WHEN THE ORIGINAL hit Australian shores, a lot of people didn’t know what to make of it. Was it a coupe? A sedan? A sportscar? Well, it was all of things, with a clever design that had one door on the driver’s side, and two on the passenger side.
It attracted plenty of attention and reasonable sales, but things have been quiet on the Veloster front for some time now – as with all new things, people move on to other, newer things.
So it’s good to see the Veloster has been upgraded, whilst retaining its unique 2+1 door layout.
Redesigned inside and out, the second-generation Veloster features upgraded drivetrains linked to a sophisticated new multi-link rear suspension, with increased standard specifications across the range.
The 2020 Veloster features a new low and wide frontal design incorporating Hyundai’s signature cascading grille, a sleek silhouette with sculpted wheel arches, and sporty rear diffuser.
Hyundai’s SmartSense suite is standard in every new Veloster, and incorporates Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) systems.
Veloster’s standard touchscreen multimedia interface features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless and intuitive smartphone operation.
Contributing to an exceptionally well-appointed package is the availability of luxury and convenience features such as heated and air-ventilated front seats, wireless (Qi standard) smartphone charging, Head-Up Display (HUD), full-width glass sunroof and 8-speaker Infinity premium audio system.
Adding to the Veloster’s sports car claims is the inclusion of lightweight independent multi-link suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, a Torque Vectoring Control (TVC) system, digital performance gauge display, and turbo over-boost function.
The new Veloster is available in three trim grades, with all-new Atkinson cycle 2.0 MPi and updated 1.6 T-GDi turbo engines driving the front wheels via a manual, automatic or Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).
A fresh range of exterior colours, with the option of a black two-tone roof, and a range of striking 18-inch alloy wheel designs complete a desirable sporty package in the all-new Veloster.
2020 Veloster Model Range
In addition to the model’s standard connectivity and safety equipment, the range-opening 2020 Veloster features LED daytime running lights, a Reverse Parking Distance Warning (PDW-R) system, a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines, and tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Veloster Turbo adds a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia unit with satellite navigation and DAB+ digital radio, as well as additional SmartSense safety systems, including Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW), and High Beam Assist (HBA).
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) variants also receive the upgraded camera and radar-based City/Urban/ Interurban/Pedestrian Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) systems.
The flagship Veloster Turbo Premium model gains leather seat trim, power driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, a wireless (Qi standard) charging pad, full-width glass sunroof, and Head-Up Display (HUD).
“The all-new second generation Veloster builds on the unique character and quirky 3-door styling of the original, but now with more attitude and driver appeal,” Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Executive Officer, JW Lee said.
“Powertrain and chassis upgrades, combined with standard advanced safety technology and driver-focused performance features, create a uniquely compelling package,” he said.
2020 Veloster: Features Overview
The exterior styling of the Veloster has been freshened with a broad, dynamic frontal treatment incorporating Hyundai’s distinctive cascading grille, steeper roofline, increased bonnet length, and boldly sculpted wheel arches.
Inside the cabin, an asymmetrical design for the instrument panel and dashboard reflects the exterior styling, putting the focus on the driver.
Digital performance gauges (torque, G-force and turbo boost) combined with sports steering wheel and seats further reinforce the sporting intent.
Veloster benefits from a comprehensive Australian-specific chassis tune, to maximise the high-performance potential of the improved body rigidity and lightweight independent multi-link suspension.
Other notable driver focused upgrades over the first-generation Veloster include a quicker-ratio electric power steering system, enhancing steering responsiveness, and Torque Vectoring Control (TVC) which improves performance during cornering.
Veloster is available with a choice of 2.0-litre MPi Atkinson (110kW/180Nm) or 1.6-litre turbocharged (150kW/265Nm) powertrains, the latter featuring up to 275Nm over-boost function.
The entry 2.0L MPi engine is offered with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Veloster Turbo and Turbo Premium are offered with a choice of six-speed manual or 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).
A Drive Mode Select system allows drivers to tailor the Veloster’s characteristics to their own personal driving style, with Normal and Sport modes featured in manual versions, and additional Eco and Smart modes in automatic/DCT versions.
The new Veloster is priced from $24,490 (plus on road costs).
Once we have tested and assessed the new Hyundai Veloster, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.