Tested here in pre-production guise, the Veloster Turbo’s twin-scroll turbocharger ups the naturally aspirated model’s power output by a notable 45bhp to 183 horses. Torque is also boosted to 199lb ft, from the standard car’s 123lb ft figure.
To match the hotter Veloster’s extra go, Hyundai has beefed up the suspension front and back and quickened the steering rack for sharper responses. Also new is the addition of burlier front and rear bumpers (with integrated rear diffuser) and some side garnish to give the blown version a more purposeful stance. At the Turbo’s rear, you’ll also notice larger-than-standard and rounded, centrally mounted twin exhausts, which finish off the car’s harder-edged look well.
While the Veloster Turbo has the same 2650mm wheelbase as its standard sibling, the faster car sits 30mm longer and 15mm wider on the ground.
What’s it like?
A good deal quicker than the standard car, but nothing that will quench the hot hatch thirst that we Britons are famous for.Nevertheless, you’ll be pleased with the quicker progress of the turbocharged model, that’s backed up by its raspier, freer-flowing exhaust. Thanks to the twin-scroll turbocharger, the Veloster Turbo makes its way to the 6500rpm redline swiftly and cleanly and shaves 1.3sec off the standard car’s 0-62mph time, now down to 8.4sec.
Not quick enough for you? Management’s argument for dialling down the power is so that the same petrol unit can be used across more of the Hyundai range. An i40 with a tyre-shredding 220bhp 1.6 isn’t what they’re after, apparently. Think of the Turbo as a performance rival to the Mini Cooper S, not a challenger to our favourite French hot hatch, the rapid Renaultsport Megane.
When we road tested the Hyundai Veloster GDi back in January, it was the car’s ‘breezy steering’ that we took issue with. And while the Turbo’s quicker steering rack improves the car’s dynamics, the lack of feedback through the steering wheel remains.
Sharp direction changes aren’t the Turbo’s favourite trick, either; sloppy body control doesn’t make it a car that’s as planted as we’d have liked or expected from the hottest model in the line-up. As a side note, the Veloster (which sits on Hyundai’s K platform as does the i30) uses a rear torsion beam suspension set-up, which may have something to do with its handling shortcomings.
Pedal weights are very good, however, (something we’re used to from Hyundai), as is the six-speed manual gearbox, which is slick and easy to thread through the cogs quickly when you’re feeling racy.
Inside the Veloster Turbo’s cabin, you’ll find the same fit and finish as you would in its naturally-aspirated sister. Although final UK spec of the Turbo is yet to be decided on, our test car came with the model’s nicely sculpted leather seats, which are supportive and comfortable.
Should I buy one?
If you are unconcerned by the Veloster Turbo’s slightly neutered performance but like the idea of having a quirky turbocharged coupe, then yes.
If a car’s handling credentials rank highly, however, you should probably look elsewhere. While the Veloster looks like a planted, high-adrenaline coupe, you’ll have to tread quite carefully to keep the Turbo’s body control in check when you’re pressing on.
Alex Kersten
Price: £23,500 (est); 0-62mph: 8.4sec; Top speed: 133mph; Economy: n/a; Co2: 157g/km; Kerbweight: 1255kg; Engine type, cc: 4 cyls, 1591cc, turbocharged petrol; Installation: Front; Power: 183bhp; Torque: 199lb ft; Gearbox: 6-spd manualsource: autocar
