After its world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show in January, the new Hyundai Veloster Turbo is heading to Switzerland and the 82nd Geneva International Auto Salon for its European debut.
Like the North American (N.A.) model, the European specification Veloster Turbo is equipped with the Hyundai Group’s new 1.6-liter T-GDI four-cylinder engine featuring a high-compression, twin-scroll turbocharger and direct-injection technology.
However, whereas the N.A. version’s T-GDI delivers 201-horsepower and 264Nm (195 lb-ft) of peak torque, the European model’s engine has been slightly wringed down to 183-horses (186PS) while providing a little more torque at 270Nm (199.1 lb-ft).
We are pretty sure that like us, you’re also wondering why Hyundai chose to reduce the turbocharged engine’s output. Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, explains:
“UK drivers tend to prefer more torque from a lower engine speed, so our European engineers have specified a set-up that still provides a substantial increase in power – up from 140ps to 186ps – while also delivering the desired low-end torque. The resulting package is very competitive against the performance of competitors such as VW Scirocco and Vauxhall Astra.”
While we won’t entirely rule out the possibility that the down-tuning may be for the UK market model alone, Hyundai’s official press release specifically states that it’s the European version of the Veloster Turbo.
Hyundai did not clarify if the front-wheel drive model will be offered with an optional 6sp automatic transmission in addition to the standard six-speed manual gearbox.
With the manual transmission, the Veloster Turbo completes the 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint in 8.4 seconds compared to the 9.7 seconds of the naturally aspirated 138hp (140PS) Veloster.
Fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures will be announced at a later date.
Hyundai said that in addition to the turbocharged engine, the fastest member of its Veloster family also gets a quicker-ratio steering rack and a revised steering calibration to match, while the front and rear suspension set-ups have been specifically tuned to suit European driving tastes.
On the outside, the Turbo model features a different front grille, a new rear spoiler, restyled front and rear bumpers and foglights, 18-inch alloy wheels with chrome inserts, projection headlights with bespoke LED headlight accents, and LED taillights. Some subtle updates are also expected inside.
