too become standard across the range, while Hyundai's FlexSteer adjustable electric steering system is also tipped to be adopted.

"The updated Veloster will be with us in Q2," said HMCA's public relations manager, Guido Schenken. "We can't confirm pricing or specification details just yet, but we can tell you that not all of the changes and features shown on the US model will necessarily feature on the Australian update."

Owing to slow sales, the Hyundai Veloster was recently withdrawn from sale in the UK leaving Australia as the only major right-hand-drive market to accept the Elantra-based model. Since its launch here in February 2012, the Veloster and Veloster SR (turbo) have sold 11,440 examples with annual numbers falling around 14 per cent since the first year of sale.

It's a comparable drop in view of the total sports car market (in which the Veloster competes), which is down 16.6 per cent overall (based on 2013-14 figures). The biggest loser in the segment at the current time would appear to be Toyota's 86 coupe, which has dropped 37.5 per cent over the same period.

The Hyundai Veloster is currently priced from $24,490 to $35,290 (plus on-road costs).