Hyundai's Veloster N is the result of what happens when a normal second-generation Veloster got lost in the middle of N's castle, then captured for experiments, and then mutated into the hot hatch you're seeing it now. Sounds scary but is it as spicy as a 2X Spicy Hot Noddles you bought from the Asian store?
Being the first Hyundai N car sold in South Korea, the Veloster N inspires most of Hyundai's involvement in motorsports such as the World Rally Championship and the World Touring Car Cup. "Born in Namyang. Honed at Nurburgring", that's what the N stands for and this high-performance variant of the second-generation Veloster features specially made suspension geometry and tuning, not to mention the N Power Sense Axle, track-focused N mode on the suspension setup, N Corner-Carving Limited-slip Differential, and N Grin Control System drive mode selection system. The 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine produces up to 275PS of power output and mated exclusively with a close-ratio, short-throw six-speed manual transmission with downshift rev-matching capability.
I once said before that in the real world, the Veloster N may not be the best hot hatch in town but with its untapped potential, it's carved a whole new beginning, something that the original Veloster failed to impress from the very start. Whatever, but since this is Forza Horizon 4, there's so much for the Veloster N to pull off rather than watching someone eating a dozen bowls of 2X spicy hot noodles at the flat. In fact, I need a scenery to inspire. A scenery above 6cm...
What? This is the scenery above 6cm I can only think of. Can't a would-be king take a break from playing checkers to bring you this design that I made? Well, never mind about what I said but I hope you like the design I made for the Veloster N. I feel like I just left the N Club to pursue my own goals but anyway...
Since Hyundai was involved in the world of rallying, could the N in the Veloster N really translates to rally-inspired performance despite being a front-wheel drive hot hatch? It's gonna take more than the scenery above 6cm to figure this out and with that, let's roll the film.
On a normal corner, the Veloster N wasn't a bad car but when the turns get sharp, that's where its weakness comes into play as I can find myself struggling to get the Veloster N through a tight bend like getting wrestled by a bulldog. Although being arm-wrestled by someone goes M to the I and O, the Veloster N wasn't a hot hatch to entertain me. In fact, I'm starting to fall in love with this wonky ballistic missile that came from the abyss of Namyang. Hyundai's R&D crew knew that for a motorsport-inspired hot hatch, the Veloster N balances the things that are right and wrong and whether you love it or hate it, the N pushes the Veloster to the scenery above 6cm and that's the song I'm referring to.
If you excuse me, I got a mountain to climb. Say it with me! Aikatsu! Aikatsu! Aikatsu! What, what am I saying just now?
When Hyundai gave the Veloster a second chance with a new look and attitude, it can be somewhat perplexing but noticeable, the dynamics are not what you called an improvement because despite the added Torque Vectoring Control that results to a much better dynamics, getting it round the corner is like opening a tightly-sealed jar but it is something they will fall in love with even though the new model is heading to the wrong direction. Proving that the regular Veloster wasn't enough to tickle their fancies, at long last, South Korea finally made their own hot hatch by injecting the Veloster some 2x spicy hot noodles and the end result; welcome to the Veloster N.
2019 Hyundai Veloster N
2019 Hyundai Veloster N interior
Before we talk about the Veloster N, let's get to know more about the N word. Born in Namyang, Honed at Nurburgring, that's what N is made for and by drawing numerous experiences in the World Rally Championship, the Nurburgring 24 Hours, and the World Touring Car Cup, they inject most of their motorsport philosophies to their road cars and at long last, after moments of lamenting, Hyundai finally made the N car available for the South Korean motoring public with the starting price of 29,110,000 Korean Won, as long as it won't draw attention from car smugglers in the Philippines because if they do, it might end up to the great junkyard in the sky.
The Veloster N truly is the other side of the Veloster because while it maybe as hot as the spicy hot noodles you're eating from the bowl, it's still the all new Veloster you recognized from the very beginning. To help buyers differentiate the N from the regular Veloster, it's been given exclusive N-design front fascia and grille with dedicated front air ducts for enhanced brake cooling as well as N-design rocker side sills and available lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels. The back sports a bigger rear spoiler and other enhancements. The inside is more sports-minded thanks to its N-hanced interior features like the seats, the speedo, and a specially-made sat-nav that lets drivers check their lap times, G-force, and others.
