2020 Hyundai Veloster arrives in Oz priced from $29,490

Hyundai’s second-generation Veloster “2+1 door sports coupe” has returned to Australia with a three-tier line-up priced from $29,490 plus on-road costs.

The range kicks off with the above priced Veloster followed by the Veloster Turbo and Turbo Premium. Like the previous-generation, two engines are on offer depending on variant.

The entry-level Veloster features a new 110kW/180Nm Atkinson cycle 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine connected to a six-speed manual transmission, with a six-speed automatic available as a $2,300 option.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, sports bucket seats, heated side mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, a 3.5-inch TFT multifunction driver’s display, LED daytime-running lights and auto headlamps.

Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of driver assistance system is standard across the range, and incorporates Drive Attention Warning (DAW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), a camera-based Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) without pedestrian or cyclist detection, and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) systems.

There’s also Hill Start Assist, a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines, rear parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring.

Stepping up to the Veloster Turbo from $35,490 brings a more powerful 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with over-boost function that delivers up to 275Nm. It comes standard with a six-speed manual or $3,000 7-speed dual-clutch auto.

It also has a more sophisticated FCA bolstered by a radar sensor (auto only) with interurban functionality and pedestrian detection, Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with adaptive function, Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) and High Beam Assist (HBA).

Inside, there’s a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen with sat-nav and DAB+ digital radio, a 4.2-inch TFT driver’s multifunction display, digital performance gauges, electric folding exterior mirrors, leather/cloth upholstery, alloy pedals, a luggage net and steering-wheel paddle shifters for the auto model.

Externally, it gets 18-inch gloss black wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, keyless entry with push button start, a sports body kit with different front grille and rear spoiler, LED headlights (low beam) and LED taillights.

The Veloster Turbo Premium from $38,990 features the same 1.6-litre turbo engine with a six-speed manual, or seven-speed DCT (from $41,990) but also add different 18-inch dark metallic/machined alloy wheels, full leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, 8-way powered driver’s seat, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, a heated steering wheel, head-up display, Qi wireless phone charging, and a paroramic sunroof.

There are only two options – metallic or mica paint for $595, and a contrasting Phantom Black roof for the Veloster Turbo Premium for $1,000.

Like the rest of Hyundai Australia’s line-up, the Veloster benefits from Australian-specific chassis tune to “maximise the high-performance potential of the improved body rigidity and lightweight independent multi-link suspension.”

Other notable upgrades over the first-generation model include a quicker-ratio electric steering and Torque Vectoring Control that is said to improve performance during cornering.

Pricing (Excluding on-road costs)