DECEMBER 13 - 19 | 2019
Veloster: That’s more like it, sport
Ŷ BALANCED: Hyundai has made all the right moves in strengthening the Veloster’s appeal as a true sports car.
By DEREK OGDEN was hung off the motor that things began to heat up, Series II adding grunt with a rangetopping Veloster SR+ Turbo. Things have continued to evolve, with the latest Veloster 1.6 T six-speed manual (the test vehicle) putting in a stirring performance. STYLING Design of the second-generation has pretty much stayed the same from the word go – bold, some might say brash – typical of a hot hatch, while emphasising the three-door coupe’s sporty DNA. An expansive front incorporates a sporty take on Hyundai’s hallmark cascading grille. A steeper roofline, increased bonnet length, and sculpted wheel arches back this up for a
powerful and refined coupe image. A new rear spoiler and spoiler side garnish, slits at each side of the rear bumper, front aircurtains to reduce air turbulence generated by the rotating wheels are all designed to reduce aerodynamic drag, maximise fuel efficiency and high-speed driving stability, while also reducing wind noise. The MY20 Veloster features LED daytime running lights, reverse parking alarm, rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, and tyre-pressure monitoring system. The flagship 1.6 T Premium also takes in a panoramic sunroof. INTERIOR The cabin is the antithesis of the flashy exterior – plain and simple, in the nicest possible way. An asymmetrical layout of the in-
strument panel and dashboard does reflect exterior styling to some extent, but the focus is well and truly on the driver’s need to absorb accurate information quick and easy. The Veloster Turbo Premium boasts leather seat trim, power driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, a Qi standard wireless charging pad, and head-up display. A sports steering wheel features a colour accent matched to the gear lever handle and cabin highlights, with a semi-perforated leather wrapping for super grip and sporty looks. Sports front seats with side bolsters add extra lateral support while also featuring central, extra-wide red piping for a distinctive style.
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IT looks like a sports car; sounds like a sports car, it is a sports car . . . well, not always. Sometimes, performance is not all it’s cracked up to be. Take the Veloster, for example. When the Hyundai first came out, with its out-there looks and unusual architecture, it shaped up to be a challenger to the hot hatch mob. Unfortunately, somebody had forgotten to give it the performance to match. The Veloster was held back by a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Many forgave shortcomings, much talk being of the sedancum-coupe styling, with two doors on the passenger side, only one on the driver’s side. The result was added stiffness, and therefore better handling, without the inconvenience of squeezing in and out of the back seats through a single entrance. It wasn’t until later when a turbocharger
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