Sport Bike Appeal: 2015 Hyundai Veloster 3-door
Hyundai’s convention-shattering Veloster offers convenience, safety and performance for 2015, with continuing appeal for the popular sporty coupe. Veloster’s unique design takes inspiration from a high-performance sport bike. Its distinctive black A-pillars give the glass a motorcycle helmet visor appearance. At the front is an aggressive form of Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille, hood scoop detailing, and unique Hyundai-signature LED position lights. In profile the Veloster features “Fluidic Sculpture” character lines, muscular wheel arches, body color door handles and mirrors, and wraparound headlights and taillights. Veloster’s dynamic rear design has a distinctive glass hatch, dual center-fascia chrome exhaust tips that complement the assertive front fascia.
On the Turbo, the Veloster offers two distinctive, free-flowing round exhaust tips. Further, all Turbo models add Active Sound Design, providing richer in-cabin powertrain sound character for an even more involving driving experience, especially during spirited driving.
Veloster combines the style of a coupe and the functionality of a hatchback, while also incorporating an additional passenger-side door. Hyundai implemented a conventionally hinged door on the passenger side of the Veloster, providing safe and ready access to the surprisingly spacious rear seats. The passenger-side rear door handle is hidden to maintain the coupe design.
In addition to the Veloster and Veloster Turbo models, the 2015 Veloster line-up includes two highly differentiated models, the Turbo R-Spec, and the Veloster RE:FLEX Edition, appealing specifically to both performance and design enthusiasts.
The Veloster R-Spec appeals to driving enthusiasts with unique dynamics and appearance with a unique R-Spec suspension and steering tuning for enhanced agility and feel. The R-Spec is equipped with a short-throw B&M Racing® Sport Shifter for a high-precision shift feel that is connected to a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission. The R-Spec also features red exterior accents on front splitter and side blades (optional) as well as red leatherette bolsters with red/black cloth insert sport seats, R-Spec embroidered-logo floor mats and R-Spec exterior badging.
The Special Edition RE:FLEX model features an exclusive Ice Pearl exterior color. As the newest special edition, the RE:FLEX Edition, is being offered in a limited production run and is equipped with: black or red full leather seating, projector headlights with LED headlight accents, LED taillights, LED illuminated door entrance sills, 18-inch alloy wheels with a PVD chrome finish, chrome hood accents, chrome door handles, RE:FLEX badging on the exterior, and unique floor mats.
Even more standard equipment on the RE:FLEX is derived from the popular Style Package, including front fog lights, piano black interior accents, a 450-watt Dimension premium audio system with eight speakers including a subwoofer, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, alloy pedals and an automatic-up driver’s window. A rearview camera is also standard equipment, taking advantage of the standard seven-inch multimedia touch screen display.
Base power for the Veloster is generated by the automaker’s Gamma 1.6L four-cylinder engine. The Veloster Turbo is outfitted with a turbo-charged variant of the same engine. Torque is communicated to the street through the standard six-speed manual gearbox. The RE:FLEX is powered by the base engine joined to a six-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission is an available option for the Veloster Turbo.
All Veloster Turbo models offer Torque Vectoring Control (TVC). This active cornering feature, utilizing capabilities from the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and powertrain control systems, allows Veloster Turbo to improve dynamic cornering during more enthusiastic driving. TVC uses wheel speed sensors coupled with ESC algorithms to apply precise braking force to the inside front wheel during spirited cornering. This active braking redirects power to the outside front wheel in the turn, reducing wheelspin for enhanced cornering grip and corner-exit acceleration.
All Velosters are fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a 24-mm diameter front stabilizer. The rear suspension is a light-weight V-torsion beam, with an integrated 23-mm stabilizer bar to allow bracing of the arms for greater rigidity and to further control body roll. The rear suspension also uses monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort. Veloster also features electric power steering that adjusts assistance to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system.
Inside the passenger cabin, the center stack and controls resemble a sport bike fuel tank and incorporate an available push-button starter. The air vents are inspired by motorcycle tailpipes, while the floor console mirrors the seat of a bike. Metallic accents abound throughout the interior. Alloy pedals and a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are also available.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 104.3; overall length: 166.1; width: 70.5; height: 55.1
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 1.6L four-cylinder – 138 hp at 6,300 rpm and 123 lbs-ft of torque at 4,850 rpm; 1.6L four-cylinder turbo – 201 hp at 6,000 rpm and 195 lbs-ft of torque at 1,750 – 4,500 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch, six-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC
EPA Fuel Economy: 1.6L four-cylinder – 26 city/35 hwy. (manual); 27 city/36 hwy. (six-speed DCT); 1.6L four-cylinder turbo – 24 city/33 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 34.7 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, daytime running lights, rearview camera, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, remote keyless entry, alarm system, remote keyless entry, and tire pressure monitoring system. Veloster Turbo adds front fog lights and proximity key with push button engine start.
Optional safety features include hill start assist control, Blue Link Telematics system, backup warning sensors, navigation system, and automatic headlamps.
Warranty
Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile
Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 7-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/unlimited 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Hyundai Veloster 3-door coupe starts from $18,000 for the base model upto $23,600 for the Veloster Turbo automatic. Destination charges add $825.
