New Hyundai Veloster and Veloster N revealed
Hyundai unveils US market Veloster, retaining 2+1 door layout but a adding hot N Performance model
Hyundai has pulled the covers off its second-generation Veloster at this year’s Detroit Motor Show - although there are no plans to re-launch the model in the UK.
The second Veloster is being launched in standard, Turbo and hot N specs, and it’s set to go on sale in the US later this year. The oddball coupe has been thoroughly redesigned inside and out, but it still retains the unique two-plus-one asymmetrical door layout of the old car.
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The reshaped body is more aerodynamically efficient than before, but the overall profile is familiar. New LED lights front and rear, plus swollen arches and a more coupe-like rear end, sharpen up the look, while a contrasting black roof is available.
We’ve yet to see shots of the interior, but Hyundai is claiming it features a driver-focused layout and, on Turbo models, a contrasting colour scheme. Each variant has unique colours and materials to differentiate the models.
A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, while a larger screen can be specced. Available safety kit includes autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, auto high beam and blind-spot warning.
The base Veloster is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 145bhp and 178Nm of torque. It’s paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, and comes with three selectable drive modes to change dynamic preferences. No performance figures have been released yet.
The Veloster Turbo returns too, again featuring a turbocharged 1.6-litre four cylinder petrol engine producing 198bhp and 264Nm of torque. It also introduces an overboost function, raising peak torque by 8Nm under full throttle. It’s mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, but is also available with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It also features Active Sound Design, enhancing intake and exhaust noise during fast driving, while the steering ratio is quicker than the standard car’s.
Following on from the i30 N, Hyundai has launched a hot Veloster N to take on cars such as the Volkswagen Scirocco R. It features a 271bhp 2.0-litre turbo motor, a bespoke electronically controlled suspension set-up with multiple modes, and a sportier body design. Like the i30 N, the majority of its chassis development was completed at the Nurburgring race circuit. A limited-slip differential and larger brakes help to rein in the power.
US prices and performance data for the Veloster will be revealed later in the year, but as things stand, due to the slow sales of the previous model, there is no European debut planned for any of the new generation’s editions.
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