2015 Hyundai Veloster Series II pricing and specifications

The new Toyota 86-matching opening gambit is among the headline changes that come as part of the Veloster Series II mid-life update on sale now.

As we speculated last week, Hyundai Australia (HMCA) will now offer the Veloster SR Turbo that accounts for half of all Veloster sales in two specification levels — the entry version, and the new SR Turbo + that retails for $33,990.

Both come standard with a six-speed manual, but shell out an additional $2500 and you get a brand new seven-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddles in place of the old six-speed torque converter unit. This unit is said to cut fuel use use by 0.5 litres per 100km to 7.1L/100km.

Until now, Hyundai did not have a suitable DCT that could handle the turbo's torque, but this new unit is rated to handle up to 300Nm.

It also means all Veloster automatics now come with a dual-clutch auto, given the entry non-turbo Veloster variants retain their six-speed manual or six-speed DCT units.

Non-turbo Velosters retain their opening prices, meaning the self-titled version kicks off at $24,490, while the Veloster + adds $5000 to cost $29,490. The DCT option is now $200 more than before at $2500, though it’s the same unit as before.

The SR Turbo range maintains its 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with 150kW at 6000rpm and 265Nm between 1750-4500rpm. The entry atmo versions use a normally aspirated 1.6-litre engine with 103kW at 6300rpm and 167Nm at 4850Nm.

Under the skin, Hyundai’s Australian engineering team in NSW have added wider 225/40 tyres on 18-inch wheels, new rebound stops in the front dampers, revised the spring rates and fitted a smaller-diameter stabliser bar to allow more independent front wheel movement.

The key goals were to make the car a little more compliant around town, to turn-in a little faster and to hop about less at the rear by maintaining better road contact (a symptom in large part of its torsion beam set-up).

There’s also an upgraded motor in the electric-assist power steering system, while the SR + gets Hyundai’s three-mode Flex Steer adjustable steering weight system.

Changes to the exterior are limited to a new grey grille surround on the SR Turbo versions, new-style 18-inch rims and a new $1000 matt blue hero colour.

Hyundai offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, a sat-nav update plan, and a lifetime capped-price servicing program.

The Veloster reigns this year as the top-selling sports car in Australia, with 1158 units registered (up 4.1 per cent) compared with 1087 for the Toyota 86 (down 32.5 per cent). About 50 per cent of these have been the SR Turbo version.

2015 Hyundai Veloster Series II specifications:

Veloster — $24,490 manual/$26,990 DCT

Veloster + (above base car) — $29,490 manual/$31,990 DCT

 Veloster SR Turbo (above base car) — $29,990 manual/$32,490 DCT

Veloster SR Turbo + (above Veloster SR Turbo) — $33,990 manual/$36,690 DCT

We've driven the Series II Veloster and will publish a written and filmed review package on Friday this week.