Hyundai Veloster update goes premium only

Getting into a Hyundai Veloster is going to cost a little bit more following the Series II update and range consolidation from four Veloster variants to two.

The move means an entry-level manual Veloster Series II is now $29,590, up $5100, though it has had a suite of extra features added to it.

The entry price for the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo has also risen by $1100, from $29,990 to $30,650.

Both variants come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with the dual-clutch automatic option still costing an extra $2500.

For the extra money the base model Veloster will now come standard with additional features including leather-appointed seats, electric driver’s seat, push button start, climate control, panoramic glass sunroof updated touchscreen and electric folding mirrors.

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It will however lose in-built satellite navigation, CD player, premium audio system and steering-wheel mounted phone controls of the previous Veloster +, in favour of the mobile phone app-based Apple CarPlay and Google Now (Android) and voice activation.

The Veloster SR Turbo will now come with some options for the now-axed SR Plus variant such as panoramic sunroof and automatic climate control while losing its premium audio system and CD player for the apps.

Hyundai previously sold the popular three-door sports coupe as Veloster, Veloster +, Veloster SR Turbo and Veloster SR Turbo + but will now only have Veloster and Veloster ST Turbo models in manual and automatic.

Hyundai Australia Director of Marketing Oliver Mann says Veloster buyers generally wanted extra options.

“We have concentrated on the features our customers have told us they like the most. Keeping popular, high-value items – such as the panoramic sunroof and leather-appointed upholstery – has led to a sharper overall package for both Veloster models.”

The price change means the Veloster loses its pricing edge against its Kia Cerato Koup Turbo rival, which starts at $24,190 but without many of the Veloster’s features.