2016 Hyundai Veloster update: higher entry price, Apple CarPlay headline streamlined range
Hyundai Australia has released details of the refreshed 2016 Veloster Series II, cutting the line-up from four variants to two, along with adding Apple CarPlay and Google Now voice activation as standard across the range.
As part of the update, the entry-level Veloster manual is now over $4000 more expensive than the outgoing base Veloster variant, but $600 cheaper than the previous Veloster +.
Better savings can be had with the new Veloster SR Turbo, which starts at the same price as the previous model and $4000 cheaper than the previous flagship.
The naturally-aspirated Hyundai Veloster and hotter Veloster SR Turbo are now the sole offerings, compared with the previous four-tier range which included Veloster, Veloster +, Veloster SR Turbo, and Veloster SR Turbo + variants.
Now kicking off at $29,590 (before on-road costs), the entry-level Veloster combines key specifications of the outgoing Veloster and Veloster + trims, powered by the same 103kW/167Nm 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine.
Standard on the base model are leather-appointed seats, electric driver’s seat, keyless entry with push-button start, climate control, panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay, Google Now voice activation and electric folding and heated side mirrors.
However, the new Veloster misses out on the outgoing Veloster +’s satellite navigation, CD player, premium sound system and steering wheel-mounted phone controls.
The refreshed Veloster SR Turbo starts at $30,650 (before on-road costs) and, like its naturally-aspirated sibling, combines key elements of the outgoing Veloster SR Turbo and SR Turbo + grades. Power comes from the same turbocharged 1.6-litre four-pot as the pre-update model, producing 150kW of power and 265Nm of torque.
Like the non-turbo variant, the Veloster SR Turbo comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Google Now voice activation, panoramic sunroof, climate control along with electric folding and heated mirrors.
Also like the entry-level model, the SR Turbo loses satellite navigation, CD player, premium sound system, steering wheel-mounted phone controls, heated and ventilated front seats, and 'flex steer' adjustable steering that were all previously standard on the top-spec SR Turbo +.
Carryover standard equipment across the range include six airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, LED daytime running lights, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, bluetooth phone and audio streaming and rear-view camera.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard on both grades, with a dual-clutch automatic transmission (six-speed for Veloster, seven-speed for SR Turbo) commanding a $2500 premium.
Optional extras are limited to metallic and pearl paint ($595) or matte paint ($1000, SR Turbo only).
The 2016 Hyundai Veloster range is covered by the company’s lifetime capped-price servicing schedule - it’s worth noting the SR Turbo requires maintenance every six months or 7500km, while the naturally-aspirated Veloster has 12-month or 15,000km intervals.
With the updates effective immediately, the updated Veloster Series II range is available to order now.