2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo is a mighty mite Car News and Review

The Hyundai Veloster got off to a solid commercial and critical start in 2011, and while the eccentric hatchback has only been on the market for a few months, it’s already found its fair share of friends, outselling competitors like the Honda CR-Z and Scion tC straight away.

We can see why – Veloster offers a unique mix of cut-price mix of funkiness, utility, connectivity and efficiency. However, it’s also fair to say that its direct-injected 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder skews far more eco than sport. The Veloster’s 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque is enough to have fun on curvy roads if you’re really willing to stick your foot in it, but its performance is hardly neck snapping.

Given the three-door’s sporty styling, some have suggested that there’s a bit of a disconnect between the way the Veloster accelerates and the way it looks. Hyundai has obviously heard those barbs, and they’ve turned to forced induction for the answer. Enter the 2013 Veloster Turbo seen here, which rings up 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 194 pound-feet of torque from 1,750 rpm thanks to the addition of a twin-scroll turbo and a unique motor-actuated wastegate. Those power figures put it in the thick of the hunt with pricier performers like the Volkswagen GTI, not to mention the Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper S, with a better weight-to-power ratio than whatever of them.

Visually, there will be no mistaking the Veloster Turbo for its normally aspirated kin – the new front end should make sure of that. While the Turbo retains the same headlamps and a similar overall form, Hyundai has replaced the standard car’s modest chrome-edged grille slot and lower fascia with a massive hexagonal opening for better breathing and rearview mirror intimidation. The gaping maw extends the two above and under the bumper, and it’s bookmarked by a new set of foglights.