Hyundai which is India’s number 2 vehicle manufacturer and largest exporter, has a good range of cars that cover all the important segments of the market. Having said that, the newly introduced entry level compact SUV segment is where only Renault is present and Hyundai is working on a model more this very space. Since we are talking about crossovers, how can we forget the beautiful Hyundai Veloster which was showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo held in New Delhi.
It is one of the best selling models for Hyundai across the globe and with every year, the car’s iterations are getting better and better. Despite the suffix crossover, the car is more like a sporty two door hatchback that is relatively big.
The Veloster hit the production line back in 2011 and a while back it the latest iteration was launched in the UK. Following the overwhelming response of the car, Hyundai has launched Veloster Turbo SE, a more powerful version, for the UK. The sale of the car will commence from September 24, 2012 and prices start from 21,995 GBR (converts to Rs.19.3 Lakh).
Under the hood Veloster Turbo SE equips a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 183 BHP of max power and 265 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox. The car can complete the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 8.4 seconds and can attain a top speed of 215 KMPH. In terms of fuel efficiency the car can return a fair 14 KMPL and emits 157 g/km.
Not just in power and torque figures, the Veloster Turbo is better than the normal Veloster is many ways. Following are the improvements over the normal Veloster:
- Enhanced suspension
- Better damping system
- New body kit
- 18 inch tyres
- Leather seats on the interior
- Electrically adjustable driver seat with lumbar support
- 7 inch touchscreen SatNav system
- Rear parking camera
- Parking guidance system
The Turbo model is available in three different colors: White Crystal, Phantom Black Perl and Matt Grey.
Hyundai India did showcase Hyundai Veloster in India at the Auto Expo and at some Dealerships as well thereafter, probably to gauge potential buyer’s reactions to it. But “when Veloster will come to India?”, is a question yet to be answered. But since it is an expensive model, I believe it will take Hyundai some time before it introduces the car here.
We will keep you posted on the developments of Veloster for India, stay tuned to Car Blog India.
