Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo Series II 2015 Review
Oddball turbo hatch is now cheaper, and comes with a dual-clutch trannyCan Korea build a hot hatch? It's a question that's been nagging me for a while now… Although the Hyundai Veloster still feels more like a spirited cruiser than a bona fide hot-hatch rival, the new Series II progresses the idea of 'sportiness' via re-tuned suspension, wider tyres and a dual-clutch transmission. And from under $30,000, the peculiar-looking Veloster SR Turbo is good value, too. But does it need more muscle?
Hyundai's 'N' hot shop is working on a number of high-performance vehicles, and after driving the latest Veloster SR Turbo I reckon their N models can't come soon enough.
The updated Veloster is a neat and tidy package, offering plenty of primo features, a quirky design and a grippy chassis. It darts in and out of corners like a field mouse, but it does needs more poke.
Don't get me wrong, I had a fun couple of weeks in the Veloster, but more swagger and a less intrusive stability control system would go a long way toward making it a more serious hot hatch – like the one-off VelosteRaptor, perhaps.
The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine gnashes out a decent 150kW and 265Nm, enough poke to get the front hoops spinning. This often happens when gunning out of sharper corners which is where the electronic stability control chaperones decide to call it a night. Granted, you can switch it off. But not all owners will want to do that.
There are some skilfully integrated stability control systems out there that gently negotiate with the driver, as opposed to admonishing him/her for jabbing the throttle with too much steering lock applied. And it's a shame, because the mid-range torque hit from the Veloster's direct-injected turbocharged engine can be tasty.
Thrust does drop off pretty sharply at higher revs, but between 3000 and 5000rpm it provides the Hyundai above average pace that's fun to exploit. But compared to the manual, the dual-clutch Veloster falls flat.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (or DCT) is new to the Veloster Turbo SR, having only previously been available in the non-turbo (and less powerful) variants. The good news? You don't have change gear. The bad news? The pairing of engine and gearbox needs work.
When you want to have fun on twisty roads it's not bad. But it lacks the response and involvement of the six-speed manual. It can't match regular autos either, and at times it's almost as though it's been calibrated to swap ratios illogically when you're trying to hustle – quite the opposite of the same pairing in the new Tucson. But if you don't plan on thrashing the bejesus out of the car, the DCT is a sweet little unit well suited to urban driving and cruising.
It's fairly efficient, too. I didn't quite manage the 7.1L/100km claimed by the manufacturer, instead managing 8.2 in mostly city driving.
The story is also positive where handling dynamics are concerned. The Veloster's revised suspension geometry and recalibrated damping and spring rates deliver a more compliant ride. This is a boon for regular everyday driving duties as comfort levels have improved significantly. I thoroughly agree with what Ken Gratton said in his review of the updated Veloster that although the softer ride quality results in more body roll when spearing through corners, it's now a more malleable machine as a result.
There's a sense that it tips into corners with slightly more eagerness now, while the wider tyres ensure grip levels are solid. The brakes are the car's weakest dynamic aspect but overall, and even with the comfort-biased DCT, the Veloster is a more satisfying car to drive now.
Couple that with an appealing, almost luxury interior with more convenience features than some $60,000 European cars, and it's no surprise that the Veloster is closing in on the Toyota 86's sales lead in the Sports car segment.
Throw in the quirky, asymmetrical design that affords surprising rear seat and boot space without compromising city car-like dimensions that ensure easy parking, and there's appeal here for more than just buyers looking for a sporty hatch.
And how about that Blue Sprinter paint job? There's even Storm Trooper pearl white if you want! The only problem is that apart from Sunflower Yellow, all the other colours cost extra, between $595 and $1000!
The Korean-made Hyundai Veloster Turbo won't get the adrenaline pumping like a Ford Focus ST, but it's a step in the right direction from Hyundai. I'm looking forward to seeing what Hyundai's European N performance division can do with this vehicle – or perhaps its replacement – in a few year's time.
2015 Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo Series II pricing and specifications:
Price: $32,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 150kW/265Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 7.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 165g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP
- Value for money
- Charming interior
- Improved ride and handling
- Lack of swagger
- Auto DCT integration
- Stability control jumps at shadows
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