2016 Hyundai Veloster

NEW FOR 2016:

- New interior colour theme packages: Yellow (Tech), Blue (Turbo), Orange (Turbo)

For its fifth year on sale in Canada, Hyundai has given the Veloster a mild update. A new hood design that foregoes fake vents, a new grille, plus redesigned wheels wrapped in wider tires make up the bulk of the noticeable changes. The Turbo model gets two key mechanical change: last year’s six-speed automatic gives way to a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and the Driver Selectable Steering Mode for steering weight from the Elantra GT is now offered. Veloster Turbo models also gain new sports seats with bigger bolsters, new interior colour packages, and a revised instrument cluster design with electroluminescent gauges for enhanced visibility.

Also new to the range is the limited-run Rally Edition, which is built on the Veloster Turbo. Though it’s no more powerful than the model it’s based on, its stiffened up suspension, thicker anti-roll bars, and lightweight Rays 18-inch wheels improve handling, while exclusive matte blue paint and carbon fibre-look exterior trim enhance street cred. Interestingly, Hyundai has made this tarted up model the same price as the base Veloster Turbo – though it’s come at the cost of the panoramic sunroof and navigation system. The Rally is only offered with a six-speed manual transmission, which is capped with a B&M Racing shifter.

Based on the Accent’s platform, the radically styled fastback with asymmetrical doors offers seating for four with plenty of technology and equipment to appeal to those who desire connectivity and touchscreens over driving thrills. The Turbo model is much the same, but quicker.

Standard Velosters get a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine with 138 hp (132 hp with the optional six-speed dual clutch automatic); The Turbo gets a 201-hp 1.6L four-cylinder turbo with a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Both have direct injection.

The Veloster features 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, heated power mirrors, 7.0-inch display audio system with six-speaker sound system, AM/FM/CD/MP3, air conditioning, Bluetooth, power locks, power windows, cloth upholstery, floor mats, front map lights, six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, sun visors with vanity mirrors, iPod/USB/auxiliary input, rear cupholders, multifunction steering wheel, tilt/telescopic steering, trip computer, and chrome dual centre exhaust.

The SE adds hood insulator, heated front seats, satellite radio, cruise control, proximity key with push-button start, one-touch auto up and down windows, sunglass holder, map lights, reverse camera, and reverse parking sensors.

Tech Package trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, panoramic sunroof, projector beam headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, mirrors with integrated turn signals, power driver’s lumbar support, heated steering wheel, 115V power outlet, navigation, eight-speaker Dimension sound system, alloy pedals, cloth seats with leatherette bolsters, high gloss black interior accents, and leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob.

The Veloster Turbo builds on the Tech Package and adds unique 18-inch wheels, Turbo grille, engine sound amplifier, larger front brakes, Turbo body kit, e-Limited Slip Differential, driver-selectable steering modes, electroluminescent instrument cluster, leather upholstery, and body-colour rear spoiler.

The Rally Edition adds upgraded suspension, B&M short shifter, carbon fibre effect trim, lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels, and matte blue paint. Deletes panoramic sunroof and navigation system.