News Source: topspeed.com

In 2012, Hyundai  officially entered the hot-hatch segment in the U.S. with the release of the Veloster.  Unfortunately, its performance was lackluster to say the least, but the release of the Turbo model in 2014 made up for some of that. The Turbo  got a lighter, cheaper, and more track-tuned sibling in the form of the Turbo R-Spec. For the 2016 model year, the entire Veloster lineup receives a light refresh, including the R-Spec model.

This refresh is by no means one that I would call comprehensive, but it does give the R-Spec a little more character. What the public is really craving from the Veloster lineup is a sub-seven-second model that can compete with the likes of the Fiesta ST  and Volkswagen GTI.  But you can keep on dreaming though, as the 2016 Veloster R-Spec continues on with all the same greasy bits.

That said, does the Hyundai hot-hatch have a place in the market?

On the outside, the 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec features many of the same modifications as the rest of the Veloster line, including a larger and bolder hexagonal grille up front. Also included in the updates are new ground effects, an updated rear bumper, and new diffuser vents. Additionally, giving the model a striking look at nighttime is an LED signature that includes eight individual diodes.

Setting the Turbo R-Spec apart from other Velosters is R-Spec badging on the rear hatch. Sure, it’s not much, but it’s something. It also gets a sharp red underline for good measure.

As for available colors, Hyundai has kept things very simple. The 2016 Veloster Turbo R-Spec is available in just three colors: Elite White, Ultra Black and Pacific Blue.

While I still think the Turbo R-Spec is an awesome little hatch, I think there could be a lot more done to set the R-Spec apart. I guess Hyundai decided to go the low-key route. I can respect that. Well, not really.

Inside the cabin, the Turbo R-Spec gets only one modification for the new model year: red seat belts. Otherwise, the cabin carries over with its red leatherette bolsters and red-and-black cloth seat inserts, and R-Spec-embroidered floor mats. There are also red accents on the armrests

Other than those few bits of R-Spec goodness, this model is sorely lacking any flair on the inside. While I understand the “sleeper” look on the outside, I don’t understand why the interior is so timid.

Under the Veloster Turbo R-Spec’s hood is the 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that produces a decent 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque from 1,750 rpm. This engine mates exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission with a short-throw B&M Racing shifter. Unfortunately, the Turbo model’s dual-clutch goodness isn’t an option on the R-Spec.

In the 2015 model, this drivetrain combination netted the Veloster Turbo a 0-to-60 time in the high-seven-second range, so I would expect the R-Spec to do about the same. That’s pretty subpar performance for what’s classified as a hot-hatch, but I think Hyundai is still trying to figure out this segment, so I’ll wait. For a while.

Since the Turbo R-Spec isn’t close to hitting dealers yet, pricing is still a wildcard. Given there were no real cost-increasing updates, I assume that we’ll only see a mild inflationary price increase. In 2015, the Veloster R-Spec based at $21,600, and I wouldn’t expect to see the 2016 model to start any higher than $22,100.