After a first generation that did not know the success that Hyundai had hoped for, the Korean brand is back «in charge» with the second generation of the Hyundai Veloster. The formula was revised but the ingredients remained.
As in the first generation, the Korean brand is once again investing in an asymmetric body with three doors — a solution that is not repeated by any other car — and a coupé format. Everything else is a novelty or an evolution compared to the previous generation.
Longer by 20 mm, wider by 10 mm and more spacious, the new generation of Hyundai Veloster follows in the footsteps of the previous one, however much more modernized, maintaining the irreverence and making a difference from everything that exists in the segment.
Of course, the interior was also completely revised, receiving the latest equipment from the brand: seven or eight-inch screens, head-up display, wireless charging for smartphones, fatigue warning system, anti-collision system and lane maintenance assistant, among others.
For now, only two engines are confirmed for the US. A 2.0 liter aspirated with 150 hp for the “normal” version, with manual or automatic six-speed gearbox, and the 1.6 liter with 204 hp that will equip the Turbo version of the Veloster. For the latter we have a manual transmission, or as an option the 7DCT automatic transmission from Hyundai with double clutch.
In addition to the new engines, the Hyundai Veloster will also feature a multilink rear suspension from the Hyundai i30.
No of performance
The spicier version of the new Hyundai Veloster didn't wait. It will be the second model of the brand to receive the treatment of the «AMG of Hyundai», the newly created N Performance department headed by Albert Biermann — an engineer who for more than 20 years headed the destinies of the M division of BMW.
Compared to the "normal" Veloster, the Veloster N immediately takes on an even more sporty character, and like the i30 N, it was tested and developed at the Nurburgring.
Underneath the bonnet is the 2.0 Turbo engine of the Hyundai i30 N — now with 280 hp — available only with a six-speed manual gearbox, with the automatic “point-heel” functionality.
In addition, the multilink rear suspension has reinforced arms and the front axle has adaptive suspension.
Braking has not been forgotten, resorting to 330mm or 354mm discs with the optional performance pack. As standard, we have 18″ wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tires in 225/40 measurements. Opting for the optional 19″ wheels, we have PIrelli P-Zero in 235/35 measures.
Side skirts, larger exhaust, rear diffuser, larger rear aileron, specific wheels, air intakes at the front for cooling the braking system, and the N Performance logos, are some of the details that differentiate it from other Velosters, in addition to the new exclusive color “Performance Blue”, in everything the same as the Hyundai i30 N.
After the presentation in the USA, it remains to wait for the brand's plans to sell this model in the European market.
