The all-new 2013 Hyundai Veloster has introduced a new style to the Hyundai lineup with its sweeping forward roofline, three-door access, decent cargo space, an efficient drivetrain and a subtle sporty approach in an economical package. After begging for a bit more sport and performance in the Veloster equation, enthusiasts can delve into a new 2013 Veloster Turbo knowing they have the confidence of a powertrain that isn’t afraid of letting loose on pavement.
The all-new 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo tacks on an additional 63 horsepower and 72 pound-feet of torque over the standard Veloster from its 1.6-liter turbocharged direct-injection 4-cylinder engine to make a total of 201 horsepower and 195 ft-lbs. of torque. Mated to the standard 6-speed manual transmission makes things all-the-more enjoyable for the enthusiasts. However, a capable 6-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic (selectable shifts) is available for an additional $1,000. The automatic transmission option for the Veloster Turbo is a conventional automatic utilizing a torque converter in place of the more-costly optional automated manual (dual-clutch) transmission offered on the standard Veloster.
The twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-liter engine is well-adapted to the Veloster Turbo in that it hardly ever upsets the dynamics of the suspension system. Even on the lateral motion, the Veloster Turbo is adapt and well balanced for a front-wheel drive hatchback. I would not go as far as to say it could easily handle another 63 horsepower, but the suspension tuning over the normal Veloster really pays off in a good way for enthusiastic drivers. Undoubtedly, you can still feel as if the Veloster is not as light on its feet as the Genesis Coupe Turbo, or as fast for that matter. Nevertheless, the Veloster Turbo is the ultimate choice for a practical yet peppy 3-door hatchback.
Despite the Veloster Turbo being the answer to unexceptional performance figures on the standard Veloster, it still musters out decent fuel economy returning 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. That is only 2 mpg shy of the standard Veloster’s 37 mpg highway figure. Around town I saw a consistent 29 mpg and my highway endeavors yielded 34 mpg even when pushing the Veloster Turbo slightly above the speed limit.
The new 2013 Veloster Turbo’s exterior styling gets a few of its own unique cues to distinguish it from the normal Veloster. The front grill is the most noticeable difference where the Veloster Turbo has a larger grill opening in matt black helping to feed the intercooler for the twin-scroll turbo. Other styling elements are characteristic to the Turbo, such as the 18-inch wheels, large center-mounted exhaust chrome tips, and standard foglamps. My 2013 Veloster Turbo featured an optional Matte Gray paint color to ever-so fit in with the generation Y crowd – who likes such colors or vinyl wrap modifications on their ‘hot-ride’. Only you would be mistaken to think that this exterior is a vinyl wrap, it is in fact actual paint that you must care for ever-so delicately or you may harm the special matte clear coat finish.
Inside you will take note to the new Veloster Turbo’s leather upholstery, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter, heated front seats, keyless ignition/entry and Dimension sound system. To take things a bit further, my 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo was equipped with the Ultimate package adding rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rearview backup camera, navigation system fed through a high-resolution LCD touch-screen and a panoramic sunroof. The infotainment system combining Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics, GPS navigation, audio system and other vehicle settings is very responsive and easy to navigate.
Seating arrangements are manageable at best for two small-sized adults in the back. The rear 3rd door on the passenger side is a unique aspect of the Veloster but proves to be quite functional for those “small” rear passengers to climb in. The off-set sized front doors do take a little getting used to where the driver’s door has a bit more mass to it than the front passenger door due to its larger dimensions.
Up front the driver and front passenger have ample room while the driver can easily find an optimal driving position. Most dashboard controls are easy to reach and the gauge cluster is sharp and bright with nice blue accented colors contrasting the white LED backlighting.
To sum up the new 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, it is a big improvement over the standard vehicle retaining its affordability, practicality, stylish appeal and excellent fuel economy, but falls slightly short in performance numbers when going up against the hot-hatchback group of competitors. Rowing through the 6-speed manual transmission and while listening to the turbocharged engine whistle away with a brisk surge of power around 3,000 rpm all the way to redline… it is all an agreeable experience for an enthusiast. Power delivery is predictable as the Veloster Turbo sets a mid-range tone to everything it does. Nothing is really bad about the Veloster, however, you it may take a little digging to find aspects that exceed any preconceived high expectations.
My 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo started its life with a base price of $21,950 and after the addition of the Ultimate package, Matte Gray paintjob, sticky 215/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires and freight and handling charge of $775, it all comes to an as-tested price of $27,520.
Copyright: 2013 AutomotiveAddicts.com
SPECIFICATIONS
- Price: Base Veloster Turbo $21,950.00 / As-Tested $27,520
- Engine: 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve Turbocharged 4-cylinder 201 horsepower @ 6000 rpm / 195 ft-lbs. @ 1750-4500 rpm
- Track: f/r-61.3/61.8in.
- Headroom: f/r-37.2/35.3in. with sunroof
- Legroom: f/r-43.9/31.7in.
- Passenger volume: 80.8cu.ft.
- Cargo volume: 15.5cu.ft. with seats up/34.7cu.ft. with seats down
- Fuel tank: 13.2 gallons
- 0-60 mph: 6.8 seconds
- EPA mileage: 26 mpg/city, 38 mpg/highway
