2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Car Review

Auto Report by Simona  via Topspeed
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster made its debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show and it warmed our hearts in terms of looks, but its 138 HP leaking out of the Gamma 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine chilled us to the bone. Shouldn’t a “sports car” have a little more push that that? Hyundai’s answer to that question came to the 2012 Detroit Auto Show when they unveiled the new Veloster Turbo – a model powered by a new 1.6-liter turbocharged-gasoline direct injection engine that delivers a total of 201 HP.

Next to a more powerful engine, the new Veloster Turbo will be distinguished by a bigger, bolder hexagonal front grille, sculpted side skirts, and new dynamic rear bumper with prominent diffuser vents. The car sits on a new set of 18″ gray wheels with chrome inserts. For the interior, Hyundai has added full leather seats with the word “Turbo” stitched into the seatbacks and an exclusive Supervision Cluster that offers the driver information in a larger, clearer, and more interactive format.

UPDATE 01/10/2012: This review has been updated with the official specifications and images for the Hyundai Veloster Turbo.

Exterior

When we first saw the Hyundai Veloster, we immediately fell in like, but when the new Turbo version took its turn, we were in love. The Turbo version adds aggression and aerodynamic stability to the stout little machine, allowing it to look better than ever. The Veloster Turbo’s unique design takes inspiration from a custom high-performance sport bike, starting with the exhaust system. The standard trapezoidal center exhaust has been replaced with two larger free flowing circular pipes that, combined with new intake manifold, also allowed engineers to give the engine a more robust sound to delight enthusiasts.

The Veloster received a bigger, bolder hexagonal front grille, more sculpted side skirts, and a new dynamic rear bumper with prominent diffuser vents in the lower fascia as aprt of the aeridynamic package associated with the Turbo model. A first for Hyundai is the new Matte Gray paint that can be combined with a set of new 18″ gray wheels with chrome inserts. The new wheels are combined with Kumho Solus KH25 215/40R18 85V tires, a McPherson strut front suspension, coil springs, gas shock absorbers, and a 24 mm diameter front stabilizer.

Interior

For the interior, Hyundai has added full leather seats with the word “Turbo” stitched into the seatbacks and an exclusive Supervision Cluster that offers the driver information in a larger, clearer, and more interactive format. It is also offered with standard heated front seats, while the center stack and controls resemble a sport bike fuel tank and incorporate a push-button starter and alloy pedals.

Engine

The new Hyundai Veloster Turbo is powered by a new 1.6-liter turbocharged-gasoline direct injection (T-GDI) engine mated to an in-house six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The engine delivers a total of 201 HP at 6000 RPM and a peak torque of 195 lb–ft delivered between 1750 to 4500 rpm.

Hyundai has announced an estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg city and best-in-class 38 mpg highway for manual transmission models, best-in-class specific output at 125.6 horsepower per liter, and best-in-class weight to power ratio of 14 lbs/hp.

Prices

The new Hyundai Veloster Turbo will go on sale in Summer 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The new Veloster Turbo targets models like the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Mini Cooper S, and the Honda Civic Coupe Si. At first glance, however, the Veloster looks to be out favorite because of its aerodynamic look, powerful engine, and impressive fuel economy. All we need is the price of the Veloster to seal the deal.