Test Drive New Hyundai Veloster challenges Mini
The new Hyundai Veloster hatchbacks are driven at the Inje Speedium circuit in Inje, Gangwon Province, Nov. 28. / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor
By Jhoo Dong-chan
INJE, Gangwon Province _ Hyundai Motor has introduced a series of hatchback models in a bid to satisfy global demand in the segment.
An increasing number of young European motorists have chosen hatchback models for their stylish design and practical value, and Korean consumers are soon expected to join the trend.
Hyundai Motor said it will officially introduce the second-generation Veloster hatchback at the Detroit International Motor Show in January, gearing up to join the stiff competition against global hatchback powerhouses Volkswagen and Mini.
Hyundai Motor offered a test drive of the new Veloster hatchback at the Inje Speedium circuit in Inje, Gangwon Province, Nov. 28 And the 30-minute test drive at the circuit track proved the model is a gocart-like fun driving machine that could challenge Mini hatchback models.
Inheriting its predecessor’s asymmetric door structure with one door on the driver side and two doors on the passenger side, the second-generation Veleoster’s face was similar to latest Genesis G70 sedan.
The new Veloster also features an enlarged cascading grille between a pair of sleek daylight headlamps with air curtains. In the rear, the model applies the rear diffuser in the bumper while inheriting the predecessor’s characteristic twin center exhaust.
The model’s A-pillar curves down to its low roofline and the truck, symbolizing its dynamic driving characteristics.
“The first-generation Veloster was well-received by consumers for its unique and sporty design,” Hyundai Motor executive Kim Young-hyun said during a media event.
“The new Veloster features not only an attractive design but also a dynamic performance to offer the so-called fun and agile driving to our consumers.”
The new Hyundai Veloster hatchback is driven at the Inje Speedium Circuit in Inje, Gangwon Province, Nov. 28. / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor
Unlike its “sexy” exterior design, the new Veloster hatchback’s interior was intuitive. During the test drive, the infotainment panel in the center suggested various driving information, including center of gravity movement, turbo output and engine oil temperature.
The heads-up display offered the vehicle’s speed and rpm; but was a little small.
The new Veloster hatchback mounts two different engines _ a 1.4-liter Kappa gasoline turbo and 1.6-liter Gamma gasoline turbo. This reporter drove the 1.6-liter model at the circuit. They both come with the seven-speed dual clutch transmission, and are front wheel drive.
Despite the engine’s small displacement, the model growled sharply on ignition.
Entering the circuit, the new Veloster boasted its darting nature reaching 140 kilometers per hour with a growling exhaust sound that was generated by a speaker.
The model was a bit unstable and shaky at the high speed section over 160 kilometers per hour.
After the Inje Speedium circuit’s long straight section, the new Veloster showed excellent braking even on the cold road conditions circuit, and a gocart-like cornering movement. The model’s multi-link rear suspension and Hyundai’s chassis architecture combined with the 18-inch Michelin PS4S tires delivered stable traction and agile exits from corners.
Hyundai Motor said the new Veloster has the carmaker’s smart shift mode that perceives a driver’s tendencies and then automatically changes into the most suitable mode among four different ones _ Sport, Eco and Normal.
The company’s latest technologies in advanced driver assistance systems, including the forward collision, smart cruise control and lane keeping, and high-beam, are also featured in the Veloster.
The Veloster was more popular in the U.S. market than the domestic one. In 2015, 24,245 were sold in the U.S., but jumped to 30,053 last year.
After introducing the second-generation Veloster hatchback in the U.S., Hyundai is expected to unveil the Genesis G70 and the Kona small-size SUV in the world’s second-largest automobile market.
The Veloster is a part of Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun’s brand project PYL. Standing for “Premium Younique Lifestyle,” Chung introduced the project in 2011 to attract young motorists in their 20s and 30s.
As a part of the PYL project, Hyundai Motor started to develop the second-generation Veloster hatchback in 2014.