Hyundai Veloster Turbo: Test Drive Review of the 1.6 Turbo Coupé
Hyundai’s Veloster Turbo brings 183hp, a distinctive three-door layout and practical touches to the hot hatch segment, offering buyers an alternative to more conventional rivals.
Hyundai’s Veloster Turbo arrived in UK showrooms in late 2012, adding turbocharged power and a more aggressive look to the brand’s most distinctive coupé. The Veloster’s asymmetrical three-door layout remains its headline feature, but the Turbo model aims to back up that quirkiness with real performance credentials.
Performance and driving experience
The Veloster Turbo uses a 1.6-litre direct-injection four-cylinder engine, boosted by a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver 183hp and 265Nm of torque. This is a substantial jump over the naturally aspirated Veloster, offering a 59% torque increase. On the road, the extra torque is evident above 3,000rpm, where the car accelerates with more urgency than its non-turbo sibling. Hyundai quotes a 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds for the manual version, putting it in line with other warm hatches of its era.
The six-speed manual gearbox has been tuned for the turbo engine, with ratios that balance acceleration and cruising. The shift action is precise, though not as short as some rivals. The engine’s broad spread of torque means fewer gear changes are needed when pressing on, especially on twisty roads. While the turbo spools up from low revs, the most convincing performance arrives higher in the rev range. The soundtrack, despite prominent exhausts, is subdued compared to some competitors.
Handling and ride
Hyundai retained the basic suspension layout from the base Veloster, but the Turbo gains stiffer dampers to manage the extra performance. The result is a setup that feels sporty without being overly harsh, and body roll is well contained. The electrically assisted steering offers a natural feel at the wheel, though it can lack feedback in tighter corners. At speed, the car remains composed and stable. Braking is strong, with a progressive pedal and good stopping power.
Practicality and interior
The Veloster’s three-door plus hatch design sets it apart. There’s a single large door on the driver’s side and two on the passenger side, making rear-seat access easier than in most coupés. Up front, there’s ample space for taller drivers, and the heated leather sport seats are both supportive and comfortable. The rear seats are tighter on space, as expected, but the extra side door makes entry more practical than most rivals.
Boot space is a strong point: 440 litres with the seats up and nearly 1,000 litres with the rear seats folded. That compares favourably to many rivals, though not all. Cabin quality is respectable for the class, with some harder plastics evident but generally good attention to detail. Visibility is hampered by thick rear pillars, so the standard rear-view camera is useful.
Economy and running costs
Official combined fuel consumption for the Veloster Turbo is 6.9l/100km. Real-world figures will depend on driving style, with urban use likely to see higher numbers. Hyundai supplied a special care kit for cars specified with the optional matte paint, as this finish requires hand washing and careful maintenance.
Where the Veloster Turbo fits in
Hyundai pitched the Veloster Turbo as an alternative to established hot hatches, blending coupé looks with everyday usability. Its unusual door layout and generous standard equipment give it a distinctive place in the segment. For buyers wanting something less conventional than a Golf GTI or Civic Type R, but with more practicality than a typical coupé, the Veloster Turbo offers a credible option.
- For more on the Veloster Turbo’s arrival in the UK, see /hyundai-veloster-turbo-going-to-the-uk-in-2012
- Facelifted version spied: /hyundai-veloster-turbo-facelift-spied-on-public-roads