The 2.0L turbocharged GDi engine that powers it has been 2X spicy than the normal Veloster so that now, it produces 275PS of power and that's about as close as 90's Japanese sportscars, which is distinctively Asian if you know what I mean. It's mated exclusively with a close-ratio, short-throw six-speed manual transmission with downshift rev-matching capability.
Focusing more on the dynamics, the Veloster N features specially made suspension geometry and tuning that makes handling more mild and menacing on the road and track. There's the N Power Sense Axle that features a zero-scrub radius for a more dramatic driving feel, a track-focused N mode on the suspension setup, N Corner-Carving Limited-slip Differential, and N Grin Control System drive mode selection system, not to mention bigger brakes available as an extra. When you get to know these stuff that goes underneath the Veloster N, the end result is a hot hatch that feels like a racecar that tries to feel at home on the track but because of the "Honed at Nurburgring" tagline, it's less comfortable than the standard Veloster and you might get jack knifed when it goes all out through the bends. It's true what they said about the Nurburgring ruins cars but no matter because no matter the outcome, the Veloster N will make you fall in love all over when you spend some time driving with it.
Like I said before, the Veloster N may not be the best hot hatch in town but with its untapped potential, it's now ready to carve a whole new beginning, something that the original Veloster failed to impress from the very start. Now that it's finally here in the land of K-Pop and K-Drama, this car is prepared for a much unplugged take on the Hallyu and it's going to be as spicy as those 2X spicy hot noodles you're munching now. You know you want one.
A few moments ago, ever since Hyundai unveiled the second-generation Veloster to the world, I did a quick shoot-out between the old and the new Veloster round the National Circuit segment of Spain's Circuit de Catalunya and although, the new Veloster is a few seconds quicker than the old one, the erratum on the new model's spec triggered a no-contest and I had to wait until the producers find out what the heck is going on.
With the producers finally fixed the specs of the 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, here are the official in-game specs as it reflects the real-life specs of the same car. 201 horsepower, 195lb-ft of torque, and 2,899lbs of weight. On paper then, the new Veloster weighs more than the old model it replaces but it has been slightly balanced to make it more lively and with the addition of Torque Vectoring Control, it promises to be more fun to drive than the previous model.
So, with the erratum taken care of, it's time for a Take 2 on a old vs. new Veloster shootout round the National Circuit in Circuit de Catalunya, home of the Spanish Grand Prix. Let's see if the new model still lives to be a better replacement to the old model now that the producers fixed the error on the spec sheet.
And now the results...
JS - 1:40.189
FS - 1:41.945
The conclusion? Despite the added weight and the troublesome handling that is somewhat problematic compared to the previous model, the new Veloster is almost a second quicker compared to the old Veloster, which is somewhat a just cause.
So, now that I established that despite the added Torque Vectoring Control that results to a much better dynamics, getting it round the corner is like opening a tightly-sealed jar that even six men couldn't handle that much pressure. I know, I said that before but that explains about the new model's newly found character that gets me noticed more than the previous model but still, it managed to beat the old model by almost a second.
What can you say about the new, second-generation Veloster, now that you got your hands on this new model? Impressed by its improvements? Not impressed by its bothersome dynamics? I'll wait...
When Hyundai launched the Veloster in 2011, the idea of making a hatchback coupe with a unique three door design delivered some mixed results from the motoring public. Despite its unique 3-door design for a hatchback coupe, the Veloster never wins the hearts of many audiences apart from feeling a bit small even the additional door on the passenger side couldn't help it because the rear's just too small to squeeze into. Even a hot turbo version wouldn't cut against the competition. Just as we thought Hyundai's going to wave goodbye to the Veloster for good, we are wrong because the forgotten jack knife has been given a second chance in a whole new look and attitude.
2019 Hyundai Veloster
Welcome everyone to the newly reborn Hyundai Veloster, the second outing of the world's least loved hatchback that is out to pick up where its lackluster predecessor left off. With prices start at around 21,350,000 Korean Won, it's still one of the most reasonably priced hatchbacks to drive with although it's becoming part of the diminishing race of three-door hatchbacks.
