VICTORIA: Hyundai has released details of its updated Veloster Turbo, which went on sale in Korea this week with a new seven-speed twin clutch automatic gearbox option and a host of cosmetic tweaks.
While power and torque figures don’t change from the preceding model’s 150kW/265Nm, the replacement of the previous torque converter six-speed auto with a more sophisticated seven-speed twin-clutch transmission is significant.
Previously only the naturally-aspirated Veloster was available with a twin-clutch automatic (DCT in Hyundai-speak), but it was deemed not suitable for the Veloster Turbo’s extra torque. Hyundai’s engineers have now rectified that.
Externally there’s a new wheel design and subtle changes to the grille’s finish, while the upholstery – in Korea at least – now comes in a range of two-tone finishes.
The instrument panel also gets some minor changes to its presentation, and the audio system now features Beats by Dre branding.
There’s also a soung augmenter feature, which pipes one of six different engine notes through the audio speakers and synchronises it with the actual engine’s RPM, similar to the system already on the Renault Clio.
For the non-turbo Veloster variants, it appears that changes are minor and limited to interior materials. Bumpers and wheels carry over, as do engines and transmissions.
For Australia precise specifications, pricing and launch timing have yet to be announced, but Hyundai expects to launch the updated Veloster range in the second quarter of this year.
