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The Turbo will be given a sports-look makeover, as well as getting suspension and steering upgrades ... Photo Gallery
Hyundai's US arm has unveiled the 2013 Veloster Turbo at the Detroit Motor Show.
The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.
As the Korean brand prepares to unveil its quirky Veloster on the Australian market, there's something for those looking for a little more pep being revealed north of the equator.
Hyundai's US arm has unveiled the 2013 Veloster Turbo at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and it's heading our way, just don't ask when.
The Veloster Turbo is a 30mm longer and 152mm wider than the naturally-aspirated Veloster and sticks with the 1.6-litre direct-injection four-cylinder engine but it uses a twin-scroll turbocharger to produce 150kW and 264Nm (up from 103kW and 166Nm in the naturally-aspirated model.
The fuel-use is claimed to be 6.2l/100km with the six-speed manual (there's a paddle-shift automatic transmission with the same number of ratios on offer as well) and 18in alloys, LED lighting among the extras for the forced-induction model.
The Turbo will be given a sports-look makeover, as well as getting suspension and steering upgrades to match the sports themed exterior upgrades - it is alo distinguished from the naturally-aspirated model by twin exhausts and a new intake manifold, all of which gives it a sportier note, according to Hyundai.
The Veloster gets what Hyundai calls a Vehicle Stability Management system, which uses the stability control and electric power steering to manage stability, traction and torque-steer issues by manipulating the steering - to the point of applying up to 8Nm of force through the steering to counteract torque-steer.
The safety features list also includes six airbags (dual front, front seat- side-impact and full-length curtain airbags), anti-lock brakes.
Hyundai Australia spokesman Ben Hershman says the naturally-aspirated Veloster will be launched here next month in Australia but an ETA on the Turbo is yet to be decided.
"We're very excited that it has been confirmed for Australia - what we don't have is a start of production date for our market," he says.
"There's been quite a bit of interest from the public through our social media - Facebook etc. - we've done some pre-launch stuff and it's attracted a lot of interest, we've never done anything like this cross between a hatch and a coupe and we can't wait to get it on the ground," he says.
