Skip advert
Advertisement

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

New Hyundai Veloster Turbo gets a unique engine tune for the European market

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Hyundai Veloster
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Hyundai Veloster Turbo is a sharper handling and more attractive version of the quirky 2+1 coupe. However the car's mediocre performance and average cabin finish don’t really live up to the promise of its attractive exterior changes, and that's a real shame. And if an estimated list price of £23k proves accurate, there are faster, better quality and more enjoyable rivals available for similar money.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Hyundai Veloster is designed as a more affordable rival to the likes of the VW Scirocco and the Vauxhall Astra GTC. The standard version didn't quite have the power to match its rivals, but Hyundai has now addressed this with the introduction of the new Veloster Turbo. Hyundai has given us the chance to get behind the wheel of a pre-production version. 

The Veloster Turbo has its own look, with larger 18-inch alloys, a unique grille, bigger bumpers and a rear spoiler. There are LED projector headlamps and LED tail-lights, while the firmer suspension has been lowered, too. Of course there’s still the quirky 2+1 door arrangement, but the Turbo is easily the best looking model in the range.

Inside there’s more standard kit, with Hyundai’s Blue Link connectivity, a seven-inch touchscreen and a panoramic glass roof as standard. There’s a leather steering wheel and seats, which also have ‘Turbo’ lettering stitched into the backrests. Sadly, the driving position is set a little too high, with little room for a six-footer, while cabin quality can’t match its European rivals.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Sportage

2021 Kia

Sportage

71,000 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £8,995
View Sportage
A4 Avant

2017 Audi

A4 Avant

92,355 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £11,990
View A4 Avant
XC40

2020 Volvo

XC40

49,875 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £23,990
View XC40
Golf GTI

2024 Volkswagen

Golf GTI

32,000 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £24,690
View Golf GTI

The turbocharged version of Hyundai’s 1.6-litre engine sees power boosted from 138bhp to 184bhp. This is less than the US-spec 201bhp Veloster Turbo, but that's no accident. Hyundai's engineers are proud of the fact that the European version has been specifically tailored for better low-end response. Changes to the turbo mean it cuts in much lower in the rev-range. 

So is the Veloster Turbo a scorcher? In a word, no. The engine note sounds rather flat, and in a straight line it lacks punch, despite the additional turbo boost. The Veloster can’t match the similarly powered MINI Cooper S for response and thrills, and it can't match the Citroen DS3 Sport for involvement, because the Veloster’s six-speed manual has a notchy shift.

In the corners, the Veloster makes a better fist of things. Our pre-production car’s electric power steering wasn't set to the final calibration, but it wasn't far off, and had good feedback. The brakes were responsive, too. 

Hyundai has proved that it can do polished and practical, but for the European market, it’s yet to offer a serious performance car. We think there's still room for a more potent version, because while Veloster Turbo is a start, it’s not a sports car, and it can’t touch any proper hot hatch. 

The Hyundai Veloster Turbo arrives in UK showrooms in August from around £23,000.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,800
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,884 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £14,998
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025