Review: Hyundai FS.I Veloster (2012-15)

Overview

Released in February 2012, the Hyundai FS Series I (FS.I) Veloster was a small, front-wheel drive liftback. In addition to its front passenger doors and glass liftback, the Veloster had a conventionally-hinged passenger/left-side door – with a hidden door handle – for access to the rear seats. Manufactured in Ulsan, South Korea, the Veloster was initially available with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. In July 2012, however, the Veloster range was expanded with the SR Turbo variant.

G4FD and C4FJ engines

Of the engines,

The naturally aspirated 1.6-litre G4FD petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake and exhaust valve timing (D-CVVT) and a compression ratio of 11.0:1; and,
The turbocharged C4FJ engine was also from Hyundai’s Gamma engine family but differed in that it was fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger (providing maximum boost of 18 psi or 1.24 bar), an air-guided intercooler and had a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

While the naturally aspirated engine was available with either a six-speed manual or double clutch transmission (DCT), the SR Turbo omitted the latter in favour of a conventional automatic transmission.

Hyundai FS.I Veloster specifications
Variant	Years	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
N/A, +	2012-15	1.6-litre petrol I4	6sp man., 6sp DCT	103 kW at 6300 rpm	167 Nm at 4850 rpm
Street	2013	1.6-litre petrol I4	6sp man., 6sp DCT	103 kW at 6300 rpm	167 Nm at 4850 rpm
SR Turbo	2012-15	1.6-litre turbo petrol I4	6sp man., 6sp auto	150 kW at 6000 rpm	265 Nm at 1750-4500 rpm

Dimensions

Effectively replacing the Hyundai GK Tiburon , the FS Veloster was based on the same platform as the Hyundai GD i30 hatchback . Compared to the i30, however, the Veloster was 80 mm shorter (at 4220 mm), 10 mm wider (1790 mm), 71 mm lower (1399 mm) and had the same wheelbase (2650 mm).

Suspension

The Hyundai Veloster had with MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a 24 mm stabiliser bar; the rear suspension consisted of a lightweight V-torsion beam with an integrated 23 mm stabiliser bar and monotube shock absorbers.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Hyundai FS Veloster included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Hyundai Veloster had 280 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 262 mm solid rear discs; the Veloster SR Turbo, however, was fitted with 300 mm front discs.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the Hyundai Veloster received a five star safety rating which included a 96 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 89 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious leg injury for the front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded. Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.47 out of 37.

Features: Hyundai Veloster

Standard features for the Hyundai Veloster included 18-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with subwoofer, external amplifier, CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB/iPod), seven-inch touch screen display, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition and audio streaming, air conditioning, cloth/leather seat trim, cruise control, front fog lights, reversing camera, daytime running lights, automatic headlights, steering wheel audio and phone controls, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat, tyre pressure monitoring, two 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The naturally aspirated Veloster models also had an ‘Active Eco’ driving mode which modified engine and transmission settings for improved fuel economy and an ‘Eco Coach’ scoring system to encourage fuel-saving behaviour.

Features: Hyundai Veloster +

The Hyundai Veloster+ was further equipped with climate control air conditioning, a power adjustable driver’s seat, leather/leatherette seat trim, projector beam headlights, panoramic glass sunroof (with power-operated blind), proximity key, push-buttons start, and heated door mirrors with a power folding function. From May 2012, the Veloster+ was also fitted with satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic updates. Visually, the Veloster+ could also be identified by its alloy wheels with colour inserts.

Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo

The Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo was similarly equipped to the Veloster+, but distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels, recalibrated suspension package and quicker steering ratio (2.78 turns to lock). Visually, the SR Turbo could be identified by its unique front grille, alloy wheels with chrome inserts, side skirts, rear diffuser and rear spoiler.

Hyundai Veloster Street

In August 2013, the entry-level Veloster was released in a Street variant which was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels with red inserts, upgraded sports suspension as per the SR Turbo, red leather upholstery and plush pile floor mats with embroidered ‘Street’ logos. Visually, the Veloster Street could be identified by its Sonic Silver metallic paint finish, larger rear spoiler and ‘Street’ badge on the front guard.

Brochures

Review: Hyundai FS.II Veloster (2015-18)