Potent Hyundai hatch for SA?

The Veloster Turbo is the first vehicle to feature Hyundai?s new 1.6- litre T-GDI engine equipped with a high-compression ratio and a twinscroll turbocharger.

Athletic styling

The engine produces 137kW and has a peak torque figure of 265Nm (available from 1500-4500rpm) and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It has a top speed, the automaker says, of 213km/h and sprints from 0-100km/ h in 8.4 seconds.

For more control than the standard Veloster, firmer dampers have also been employed.

Tony Whitehorn, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, said: ?We believe the performance enhancements will further increase the Veloster?s appeal for drivers who want the perfect combination of stand-out design, an engaging drive and the efficiency and practicality of a traditional hatchback.?

The Veloster Turbo retains the standard car?s unconventional threedoor arrangement although cosmetic details have been tweaked to give it a more athletic appearance.

To the cabin... leather upholstery and an 18cm touchscreen satnav system incorporating the infotainment and reverse parking camera monitor are standard.

The non-turbo Veloster was scheduled for launch in South Africa in 2012, Hyundai SA?s communications manager Deon Sonnekus said previously, but this was delayed subject to tests to determine the direct-injection engine?s compatibility with local fuel. This has been done and ?it?s possible it could still be launched this year?.

The 103kW 1.6 GDI (gasoline direct injection) is first in line and ?approval for this engine would open the possibility for the introduction of further derivatives, including the turbo, to SA?.

The ?competitively priced package?, Sonnekus said, would go up against models such as the VW Scirocco, the recently launched Toyota 86 and the Megane Coupe.