Hyundai is showing no sign of letting up on its new model assault on the local market. Recent approval of direct-injection powerplants has paved the way for some exciting new additions by early 2013.
Having completed evaluations regarding the quality of fuel available on the South African market, Hyundai has given its latest crop of gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engines the go-ahead for local consumption. This has opened the path for a host of exciting new additions to the local Hyundai line-up, starting with the eagerly awaited Veloster.
Veloster fast approaching
The Veloster, a strikingly styled three-door coupe, will find its way onto the South African market by January 2013. Initial reports have confirmed that it will be powered by Hyundai’s 1,6-litre GDI “Gamma” petrol engine developing 103 kW and 167 N.m of torque. Hyundai’s local arm has yet to confirm which transmission system (six-speed manual or dual-clutch) will be coupled to this unit.
Turbo a ‘go’?
Approval of the 1,6-litre GDI engine for our market also means that the Veloster’s hotter sibling, the Veloster Turbo, is also under consideration for our market. By bolting a twin-scroll turbocharger to the standard Veloster’s engine, Hyundai has managed to liberate 150 kW – enough to place the Veloster Turbo in the same bracket as such hot hatch favourites as the VW Golf GTI, Renault Clio RS and Mini Cooper JCW. In addition to the power hike, the Veloster Turbo also gets a quicker steering ratio for the EPS as well as stiffened sports suspension.
Stronger Sonata?
Evaluations have also taken place regarding another of Hyundai’s GDI units – the Theta II 2,4-litre engine. This unit develops between 147 and 150 kW (market-dependent) and could possibly replace the 2,4-litre MPI unit (131 kW/228 N.m) currently doing solid, if not spectacular, service in the local Sonata line-up.
Santa Fe here by end of the year
The new Santa Fe will also find its way onto the South African market between November this year and early 2013. Hyundai’s local arm has confirmed that our market will receive the five-seater variants, essentially nixing out the seven-seater-only V6 for South Africa. Our previous report stated that the new Santa Fe would initially be offered in 2,4 GDI and 2,0 turbopetrol GDI guises, but it looks as though diesel units are being strongly considered for our market.
Hyundai is remaining tight-lipped regarding the launch of its facelifted ix35 as well as its Brazilian-built HB20/i15, which could possibly take on the likes of the VW Polo Vivo and Ford Figo.
It has, however, revealed that a brace of new engines (a compact diesel unit and a 1,2-litre petrol) are currently being evaluated for the recently facelifted i20.