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

New Model Y

2023 Tesla

New Model Y

18,499 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,197
View New Model Y
5008

2022 Peugeot

5008

33,004 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £21,697
View 5008
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

23,234 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £18,497
View Golf
Qashqai

2022 Nissan

Qashqai

61,891 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £14,397
View Qashqai

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

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £31,499
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,704 off RRP*Used from £7,295
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,675 off RRP*
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £15,297
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance
Czinger teases 21C's carbon fibre bodywork

Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance

Particulates emitted by the disposal of carbon fibre can be harmful to both machinery and human health
News
14 Apr 2025
New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival
Citroen Holidays - front

New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival

The new Citroen Holidays is the perfect option for those that want to camp on a budget
Road tests
15 Apr 2025
How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints
Polestar 3 - front full width

How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints

New figures from Polestar cast light on the big questions around EV sustainability and environmental impact compared to petrol cars
News
15 Apr 2025