Years of collaboration between Hyundai designers from Seoul and California have allowed the Korean carmaker to come up with the latest iteration of its Veloster sports coupe. Introduced at the 2018 North American International Auto Show, the new Veloster underwent a “comprehensive exterior and interior redesign,” with enhancements to its powertrain, infotainment and connectivity features.
The only thing that Hyundai kept in the latest Veloster is its unique, asymmetrical two-plus-one door design. The brand’s signature cascade grille has a three-dimensional look here, setting it apart from those on other Hyundai vehicles. The asymmetrical motif is also evident in the driver-centric interior. In fact, the Turbo Ultimate model has a contrasting color environment, separating the cockpit from the rest of the cabin.
Propulsion-wise, the Veloster is now even more powerful. Gone is the normally aspirated 1.6-liter engine of old as the new base motor is a bigger 2.0-liter Nu powerplant. This Atkinson-cycle engine producing 147hp and 179Nm is said to be more fuel-efficient than the previous power unit. This is made possible thanks to Hyundai’s Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing, variable induction, an electronic throttle control, and anti-friction coatings. Standard transmission options are a six-speed manual shifter and an electronically controlled six-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission, which comes with hill-start assist.
For those who want a faster Veloster, there’s an available 1.6-liter direct-injection turbocharged Gamma engine, which produces 201hp and 264Nm even with the use of regular fuel. The engine’s over-boost function allows it to raise peak torque output to 274Nm under maximum acceleration. The engine is tuned to maximize low and midrange torque, allowing optimum acceleration and better fuel efficiency. This supposedly gives the car a claimed best-in-class 125.6hp/L specific output.
You can have a Veloster Turbo with a six-speed manual stick or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters and Shiftronic gear control.
In-car entertainment is top-notch in this latest Veloster. The optional eight-speaker Infinity premium entertainment system has advanced connectivity features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It is also equipped with Hyundai’s proprietary Blue Link connected car system that can be controlled using the standard seven-inch or an available eight-inch floating multi-touchscreen display. The three-year complimentary Blue Link system is a service that allows you to enjoy enhanced safety, diagnostic, remote and guidance services. You can also remotely start your engine, operate the climate control, lock or unlock your doors, find your car, request for roadside assistance, and report a stolen vehicle.
Oh, there’s also a performance-oriented Veloster N model, but that’s another story. The big question for now is: When will the Philippine market receive the new Veloster, whether in regular or performance guise?
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