Say what you will about the Hyundai Veloster, it sure knows how to make an impression. However, when Hyundai added a turbo to their asymmetrical little hatch in 2013, they fell a little short of offering enthusiasts a true alternative to the Golf GTI.
Yes, the added power was welcome, but the suspension components and brakes hadn’t been upgraded from the base car, preventing the Veloster from delivering the dynamic prowess that made its competitors that much more special.
Hence the Veloster Rally Edition. No, this car has nothing to do with the one Thierry Neuville and Nicholas Gilsoul will be using to tear up WRC rally stages this year. It does, however, mark Hyundai’s participation in the sport, and adds just enough hardware to satisfy the hardcore enthusiasts – or so Hyundai thinks.
That Matte Paint Though
So, what exactly does this limited production Rally Edition add to the Veloster Turbo? For starters, there’s that kick ass matte blue paint job, which, combined with the fake carbon fiber accents (exclusive to the Rally Edition) and blacked-out 18″ RAYS wheels, gives this Veloster the proper boy racer treatment.
But the modifications are more than cosmetic. Those lightweight wheels are fitted to a 10-mm wider tire, and, according to Hyundai, help reduce unsprung weight by five pounds per wheel. The Rally Edition also comes equipped with a B&M Racing short throw shifter (available as an option on the Turbo), upgraded shock absorbers, coil-springs, and beefier stabilizer bars.
There’s also unique badging, floor mats, blue accentuated interior components and seats, as well as a Dimension 8-speaker sound system with a trunk-mounted subwoofer. Oh, and the only transmission available is a 6-speed manual – thank God.
Of course, being based on the Veloster Turbo, the Rally Edition inherits the same superb 1.6L direct injection turbo four-cylinder good for 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.