2019 Hyundai Veloster
As you have noticed it, the signature 3-door design as seen on the previous model retains, meaning there's still an additional door on the passenger for better access to the rear seats, although some would say it's still less spacey like the original. While the unique door design is the least of our worries, the new exterior design will get you noticed. The old one wasn't so bad to look at and it's about as sexy as a K-drama actor who drove this thing onset. The new one, however, is a bit more complicating than that because up front, you'll see that the new grille design and the new headlamps came from other bits of the Hyundai family tree while the back looks suspiciously like a Peugeot so drivers need to think twice while encountering this complex string.
2019 Hyundai Veloster interior
Inside, it no longer has the G-string-shaped dashboard and it foregoes to a more traditionalist approach to make it more driver focused while going back on the rear space, although the sloping roof line is the least of the worries, the rear legroom has been slightly improved so your mates can live in freely. Good mark for Hyundai, there. On the driver's side, apart from the racy instrumental panel, they will be greeted by some new stuff such as the HUD which is unreadable in the sunshine, digital performance gauge which is pointless on city streets, bucket seats, a rather peculiar Engine Sound Equalizer, song recognition provided by Sound Hound, wireless charger, and pretty much about it.
2019 Hyundai Veloster
Under the hood, the all-new Veloster comes with two turbocharged petrol engines with the former being the 1.4L T-GDi engine and the latter being the 1.6L T-GDi engine producing 204PS of power and 27kgf-m of torque until you trigger its overboost. It can be mated with either a 6-speed MT or a 7-speed DCT. The 7-speed DCT sounds good for us but we believe the manual gearbox is the more enjoyable way to get to know about the all-new Hyundai Veloster better. Engines aside, Hyundai believes that the Veloster's dynamics have been slightly improved compared to the previous model thanks to its reworked suspension setup and the implementation of Torque Vectoring Control which makes it look promising to drive but having my first dibs, I rest my case apart from the fact that it's fatter than the previous model.
For some more bad news for speedo boys, the all-new Veloster is now fitted with advanced active safety features, including standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist for the available LED headlights, and Driver Attention Warning, among many others. Safety features are good on commoner cars that some would use for carpooling, daily use, or TNVS purposes, but on a car like this, it's such a fusspot but worth a shot to understand how it works for you.
Having rest my case on my first dibs, the Veloster's new design and interior can be somewhat perplexing but noticeable, the dynamics are not what you called an improvement because despite the added Torque Vectoring Control that results to a much better dynamics, getting it round the corner is like opening a tightly-sealed jar. Also, it's heavier than its predecessor. Despite faults, the new Veloster is something they will fall in love with even though the new model is heading to the wrong direction. Of course, Hyundai will make a hotter Veloster soon but sadly, it won't make it to the Korean market like that hot i30 they'll never bring. Anyway, it's time to live loud with the all-new Veloster.
Available colors: Phantom Black, Chalk White, Rake Silver, Dark Night, Tangerine Comet, Cobalt Eclipse, Ignite Flame, and Thunder Bolt.
A few moments ago, I got my first dibs on the all-new, second-generation Hyundai Veloster, and with most of the downsides aside, I'm starting to fall in love with the new model even though the new model is heading to the wrong direction, albeit in normal Turbo variant. Betcha didn't know that this wasn't the only Veloster we come across because there's another Veloster out in the open and this one might be the one I'm referring to...
Yep. That's the one, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the first-ever Veloster N, the 2X Spicy version of the Veloster that, sadly, the Koreans can't have. Pity...
So, what is then, this Veloster N? The Veloster N is the second high-performance model under Hyundai's new N range of high-performance cars which are "born in Namyang, honed in Nurburgring" as stated in its mantra. True to the mantra, it incorporates most of Hyundai's motorsports knowhow from the Nurburgring endurance and WRC and as a result, it features a unique suspension geometry and tuning ripe for a hot hatch of this caliber.
Under the hood, the Veloster N is powered by a heavily tuned 2.0L T-GDi engine producing over 275HP of power and 260 lb.-ft of torque. It is mated exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The Veloster N begins production in late 2018 in Ulsan, South Korea, and it will go on sale globally after that. However, it is unclear when will the Veloster N be sold to the South Korean market.
