Test Drive: Veloster Turbo Launch

Last Sunday, I went over to my buddy's place to begin a convoy that consist of 3 Hyundai Velosters, 1 Celica and my Mazda 6. It has been a long time since my last convoy, about 2 years I think. While driving, I was surprised and questioning their convoy method because they were making unnecessary moves and forced me to whack my engine to keep up with them. I was also surprised at how my buddy's girlfriend maneuvered her Veloster during the whole convoy. They certainly showed me that a Veloster could go fast if they wanted to and I am not as skillful as I was when I drove my Celica. I found out later that my buddy installed a throttle controller for better power, which is cheating and the Veloster can also handle a corner despite its shape. We went to a Hyundai branch in Setia Alam which is bloody far just to test out the new Hyundai Veloster Turbo. I was told that we had to come all the way here because the Veloster Club knew a guy who could make this event happen and there would be more room to test the car out. I was at the Hyundai Branch with more than 10 Veloster owners and did I mention, that there were around 8 Celicas participating too ? It sure was an exciting event.

Here is the main attraction of the day : The Hyundai Veloster Turbo in the flesh. The first thing you will notice is how it has a different exterior compared to the standard model. I personally like the big hexagon grill and round fog lights in the front fascia. At the back, the changes to the rear bumper is interesting and the twin pipe in the middle really brings out the sportiness out of the Veloster. It has a longer spoiler than the standard model and rims remain the same size but with a different design. I wish that this would be how the standard model should look like and the Turbo should have an even fiercer exterior to really make it shine. Since I am not the designer of Hyundai there is not I could say and if I am a Veloster owner, I would just change my Veloster to look like its Turbo sibling on the outside especially the rear. Another thing that is only available for the Turbo model is the color selection. Although, the standard model has many bright colors to choose from and you can get matching rims and interior color to go with it, I heard that there is a special matt grey and matt yellow reserved only for the Turbo model. I am a sucker for grey cars these days and a matt grey that is sprayed on and not a wrap is refreshing. 

Here we have the heart of the Hyundai Veloster Turbo. It is powered by a 1.6 liter Turbo engine which produces 186 PS and torque figure of 265 Nm. This is certainly much, much more than the 130 PS and 157 Nm figures that standard models have. Although that is a severe increase in engine output, enthusiasts are not happy that the Korean Domestic version that produces 204 PS with the same torque could not make it into Malaysia and that the Veloster Turbo is only available in its 7 speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) without a manual variant sending power to its front wheels. Some of them might even think that luckily we still have Peugeot's 208 GTi and, Ford's Fiesta ST and Focus ST that are available only with manual transmission. There were many that were present on that day mentioned that they could feel some turbo lag even just by revving the engine on standstill. It feels like the engine does not climb aggressively when the turbo supposed to kick in and had to wait a while. From the engine bay, you could not help but wonder, was the engine mounting done properly ? This is because I could see the engine shaking too much and when the engine revs down, you could see it jerking when it hit 2000 rpm. 

On the inside, you could see that it looks the same as the standard model but in my opinion, slightly duller compared to the standard model. I said it is duller because in the standard model, you get a 2-tone interior such as a black and red combination but you only get all black inside the Turbo model. Even the gearknob looks the same although the standard has a 6 speed automatic transmission which is not the same as the 7 speed Dual Clutch. However, the main differences between the 2 models, is the Turbo's more "racy" feeling cluster meter and the slightly more supportive seats. I am sorry but you don't get the blue and black combination which you might have seen online somewhere. Hyundai uses a patterned design on its dashboard plastic that resembles a little like carbon print but it is hard plastic which always feels cheap. If you look carefully on the steering wheel, you might not see it but this car does come with its own flappy, cheap and light plastic made, paddle shifters. It is very short and feels super unreliable. I am someone who uses their paddle shifters often but I would refrain from using it if I drive the Veloster Turbo because I fear I would break it in 2 months. I am also sure that there will be many "Turbo" wordings that could be found in the interior that I have missed.

Everyone was excited to test out the Turbo model and waited patiently for their turn. I too was excited and waited until lunch time and still it was not my turn yet. At the end of the day, I was disappointed because I was the only one that did not test the car due to time constraints. However, I managed to ride back seat while my friend tested the car. Before my ride, I heard from others that you don't feel it is quick from inside the car but from another car's view, it is quick. Also, the very noticeable turbo lag. Having all the feedbacks, I went into the ride expecting. It was exactly as the others have said and I noticed that it had a heavy start. Either the car is too heavy or the power from the engine to the front wheels is not enough. However, there was something else that I did not expect to happen. My friend actually drove the Veloster Turbo until the Electronic Control Program (ESC) or the Hyundai's stability control came up. He was cornering hard and fast and we were sliding with the tires screeching. I thought we were going to hit the curb and with just inches away, the car suddenly went straight. It is the trend right now where people are safety conscious and safety features like this makes a car much more considered. I for one, am thankful that the Velester Turbo has it because of what happened.  I was also very surprised that my friend who usually would not drive above 90 km/h in his limited edition TRD Sports M Celica, drove like a madman that afternoon.  

I wished I could have tested the Turbo too for a better write up but beggars can't be choosers, can they ? Well, based on what I have seen and experienced today, I definitely would not buy the Veloster Turbo. I could easily get another faster, more well equipped and fiercer looking, used cars for either slightly a little more or cheaper than the Turbo's RM 149,000 price tag. In terms of engine, I think the engine is decent because despite being only 1.6 liters, the twin-scroll turbo enables an output of 186 PS and torque figure is more than your average 2.5 liter car. I heard that the brakes were good too and it has good fuel efficiency. So, why am I not liking it ? Mainly, I just don't like the price and from what I gathered, it is under powered and something feels amiss without a manual transmission. 7 speeds is just too much for me and I am not entirely convinced with the reliability of a dual clutch setup. Thus, the verdict is a no. You can also read about the standard model that I wrote about in the past by clicking here.