£21,995 Veloster Turbo SE

Hyundai has announced that its new Veloster Turbo SE coupé will cost £21,995 in the UK.

As the moniker implies, power comes from a turbocharged 1.6 litre engine that develops 184 bhp (136 kW / 186 PS). Peak torque meanwhile is 265 Nm (195 lb/ft), and to the benefit of mid-range drivability it’s available between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm.

However, a top speed of 133 mph (214 km/h) and a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 8.4 seconds suggest that performance is likely to be respectable rather than riveting. Perhaps as partial compensation, the combined cycle fuel economy is a decent 40.9 mpg (6.9 l/100km).

Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE (2013) Front Side 1

Compared to other Veloster versions, the only other mechanical modification is the fitment of stiffer dampers to sharpen the handling. There are plenty of visual changes though, and these include new 18” alloy wheels, revised bumpers, extended door sills and a larger rear spoiler.

The cabin features leather upholstery and, as a rather kitsch 1980s touch, the two front seats have the word ‘turbo’ embossed across them. A key element of the impressive standard specification is a 7” touch screen that controls an upgraded eight-speaker audio system, a media centre, a reverse parking camera and a satellite navigation system.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE (2013) Front Side 2

When sales begin next month, the Veloster Turbo SE is going to have to face two obvious small coupé competitors.

The first is the Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI, which will be of particular appeal to badge snobs and costs £21,450.

Despite its smaller capacity engine producing 25 bhp (19 kW / 26 PS) less than the Hyundai’s, the Scirocco still manages to be marginally quicker, achieving the 0-62 mph sprint in 8.0 seconds before going on to reach 135 mph (217 km/h). Remarkably, it’s more economical too, posting an average 42.8 mpg (6.6 l/100km).

The second is the Vauxhall Astra GTC SRi 1.6 16v Turbo, which arguably is the best-looking of the trio. Its price tag of £21,990 is virtually identical to that of the Veloster, as is its power figure of 177 bhp (132 kW / 180 PS).

Nevertheless, a 7.8 seconds 0-62 mph time and a 137 mph (220 km/h) top speed both hint that the Vauxhall is a faster package. There may be a price to pay, though, as it achieves a relatively poor 39.2 mpg (7.2 l/100km).

So it seems that the Hyundai Veloster can be beaten on performance, styling and brand appeal. But neither rival can match it for equipment levels, and for many buyers that factor is just as important.

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