The Veloster N is starting to becoming the Veloster that should have been from the very beginning because like I said, the original Veloster is less spicy compared to European hot hatches. Now though, it's finally here and this really is the Veloster that should have been from the start but let's not jump to conclusions just yet because I need to examine this not-for-Korea 2X Spicy Veloster and since I'm at the Top Gear Track, it would be the ideal time to talk about the Veloster N.
Because of its unique suspension geometry and tuning provided by the development team of Hyundai's high performance division spearheaded by the man who used to work for BMW M, the Veloster N starting to feel like a racecar that tries to feel at home on the track but be warned though that because this is "honed at the Nurburgring", this car is going to be less comfortable than the standard Veloster when it's out this year but never mind that. We're on a track and since this is the N car I'm talking about, it will make you fall in love with this hot hatch the more you're spending time with it. The added power and suspension geometry sounds really nice for a spicy Veloster but because being front wheel drive, its mild and menacing dynamics will make you jack knife when it goes all out through the bends so you better make sure what you're doing every time it faces a corner.
I know, this car can jack knife me like lifting a full gallon of water at home but by having fun, the Veloster N never disappoints its drivers at ease. Anyway, since this Veloster N has sparked a war on words in the world of hot hatches, let's see if the Veloster N got what it takes to take on Europe's best so I organized a demonstration.
What I have here is a Golf R and what am I going to do is to see the difference between a fast Golf and a fast Veloster.
The Golf VII R did it in 1:27.691 while the Veloster N did it in 1:28.673 so that makes it awfully too close to call even though it was a second slower than the all-wheel drive hot Golf, but still the new Veloster N finally got what it takes to battle the world's best hot hatches.
The Veloster N may not be the best hot hatch in town but with its untapped potential, it's now ready to carve a whole new beginning, something that the original Veloster failed to impress from the very start. Like the first N car, this hot Veloster deserves a trip to Busan because the Koreans are itching to have one right now. Come on, Hyundai, bring the N cars to South Korea right now!
We begin with the Hyundai Veloster. When this car was first launched, the whole crowd got into mixed reactions over a peculiar hot hatch with peculiar 2+1 door layout that is unheard for a car like this. Yes, that idea looks pretty much cool but for their personal experience, it never really made the cut above the competition.
I mean yes. Hyundai's got the best people in town to make the Veloster, they have a alluring body design, they have an engine from the Avante, they even had Lee Min Ho to drive one. It could have been the coolest hatchback offered by the Koreans, but instead, it turned out to be awful and it has the sense of what happens next. The main problem was they didn't what the Veloster is made for. Is it coupe? Is it a hatchback? Neither. It was more of a forgotten jack knife that hasn't been sharpened after over a decade when it was bought at the thrift store.
Hyundai once said that they had no plans for a new model but due to a change of business, Hyundai decided to have their one last ditch attempt to get it right.
This is the second-generation Hyundai Veloster and I got this car in-game via the free Hyundai Car Pack thanks to the ongoing partnership between Turn 10 Studios and Hyundai Motor Group. Collaboration aside, Hyundai promised that this is an all-new model but to my mind...well, let's find out.
Before explaining about my first impression, what's what with the second-generation Veloster? Unveiled at the 2018 NAIAS, the all-new, second-generation Veloster (bearing the chassis codename of JS) is a fresh new take on a potential cult classic hatchback coupe, retaining the signature 2+1 door layout (with the extra door on the passenger side) while promising a much improved dynamics and performance better than the previous FS model.
In North America, the base Veloster comes with a Nu 2.0L engine but the Turbo variant features a 1.6L T-GDi engine, which is the same as the one used in the Avante (Elantra) Sport and the i30. It produces 201HP of power and 202lb-ft of torque. It can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT. The new Veloster now comes with Torque Vectoring Control, which takes advantage of its Electronic Stability Control and powetrain control systems for improved dynamics while driving.
The new Veloster will hit showrooms this 2018, even in South Korea. It even has a special role in Marvel's Ant-Man and The Wasp film as well.
