The EFTM Garage – Hyundai Special Edition Veloster Street

It’s back down to earth this week after spending some quality time in one of motoring immortals, the Nissan GT-R Premium Edition. But life goes on and now behind the EFTM Garage roller shutter sits the Special Edition Hyundai Veloster Street.

Make: Hyundai

Model: Veloster

Variant: Street

Engine / Transmission: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder with automatic 6 Speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT)

Drivetrain: Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD)

Vital Stats:  103 kW / 166 Nm (Non-turbo)

RRP Price: $24,990 (Manual) $27,390 (DCT Automatic)

Standard Features: 18” alloy wheels with red insert, Red leather interior, Unique Sonic Silver metallic paintwork, Sports suspension lifted from Veloster SR Turbo, Body Coloured rear spoiler, Plush pile carpet mats with “Street” embroidery, “Street” badge on font guards, 7″ LCD touch screen, Rear view camera, Rear park assist, Premium audio featuring 4 speakers, 2 tweeters, centre speaker, sub-woofer, and external amplifier, Bluetooth^® connectivity with audio streaming, AUX/USB audio input with iPod^® compatibility, Cruise control with steering wheel mounted audio and phone controls, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) & Traction Control System (TCS), Hill-start Assist Control (Double Clutch Transmission only), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Daytime running lamps, Automatic dusk sensing headlamps, Day/night rear view mirror, LED side repeater integrated into side mirrors, Premium steering wheel and gear knob and 60/40 split folding rear seats.

Safety highlights: Full suite of airbags, VSM, ESC, TCS and 5 star ANCAP safety rating.

Wow Factor: Novel, futuristic looks. Great interior with bold red leather seats. Typical Hyundai build quality. At this level the sound system is quite sophisticated and one of the best around.

Most Impressive: Sharp handling with suspension borrowed from the SR Turbo. Stands out from the pack.

Not so impressive: 1.6-litre produces only gentle acceleration; plastic paddle shifters are basically superfluous.

Early verdict: The base model Veloster now comes in designer jeans, an attractive proposition.