Hyundai Reveals Big Changes For 2016 Veloster Coupe Facelift
A refreshed version of the Hyundai Veloster 3-door coupe was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show.
There are some major additions and upgrades to the 2016 model, including a new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as well as a very limited run Rally Edition that is an extension of the sporty R-Spec model.
2016 Veloster Changes
The most obvious changes to the 2016 model will be the look of the vehicle and the equipment added to the base.
The engine remains the same, with the 1.6L inline-four GDI unit carried over from the outgoing model.
That engine delivers 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque when mated to the standard 6-speed manual transmission, while cranking out 132 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque when coupled with the optional 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The front end has been tweaked, as was the hood, which has had the vent accents removed, while the grille picks up a cool looking gray surround.
The 17-inch wheels have been restyled with 0.4-inch wider tires added to the mix. There is also an option for 18-inch alloy wheels.
Veloster Turbo
The 2016 Veloster Turbo also sticks with the same turbo-charged unit on the outgoing model, a turbo-four that delivers 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all models, but there is also an option for the all-new 7-speed dual clutch DCT automatic gearbox developed by Hyundai.
This particular transmission was specifically designed to hand more power and torque that comes with sportier models.
Carrying on the sportier image of the 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo model are a revised gauge clusterm sportier seats, red seatbelts for the R-Spec, wider tires, and 18-inch alloy wheels that are exclusive to the Turbo model.
The efficiency rating stays pretty much the sae, but there are slight improvements to fuel economy across the range.
The base model gets a slight jump from 26 mpg to 27 mpg when using the 1.6-liter manual transmission.
The 6-speed dual-clutch version sees city and combined ratings raise by 1 mpg to 28 city and 31 combined.
The city rating for the manual Veloster Turbo model jumps 1 mpg to 25 mpg.
The Turbo models with the 7-speed dual-clutch get a very nice improvement, going from 24/31/27 mpg city/highway/combined to 27/33/29 mpg.
Veloster Rally Special Edition Model
Hyundai also launched a special edition Veloster model.
The 2016 Veloster Rally Edition will be limited to just 1,200 units, all of which will come in Matte Blue paint.
The lightweight wheels on this model shave 20 pounds off the total weight od the Turbo R-Spec. It also comes with a sports shifter, faux carbon fiber accents, and unique badging.
On the mechanical side of things, the Rally Edition will feature a sportier suspension with revised sprint, damper, and stabilizer bar tuning.
Pricing and other details will be announced soon, with the vehicles set to arrive in showrooms by May.