Anyway, onto my impression and after thorough driving with the new model, the simple answer is not what I'm expecting for and despite the added Torque Vectoring Control that results to a much better dynamics, getting it round the corner is like opening a tightly-sealed jar that even six men couldn't handle that much pressure. Besides, the new model weighs more than the previous model so that's terribly weird and that sounds like hard work to me. Believe it or not, Hyundai did made a hotter version of the Veloster but I'll deal with it later and in the meantime, let's talk about the base Veloster.
Before I'm taking it for a spin round my little flashback, no, producers. It cannot do 250HP as mentioned in-game. Sounds like an erratum occurred because someone rushed to get the new Veloster range featured in Forza Motorsport 7 without looking at the details. It's like what happened on every Japanese manufacturers last year over their inspection discrepancies. Anyway, erratum aside, I'm going to make do with the new model round Catalunya to see if there is some method to madness after all of these chinks behind its glamour.
Despite all the downsides I've mentioned, I'm starting to fall in love with the new model even though the new model is heading to the wrong direction, albeit in normal Turbo variant. I know Hyundai tried so hard to correct the mistakes the previous model has done after over a half a decade but I am so hard-pressed to tell this car to the original. Anyway, let's find out if the new Veloster is better than the original, time to put these two Velosters around the National Circuit part of Circuit de Catalunya. It's going to be a battle between the past and the present with a major plot twist.
Look at these two, it's like history repeating itself because back in 2012, when Hyundai unveiled the original Veloster Turbo in NAIAS, they even pitched the Forza games to put this car on FM4. Now, here we are, six years later, Hyundai's at it again as they called on their old friend to put the new model in FM7 alongside its hotter variant that is, sadly, not available in South Korea. I don't know why but they were too scared of the N cars. Anyway, no time for sentimental steps because let's get this show on the road.
And now, the lap times...
FS - 1:43.907
JS - 1:40.984
To my mind, that wasn't worth the result because while the producers are fixing the erratum over the new Veloster's specs later on, I have to call this one a no contest to me.
I should be thankful that the new Veloster as well as its high-performance variant are the only 2019 models in Forza Motorsport 7 and because of the ongoing climate of this game, the producers are still reverting themselves to the baby boomer era, putting so many "old" cars that caused so much rant from the fans who are demanding to put new and exciting models in-game. Yep, this is why this game has been poisoned against us by baby boomers but thanks to the new Veloster, despite its faults and the mea culpa, they really balanced it out.
I know, this pack offered us a hot variant that is not available in South Korea but I will deal with later on and in the meantime, it's time to "Live Loud" with the new Veloster.
The Hyundai Veloster has been around since its launch in 2011, about the same year when FM4 came out on the old X360, and despite its unique 3-door design for a hatchback coupe, the Veloster never wins the hearts of many audiences apart from feeling a bit small even the additional door on the passenger side couldn't help it because the rear's just too small to squeeze into. Even in this turbocharged variant, which comes with a 1.6L Gamma T-GDi engine that produces 201HP of power as well as improved dynamics, it's still less spicy as Europe's best hot hatchbacks.
Despite its overwhelming flaws, I am one of the few people who got enamored by the Veloster's uniqueness. It once got a starring role in the City Hunter Korean drama with Lee Min Ho on it. Anyone remember that? No? Well, for some point, as years pass by, more and more people are starting to forget about the Veloster, despite last year's update featuring a D-Spec model with a 6-speed manual gearbox on it as well as a 7-speed DCT. Nevertheless, despite being aged through the years, the forgotten jack knife made by the South Koreans won't stop until its last fight song has ended.
In order for me to look back at the forgotten jack knife I once being a fan of it since its launch, let me go to the Circuit de Catalunya's National Circuit layout because with this track layout, I'm starting to feel some flashbacks about how much I became a fan of Hyundai's unique 2+1 hatchback coupe that is part of its Premium Younique Lifestyle for the Korean car enthusiasts.
Although not the best performance I could have done but still, I made South Korea's forgotten jack knife in automotive history very proud. Sure the Veloster is becoming a lackluster as years pass by but when in partial terms of endearment, its potential status as a future classic is going to be a baby step for those who valued the Veloster for their lifetime. It may not be a threat to Europe's finest hot hatch but the Veloster is just one of the many Hyundais that shows that the Korean car company has some zest into it. Not bad for a rapidly growing car company from Asia.
