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First drive: Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.

First drive: Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE
Hyundai resorts to forced induction for its most exiting Veloster yet.

   



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| First Drive | Farnborough, England | Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE |

Overall rating: 4 4 4 4 4

Well the Veloster Turbo SE is the most exciting car in the Hyundai range - and not just because of the way it looks. A turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine and some suspension, steering and braking changes make this the most engaging Veloster yet. Don't expect it to tear the tarmac up beneath you though, as it's really just a warmed over version of the already capable coupé rather than a full-on sports car.

Key Facts

Model tested: Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE
Pricing: £21,995
Engine: 1.6-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: three-door coupé
Rivals: three - Renault Mégane Coupé, Vauxhall Astra GTC, Volkswagen Scirocco
CO2 emissions: 157g/km
Economy: 40.9mpg
Top speed: 133mph
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Power: 186hp
Torque: 265Nm at 1,500- to 4,500rpm

In the Metal: 4 4 4 4 4

Say what you like about the Veloster, but there's no doubt that Hyundai should be applauded for such a daring design in a world full of humdrum. That controversial third door actually proves usefully practical, and the asymmetric layout looks great to our eyes. Changes for this Turbo SE model include a subtle body kit, a bolder grille, and different front and rear fog lights, as well as a rear diffuser and larger spoiler. Eighteen-inch alloys are also standard, though there are only three colours available at launch - white, black and a new (£525 option) matt grey.

Inside, the redesigned seats are covered in leather and there's a host of extra standard equipment as well. However, the rest is as before - in fact, apart from the embroidered seats there's nothing to give away this is the quickest Veloster yet. The dash is distinctive, though some of the plastic quality could be enhanced and we found the manual adjustment for the seat backrest at odds with the electric height and fore/aft adjustment - a clear case of cost-cutting. Still, the satnav is easy to use, the driving position good and for a coupé it's decently practical.

Driving it: 4 4 4 4 4

This is where Hyundai has shot itself in the foot; by calling this slightly more powerful (up 46hp on the regular 1.6) Veloster the 'Turbo' it is effectively pedalling the image of a tarmac ripping, fire-breathing, hardcore sports car. Expectations have been raised, and the precedent set for disappointment by those who drive the car - and in short it's not any of those things. And none of this is helped by news that the US market gets the same car with an extra 15hp on top.

But forget the marketing for a minute, wake up and realise that this car isn't a head-to-head rival for your favourite hot hatch but a more capable and useful version of the standard model and it suddenly becomes a lot clearer. It'll sprint to 62mph from rest in 8.4 seconds and that flat torque curve (256Nm from 1,500rpm right the way through to 4,500rpm) means it feels quicker than the figures suggest.

It's usefully quick rather than startlingly so, and it's more about mid-range punch than ultimate performance. If there's any justified criticism of the way the Veloster Turbo goes, it's that the engine and exhaust note aren't exciting enough, the former sounding strained if you push it hard enough.

The steering's been tweaked from the standard model, as has the damping and front brakes. It's still not the most communicative of cars, and the ride remains on the firm side, but it's certainly more involving than before. On the road there's more than enough grip, though unlike some of its supposed hot-hatch rivals we'd not be rushing to the racetrack for fun - understeer will eventually ruin your day. At least the quick and easy shifting six-speed manual gearbox is a pleasure to use.

What you get for your Money: 5 5 5 5 5

Value for money; a traditional Hyundai strong point. First of all there's the five-year Triplecare warranty package, which puts the Korean coupé in a strong position from the start. But if you take into account the 40.9mpg economy and sub-160g/km CO2 emissions, as well as the firm's reputation for reliability and customer care, it's clear that the Veloster Turbo SE should be cheap and hassle free to run.

All Turbo SE models come with a seven-inch touchscreen satnav system, reversing camera, upgraded eight-speaker audio system, leather seats (driver's with part electric adjustment), Bluetooth, iPod input, a special body kit and bumper design and 18-inch alloys. The only options are the Phantom Black pearl paint (£445) or Matt Grey (£525) and the tilt-slide panoramic glass roof (£950).

Worth Noting

At £21,995 the Veloster Turbo SE stares down the barrel at some pretty accomplished competition - the Scirocco 1.4T with 160hp is £545 less so the news that a new entry-level Turbo car will soon be announced is welcome. Hyundai's bosses are keen to keep the same level of performance and ability, so expect it to lose a few lines from the standard equipment list in a bid to hit its sub-£20,000 price target. Who needs leather seats anyway?

Summary

The problem here is not with the car, but with perception and marketing. Had Hyundai announced this car as the Veloster 1.6T (or even 't') then there'd be no criticism to be levelled at it for underperforming. However, referring to it as the Turbo and believing it to be a sports car, chasing hard on the heels of the very best hot hatches, is a mistake. Think of it as a mildly more exciting model in the already interesting and capable Veloster line-up though and you'll not be disappointed.


Graeme Lambert - 19 Sep 2012



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2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.

2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.



2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.
 

2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.
 

2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.
 

2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.
 

2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.
 

2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.
 

2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.
 

2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.
 

2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. Image by Hyundai.
 






 

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