To grab a piece of the hatchback->ke304 market, Hyundai->ke201 used its FS platform, which also underpins the Kia Forte and Pro cee'd, to launch the Veloster->ke2534 for the 2012 model year. In 2013, the Veloster Turbo arrived as an alternative to the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST. Although it failed to impress against such stiff competition, the Turbo only received a mild facelift and a new, seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

But while the standard Turbo and the R-Spec model carried over mostly unchanged as far as underpinnings go, Hyundai used the Veloster's facelift to introduce an all-new trim level. Dubbed the Rally Edition, this hatch is essentially a Turbo R-Spec model fitted with a host of chassis and body upgrades, making it the sportiest member of the Veloster family as of 2016.

Don't let the name fool you though, this hatch is far from being a rally car for the road, and it's in no way related to the i30 WRC. However, it's the company's best attempt yet at creating a competitor for the Golf GTI, and for Hyundai, a step toward becoming a more important player in the segment.

Click past the jump to read more about the Hyundai Veloster Rally Edition.

hyundai-veloster-rally-edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: hyundai-veloster-rally-edition
Pros
Cons

2016 Hyundai Veloster Rally Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Hyundai Veloster Rally Edition
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 201 @ 6000
  • Torque: 195 @ 1750
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Just like the Veloster Turbo R-Spec it is based on, the Rally Edition features the same updates as the rest of the Veloster line. Modifications include a larger hexagonal front grille, a slightly revised rear bumper with new diffuser vents, and a new LED signature for the headlamps. But while the R-Spec is equipped with contrasting side skirts and splitter, the Rally Edition has them finished in a carbon-fiber-like look. The grille frame and the 18-inch alloy wheels are painted black for a sportier appearance. All told, the "Hyundai" badges and the wheel center caps are the only chrome elements still adorning the exterior.

To further set the Rally Edition apart from the R-Spec model, Hyundai added "Rally Edition" badging and an exclusive Matte Blue paint. While the new hue is gorgeous to look at and works well with the Veloster's sculpted body, it's the only color the Rally Edition comes in. It would've been nice for Hyundai to offer a couple more exterior paints for this hot-hatch.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

104.3 Inches

Overall length

167.3 Inches

Overall width

71.1 Inches

Overall height

55.1 Inches

Tread width 18-inch

60.9 / 61.4 Inches

Overhang

33.5/29.5

Minimum Ground Clearance

5.9

Coefficient of Drag

0.33


Interior

On the inside, the Rally Edition is mostly standard 2016 R-Spec, except the Rally Edition comes with black leather and blue-accented sports seats, a significant upgrade over the R-Spec's cloth surfaces and leatherette bolsters. The same blue accents are on the door panels and the center console, while most silver inserts are now gray for a stealthier appearance. Other goodies include the Rally Edition-embroidered floor mats and the short-throw B&M Racing shifter, the latter also borrowed from the Veloster Turbo R-Spec.

Unfortunately, the Veloster's interior still feels cheap compared to rival offerings, even with the carbon-fiber-like pattern of of the upper dashboard and door panels.

Drivetrain

Motivating the Rally Edition is the same turbocharged, 1.6-liter four-banger found in both the Veloster Turbo and Turbo R-Spec models. The four-pot carries over unchanged into 2016, meaning it generates 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque from 1,750 rpm. What's different here is that the engine mates exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission, with no option for the newly introduced dual-clutch automatic.

This means the Rally Edition needs 7.3 seconds to charge from 0 to 60 mph, a half-second slower than the Veloster Turbo equipped with the automatic transmission. The hot-hatch is also a full second slower than the Golf GTI and 1.4 seconds slower than the Focus ST. Not exactly hot, eh? Fuel economy should remain at the previous model's 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

Twin-scroll Turbocharger, Gamma DOHC D-CVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing) GDI (Gasoline Direct Engine)

Materials

Aluminum block and head

Displacement

1.6L / 1,591 cc

Horsepower (est.)

201 HP @ 6,000 RPM

Torque (est.)

195 LB-FT @ 1,750 - 4,500 RPM

Valves per cylinder

4

Bore & stroke

77.0 X 85.4 (mm)

Compression Ratio

9.5:1


Suspension

This is where the Rally Edition stands out. It features a higher-performance tune for the springs, dampers, and front stabilizer bar, which translates into more responsive and precise handling. Granted, the Rally Edition isn't as nimble as the Focus ST, but it's the best-handling Veloster you can buy as of 2016.

The bespoke Rays 18-inch alloy wheels are also lighter than the R-Spec's, helping to make the Rally Edition 20 pounds lighter. Unfortunately, that's not likely to affect the car's performance from 0 to 60, so don't expect any improvements in that department. On the other hand, it should improve dynamics slightly. The rollers come wrapped in 225/40R18 performance tires, also offered on the R-Spec model.

Prices

Since the Veloster Rally Edition is still a few months away from hitting dealerships, pricing is still a mystery. However, given the 2016 R-Spec model will only see a mild price hike to around $22,000, I expect the leather seats and the chassis updates to take the Rally Edition into the $23,000 range.

Competition

Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Golf GTI has been the benchmark for hot-hatches for decades, and its seventh generation brought improvements in just about every department. While the previous model had exactly one horsepower less than the Veloster Turbo, the 2015 GTI benefits from 210 ponies and 258 pound-feet of torque, a significant improvement over the Hyundai. The GTI is also a lot quicker, especially when its turbo, 2.0-liter, four-banger is mated to the available DSG transmission, needing just 6.3 seconds to hit 60 mph.

Design-wise, the 2015 GT is an evolution of the previous iteration, albeit it is 2.2 inches longer and 0.5 inch wider. The cabin received mild updates, including improved trim, a new touchscreen radio, and LED ambient lighting. As far as pricing goes, the GTI is a tad more expensive than the Veloster Rally Edition, fetching from $24,395 in base trim. Customers that select the GTI Autobahn model need to fork over at least $29,595. The GTI fares slightly better in the fuel economy department as well, returning up to 34 mpg on the highway.

Ford Focus ST

With 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque coming from its 2.0-liter, inline-four engine, the Focus ST is the most powerful of the three. The oomph travels to the front wheels (no AWD for this Focus) through a six-speed manual and pushes the hot-hatch from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.9 seconds, also making it the quickest of the bunch.

On the U.S. market since 2013, the current Focus ST sports an updated, aggressive body kit that includes redesigned bumpers, bigger wheels and a rear spoiler. The ST package is rounded off by a host of bespoke colors, and features including standard Recaro cloth seats which can be upgraded to half- or full-leather, MyFord Touch, Sync, and a 10-speaker stereo. Although more powerful than its rivals, the Focus ST remains competitively priced, with a sticker set at $24,115. The EPA rates the ST at 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, just below the Veloster Rally Edition.

Conclusion

Ignore the subpar performance figures and its estimated sticker and the Veloster Rally Edition is a nice hot-hatch. The chassis upgrades, the lighter wheels and the leather seats make it particularly enticing, but only as long as you're happy with seven-second 0-to-60 sprints.