The NHTSA Office of Defect Investigation looking into eleven complaints from Hyundai Veloster owners saying that the sunroof's been blown off.
“I was driving, making a left hand turn from a stop light and then heard a very loud bang! The sunroof above me shattered and fell all over me, the car, and outside,” said a Veloster owner who wrote a complaint to the NHTSA.
If found defective, Hyundai may issue a recall to those Veloster models regarding the sunroof problems.
Since March 2011, when the Hyundai Veloster was launched to the SoKor motoring public, the South Korean carmaker began the launch of its PREMIUM YOUTH LAB sub-brand, a sub-brand that caters the needs of the young adults with perks and privileges. Sadly though, this whole PREMIUM YOUTH LAB isn't quite enough for this, so Hyundai decided to give the PYL brand a major overhaul and rename this from PREMIUM YOUTH LAB to PREMIUM YOUNIQUE LIFESTYLE.
The new PREMIUM YOUNIQUE LIFESTYLE sub-brand caters owners of the Veloster, i40, and the new i30 with perks and privileges. For those Hyundai BLUmembers with PYL perks, they'll be enjoying great fun, great lifestyle, and everything that a PYL member would want to think of such as concerts, accommodations, dining, sports, and the list goes on.
Wow, never thought I say this but a Hyundai Veloster gets a HOT WHEELS treatment and wow, this can drove through walls on episode 4 of TEAM HOT WHEELS web series! Check it out!
Here it is. For the first time ever, a Korean car made it on Facebook's social game, CAR TOWN. This is the Hyundai Veloster, a first of its kind on CAR TOWN.
About the Veloster:
Launched in South Korea since March 2011 as part of launching Hyundai's new Premium Youth Lab sub-brand, the Veloster is a unique hatchback that comes with the unique three door design. The additional door is on the passenger side for easier access at the back, even at closed quarters parking space. It is powered by a Gamma 1.6L GDi engine as applied from the Hyundai Avante MD. This car was featured on the City Hunter Korean drama starring Lee Min Ho.
Be sure to play Car Town to have one and have fun making designs or tune with it!
As you may remember in last week's episode of Top Gear Korea Season 2, the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, for the first time, appeared on Top Gear Korea in the flesh. The racing driver, Kim Jin Pyo, test drove the Veloster Turbo and this is somewhat too different to the one that Jeremy Clarkson wrote on his column. The Veloster Turbo even had a drag race against the Mini Cooper S.
After Kim Jin Pyo's test drive of the Veloster Turbo, it was the turn of The Stig to lap the Veloster Turbo round the Top Gear Korea Test Track.
The Hyundai Veloster Turbo did it in 1:46.05, faster than the Mini Countryman and the Chevrolet Camaro but a few seconds slower than the Kia K5 T-GDi.
And now the news. For those South Koreans who are playing with their Hyundai Veloster Turbo on Forza Motorsport 4, can we just say that's enough for now because the VELOSTER TURBO has arrived in South Korea! No really, it's here! Drop down your XBOX 360 controllers and head down to your nearest Hyundai dealer to see one! Yes!
Anyway, it still has the same Veloster 3-door design (the additional door is on the passenger side for easy access even in close quarters parking spaces), but this has been fitted with a newly developed Gamma 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger. This turbocharged GDi engine will produce about 204PS of power and 27kgm of torque. The 6-speed manual version has a fuel economy of 12.6km/L while the 6-speed auto version has a fuel economy of 11.8km/L.
On the outside, the Veloster Turbo did come with a strikingly aggressive hexagonal grille and in the rear, it's somewhat very bonkers to look at. A set of 18-inch gray wheels with chrome inserts completes the Hyundai Veloster Turbo's recognized style. On the inside, you would get full leather seats with the word "Turbo" stitched into the seatbacks and an exclusive Supervision Cluster offers the driver information in a larger, clearer and more interactive format.
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
And the cost, 21,950,000 Korean Won for the Veloster Turbo 6MT while the Veloster Turbo 6AT is priced at 23,450,000 Korean Won. Well yes, but don't expect the Veloster Turbo coming to the Philippines despite that HARI previewed the Veloster since the 2012 MIAS but hasn't announced the on-sale date and pricing. Don't expect smuggling this one, please...
