2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo debuts in Detroit

With its big gaping grille, the Veloster Turbo won't be mistaken for its lesser-endowed sibling. (Photo: Hyundai)

unique styling inside and out, but not as much power as many enthusiasts hoped for: The 138 horsepower developed by the Veloster's standard 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder is adequate, but not enough to challenge the segment's "hot hatchbacks." Enter the 2013 Veloster Turbo. With more power and even more flamboyant style than the standard Veloster, the Veloster Turbo is a threat to the very best of the hot hatchbacks currently on sale.

Making its debut at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Veloster Turbo features 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque from its turbocharged 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder engine. Surprisingly, the impressive power figures are achieved using regular grade fuel. The turbocharged engine comes mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Inside, the Veloster Turbo gets leather seating and a 450-watt premium audio system.(Photo: Hyundai)

Up front, the Veloster Turbo sports a large hexagonal grille in a deep front fascia, and headlights with LED accents. Around the back, the standard trapezoidal centre exhaust has been replaced with two circular exhaust pipes. Hyundai says that the new pipes and a new intake manifold allow for a more robust sound, distinguishing the Turbo even more from the standard Veloster. Other styling features include side skirts, LED taillights, and 18-inch wheels with chrome inserts. The Veloster Turbo can also be had with matte grey paint, a first for Hyundai.

The Veloster Turbo's interior is outfitted with leather seating and "Turbo" logos stitched into the seatbacks. There's also a "Supervision Cluster" that displays vehicle information on a pair of TFT (thin-film transistor) screens between the tachometer and speedometer. Other interior features include a standard eight-speaker, 450-watt Dimension Premium Audio system with eight-inch subwoofer,

At the back, LED taillights and twin circular exhausts distinguish the Veloster Turbo. (Photo: Hyundai)

Bluetooth hands-free phone capability with voice recognition, a navigation system and a rear-view camera. The Veloster Turbo even features a 115-volt power outlet for video game consoles, which can be be played on the seven-inch multimedia touchscreen.

Safety features include vehicle stability management, electronic stability control, plus anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. Additionally, the Veloster Turbo features six airbags including dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags.

Hyundai's 2013 Veloster Turbo is scheduled to arrive this summer and will compete with sport compact icons such as the Volkswagen GTI, Mini Cooper S and Honda Civic Si.©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)]]>