Hyundai Veloster 1.6L Turbo launched, priced from RM148k to RM152k [+Video]



It’s been close to a month now since Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) started collecting orders for the facelifted Veloster Turbo. We’ve seen the Korean hot hatch live in BIMS 2015 and it’s finally here, making a quick arrival after having its global debut just three months ago.

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QUICK FACTS

Name Hyundai Veloster 1.6 MPI Premium Hyundai Veloster 1.6L Turbo Hyundai Veloster 1.6L Turbo Sport
Engine 1,591cc; Multi Point Injection 1,591cc; Gasoline Direct Injection 1,591cc; Gasoline Direct Injection
Transmission 6-speed auto 7-speed dual clutch auto 7-speed dual clutch auto
Max Power 130 hp @ 6,300 rpm 184 hp @ 5,500 rpm 184 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque 158 Nm @ 4,850 rpm 265 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,500 rpm 265 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,500 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance) RM129,066.99 (with GST) RM148,118.55 (with GST) RM151,745.39 (with GST)

 

The Velosters launched at Hyundai’s latest Global Dealership Space Identity boutique showrom in Bangsar (opposite McDonald’s) are essentially facelift variants, and they come in three trim levels – Premium 1.6 MPI, Turbo and Turbo Sport. This means two engine choices; the MPI is a naturally aspirated mill paired to a six-speed gearbox while the turbocharged variants get the in-house developed seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

EXTERIOR

Both the MPI and Turbo variants look predominantly identical from the outside, but can be visually differentiated from little details such as the alloy wheel design (both sit on 18-inchers by the way), the Turbo badge on the rump and door handles; the MPI gets chrome door handles while the Turbos get body-coloured handles.

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Equipment such as projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, front and rear fog lamps, LED tail lamps, rear spoiler, keyless entry with push-start ignition and body-coloured side mirrors with integrated signal indicators complete the standard kit list. What the Turbo variants have on top of the said list are HID headlamps (MPI gets halogen), a different set of 18-inch wheels and exhaust pipes. That said, we still prefer the wheel design of the Thai-spec Veloster that was displayed at Bangkok.

INTERIOR

Moving inside, the Veloster Turbo greets its driver with a sporty three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with multi-function switches. You also get Hyundai’s Supervision Gauge Cluster with a digital display screen in between the odometer and tachometer. Housed in the centre of the dashboard is a 7-inch TFT touch screen display which supports radio, CD, MP3, Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB connectivity. Sound is channeled through six speakers, a central speaker and a subwoofer.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo  (20)

 

The Turbo variants get leather wrapped power adjustable seats with the ‘Turbo’ word etched onto the sides of both front seats. In the Turbo Sport variant (close to RM4,000 more), you get the black and orange dual-tone interior colour scheme. Standard interior features include panoramic sunroof, floor mounted pedals, auto air-conditioning, rear view camera and six airbags.

PERFORMANCE

Before touching on the turbocharged engine, we’ll quickly go over the base model’s naturally aspirated 1.6-litre multi-point injected engine. It’s a carryover unit making 130 horses at 6,300 rpm and 158 Nm of torque at 4,850 rpm. This engine is paired to the same six-speed automatic gearbox driving the front wheels. Unlike the turbo variants, the Veloster MPI doesn’t come with paddle shifters.

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Now, nestling under the hood of both the Turbo and Turbo Sport variants is the brand’s own 1.6-litre twin scroll turbocharged engine with direct injection. GDi here stands for Gasoline Direct Injection, and a six-month test phase conducted by HSDM proved that the engine performed favourably when fuelled with RON 95 and 97.

This motor belts 184 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 revolutions; numbers that yield an 8.0-second 0 to 100 km/h sprint time and manages a top speed of 214 km/h. Power is transferred to the front wheels via an in-house sourced seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Paddle shifters are standard in the Turbo variants, and are mounted behind the steering wheel instead of the rack.

SAFETY

On the safety front, the Veloster protects its occupants with six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, ESC, ABS and Hill-start Assist Control. Hyundai also claims that the Veloster’s B-pillars are made from reinforced steel, offering better impact management in the event of a crash.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo  (10)

WHAT ELSE?

There are five colours to choose from – Storm Trooper (White), Young Gun (Matte Black), Phantom Black, Sunflower (Yellow) and Veloster Red. The entry-level Veloster will still come with the existing Vitamin C and Green Apple shades. All Velosters are fully imported (CBU) from South Korea and come with a 5-year or 300,000km extended warranty programme, whichever occurs first. A 24-hour roadside assist service also comes with every purchase of the Veloster.

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