If you took that out in the streets of Manila, the police would stop you because it's smuggled and you can't park that somewhere in Manila because you might just cause a menace. :P
When the Hyundai Veloster came out in South Korea last year, as part of Hyundai's new Premium Youth Lab brand, the Korean automaker really thrown a curve by releasing this eccentric hatchback coupe that opens one door at the driver's side and two doors at the passenger side. Here in South Korea, it is limited to 18,000 units to keep its premium image and for a fact, it was featured on the City Hunter Korean drama starring Lee Min Ho. Because it was powered by a 1.6L GDi engine, the Philippines won't be getting those because of the country's fuel not yet refined for fuel injection technologies. However, some didn't get that memo and hastily bring the Veloster as a grey market import. That is just stupid and made me sad. Why did most Filipinos want the Veloster so much even though the fuel-injected engine not fit for their country?
Well, to shut them up, unless if you're a Filipino living in the suburbs of San Francisco and Los Angeles, the folks from Hyundai Motor Company and Forza Motorsport 4 teamed up to bring the Hyundai Veloster to the game via the "Hyundai Veloster Bonus Pack". What they did bring on Forza Motorsport 4 is the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, which recently made a world premiere at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
That Hancars gig wasn't my idea...
A Veloster mated with a Gamma 1.6L Turbo GDi engine is the perfect marriage made in heaven. Just imagine what they did is turning a boring hatchback into a street fighting "come on, you think you're hard enough" road fighter and a Geordie Saturday night attitude to peace and love. (Punching the camera) Clearly, what Hyundai did is take a dreary Veloster hatchback coupe and threw most of it away.
Lee Min Ho proves he's faster than The Stig!
You see that's because the all new Gamma 1.6L Turbo GDi engine is capable of releasing 201HP of power output and 195lb-ft of torque output. Mated with a 6-speed manual transmission, it promises an estimated fuel economy of 38MPG highway thanks to its direct fuel injection. While Hyundai never told about its top speed and 0-60 time, Forza Motorsport 4 told us the figures of the Veloster Turbo but this is a little bit tentative if you ask. It will go 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds, and top speed is limited to 145.5 mph, which in Top Gear math is 146mph.
The Hyundai Veloster's interior
The Veloster Turbo is an addition to the game's Autovista feature but to do that, you have to complete a challenge in order to explore more about the Veloster Turbo in Autovista. I am impressed to be one of the first people who will witness the sound of the Gamma 1.6L Turbo GDi engine and see why the Veloster really is a 1+2 door hatchback coupe. I find it weird about the BlueLink feature but can you play XBOX 360 games on the Veloster's BlueLink telematics system? Oh no...
Hyundai Veloster in Top Gear!
Because the Veloster Turbo weighs under 2800 pounds, I expected to be more lighter than other C-class FWD cars such as Peugeot RCZ, Volvo C30, Volkswagen Scirocco GT, Golf GTi, Mazdaspeed Axela, Seat Leon Cupra, and the Honda Civic Si Coupe but it's heavier than the Mini Cooper John Cooper Works and despite being a hot hatch, it lacks some European-style handling than other European hatchbacks I know.
Yes I know, that hatchback has three doors.
For a soon-to-be-a-Top-Gear-presenter like me, I would say that the Veloster Turbo is just one of the cars the Korean automotive giant's been capable of. The Forza-Hyundai collaboration really made it further since the introduction of the Genesis Coupe at Forza Motorsport 3 as well as Hyundai-sponsored events made for US players to test their skills and their passion for Hyundai. Here in Forza 4, the art of car passion (and also Top Gear passion) really furthered to satisfy this gameplay and this Veloster Turbo really satisfied me that I am one of the only Filipinos living in the USA who are interested to try the Hyundai Veloster. You know what you should do? Start your very own Veloster Relay Mission Show - Forza 4 style! Have your friends readying their Velosters and undergo series of challenges such as a game of Top Gear Car Football, Keep the It, Pass the It, Elimination, Drifting, and the good old classic circuit racing.
And that concludes my first impressions about the 2013 Veloster Turbo on Forza 4. So, if you don't mind before Lee Min Ho knocking on my house and get this car, I'd better get out of here.
