There’s always been nothing like the Hyundai Veloster. From the word go the ‘two-and-a-half’ door coupe has stood out from the crowd and has been the go-to car for the budget conscious automotive individualist.
Now Hyundai has gone even further with the introduction of the Veloster Street Special Edition, which brings $3000 of exclusive additional spec and other goodies above the Veloster Series II SR Turbo + on which it is based.
Having already claimed a prime spot in the quirky corner of the coupe market, with only 200 to go on sale, this Veloster really is something special.
The six-speed manual costs an appealingly low $34,990, plus on-road costs, while the seven-speed double clutch auto adds $2500 to the price.
STYLING
Stealth is the word that comes to mind with the Veloster Street Turbo. Coated in Dazzling Blue Mica body paint, Phantom Black inserts on the headlamps, front spoiler, grille surround, side skirts, exterior mirror covers, rear diffuser insert and rear roof-mounted spoiler draw further attention to the sharp angles, intakes and other aerodynamic aids.
The coupe signs off with the title ‘STREET’ on both front flanks, plus a not-to-be-ignored postscript of exclusive semi-gloss black Rays Gram Lights alloy wheels.
To say the Veloster Street Turbo belts out a ‘blues’ encore inside the cabin is to understate the hue. A Turbo Sports Blue interior package includes leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front sports bucket seats with blue bolsters and blue contrast stitching, blue front seatbelts, blue front door grip handles and centre console side garnishes.
Blue contrast stitching also features on the leather door armrests, centre console armrest, steering wheel and manual transmission gear lever boot. Added on are exclusive floor mats with blue-stitched edging and embroidered ‘Street’ logos as standard.
INFOTAINMENT
Like the Veloster Series II Turbo +, the Street Special Edition incorporates sports instrumentation, 7.0-inch LCD touchscreen, satellite navigation, CD player, MP3 functionality and Sat Nav Update Plan.
A panoramic glass sunroof, climate-control air-conditioning with auto defog function and a wealth of other features go to emphasise the ‘bang for the buck’ appeal.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The 1.6-litre Turbo GDi four-cylinder engine produces 150 kW at 6000 rpm and 265 Nm(of torque between 1750 and 4500rpm. It’s mated with either Hyundai’s own six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The engine boasts the latest in direct-injection technology, a twin-scroll turbocharger, dual continuously variable valve timing, electronic throttle control, roller timing chain, variable induction and innovative anti-friction coatings.
Like the Veloster Series II SR Turbo +, the new Street Special Edition benefits from the performance-oriented ride, handling and steering upgrades made to the car by Hyundai Motor Company Australia’s highly respected chassis development team.
SAFETY
Electronic Stability Control, including traction control, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability management and hill-start assist work hard to prevent incidents.
Passive safety is far from dumbed down with six airbags – driver and front passenger, driver and front passenger side (thorax), plus full-length side curtains) – taking care of occupants in a crash.
DRIVING
The Veloster Street does not pretend to be a friendly family car. Getting in and out of the back requires a need to bend the body low due to the swoop of the rear roof section. Leg room is skinny, as is headroom, once again due to the roofline.
Deep bolsters on the front sports seats also require a bit of body manipulation to clear. However, their advantages come to the fore, offering plenty of lateral support in spirited driving.
It is no secret the original Veloster, sans turbo, was a disappointing performer. However, with the addition of turbo power the vehicle began to live up to its sporty looks. The Street pops a cherry on top of the coupe cake.
The Street Turbo Special Edition continues with the upgrades to the Veloster Series II SR Turbo + to produce an unquestionably sporty performance.
With peak power of 150 kW coming in quite high in the rev range (6000 rpm) there is a need to work the gears continually to get the best out of the car.
This is not ideal in slow stop / start traffic. However, freed from city-centric constraints, the Veloster Street rewards the driver with an engaging drive to the accompaniment of a muted growl.
Fuel consumption on our test six-speed manual clocking a hefty 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburbs, that dropped significantly to 6.2 litres per 100 at motorway speeds.
The Veloster Street benefits from experience gained during local chassis development of the Veloster Raptor concept.
“At Veloster Series II’s launch last year we incorporated reduced-diameter front stabiliser bars across the range to allow for more independent front-wheel movement,” says Hyundai Motor Company Australia’s General Manager Product Engineering, Hee Loong Wong.
Mr Wong also likens the car’s sharp turn-in and more aggressive drive out of corners with a ‘playful’ character, allowing the rear to be more actively involved during high-speed cornering.
SUMMING UP
The Veloster Street Turbo Special Edition adds another level of individuality to an already interesting sports coupe.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Veloster Street 1.6L Turbo GDi Petrol 6 Speed Manual $34,990
Veloster Street 1.6L Turbo GDi petrol 7-Speed DCT (Dual
Clutch Transmission) $37,490
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.
FEATURES
18-inch RAYS Gram Lights alloy wheels with 225/40R18 tyres
6 airbags (driver and front passenger, driver and front passenger side (thorax), full-length side curtains)
Electronic stability control including traction control, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability management and hill-start assist
Proximity Smart Key with push-button start
Sports-type electroluminescent supervision instrument cluster
Trip computer
Height-adjustable driver’s seat
Electric driver’s seat base slide and tilt and electric lumbar support
Cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls
Keyless entry with burglar alarm
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
High intensity discharge Xenon headlights
LED daytime running lights, LED rear combination lights
Automatic dusk-sensing headlights
7-inch LCD touchscreen Satellite Navigation with CD player, MP3 functionality and sat nav update plan
Premium audio system featuring 4 speakers, 2 tweeters, centre speaker, subwoofer and external amplifier. AUX/USB audio input with digital iPod compatibility
Bluetooth connectivity (hands-free phone and audio streaming)
Rear-view camera (integrated into 7-inch monitor with guidelines)
Rear parking-assist system (4 head with guidance display)
Panoramic glass sunroof with electric sun blind
Climate-control air-conditioning with auto defog function
Ventilated and heated front seats
Electric folding exterior mirrors
Heated exterior mirrors
Flex Steer 3 Mode (Normal, Sport & Comfort)
Phantom Black body kit inserts, front grille surround, rear roof spoiler and side mirror covers
Turbo Sports Blue interior package
Front guard ‘Street’ badging
Unique floor mats with embroidered ‘Street’ logo and blue stitching
Tilt and telescopic steering column
Front and rear passenger-side power windows
One-touch window up/down on driver’s window incorporating anti-pinching safety feature
LED high-mount stop light. LED side repeater integrated into side mirrors
Seat back pocket (passenger side)
Luggage net
SPECIFICATIONS (Hyundai Veloster Street 1.6L Turbo GDi Petrol 6 Speed Manual)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.591 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line, DOHC
Maximum Power: 150 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 265 Nm @ 1750-4500 rpm
Fuel Type: Petrol 91 RON
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 6.9 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 163 g/km
DRIVELINE: Six-speed manual
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4250 mm
Wheelbase: 2650 mm
Width: 1805 mm
Height: 1415 mm
Turning Circle: 10.4 metres
Kerb Mass: 1330 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / unlimited kilometres
