Hyundai Veloster Review
When I was first scheduled to drive the Hyundai Veloster I was quite excited. Mostly because I couldnt wait to refer to it as a Velosteraptor. Its a car that plays in a segment I quite like sporty, practical coupes a segment dynamically and aesthetically difficult to compete in. The Veloster arrives at a very interesting price point though, and I was keen to see what it had to offer.
The Veloster arrives to take on the establishment of two door hatchbacks, although I cant help but feel its only real rival is the Volkswagen Scirocco. While two-door coupes such as the Renault Megane are certainly similar by all accounts, the Scirocco and the Veloster are the only two that immediately come to mind that are completely uniquely shaped from the hatchbacks they are based on.
The Veloster’s Design
In the metal the Veloster is lower and wider than pictures reveal. Mine came in metallic white which I think is the best colour for the model. Its quite an odd looking thing, but because its so different, its strangely alluring. Like a pug. The rear reminds me of the Honda CR-Z I reviewed a while ago, with that double-decker glass arrangement. Rear visibility is reduced, but its easy to see your blind spots and reversing is aided by a standard-fitted rear-facing camera.
Those Three Doors – Uniquely Veloster
The most curious aspect of this new Hyundai is its 3-door configuration. The drivers side has one long door, and the passenger side has two, shorter doors. The rear door on the passenger side has a handle integrated into the black plastic glass housing, a trick Alfa Romeo used to use to make its 4-door cars look more like 2-door cars. It kind of works, and I asked a few people to have a good look at the car, and no one could tell me what was odd about it. Maybe I need more observant friends.
It is quirky, but its a neat solution to a problem South Africans have with two door cars; we seem to like the styling, but we dont like the reduced practicality of restricted rear seat access. The odd door arrangement on the Veloster works.
Interior design and comfort
Hyundai dashboards are always a little bland. I understand this approach in a way its impossible not to like the design and layout its functional and accessible. But at the same time, it doesnt ask you form an opinion about it, and maybe thats worse.
Everything except SatNav is standard. Bluetooth, a large LCD screen, Radio/CD/Mp3 with aux and USB connectivity, rear facing camera as Ive mentioned with rear park distance control, auto light control, steering wheel mounted controls, electric folding mirrors and one touch power windows make you feel like nothing is missing from your fingertips. Its a lot of spec you might pay extra for on some of the cars rivals, and makes the price feel like very good value indeed.
Rear space is to be commended theres generous rear space even though the outside of the car makes the rear seem like it would be cramped. Thats down to clever design the rear seats have a very low hip position, and afford more comfort than some of the newer four door hatches Ive test recently, notably the Mercedes A Class.
Engine, Ride and Handling
The only engine option available is the new generation 1.6 GDI naturally aspirated petrol, which you can spec with a 6-speed manual or Hyundais newly developed double clutch transmission. My unit arrived with the double clutch box, which I found to be seamless in automatic mode, and relatively quick in manual.
The engine is rev happy, if a little powerless low down in the rev range. It feels like it was designed very much for economical cruising, and is a little reluctant to really put on the power. Perhaps with a proper stick shift the Veloster would be a bit more exciting, but the whole package feels reigned in for a car with such dramatic looks, I think it could have been more excitingly tuned.
The ride is comfortable though very smooth even on less than perfect roads, but with enough firmness to encourage you to press on. Theres loads of grip, and body roll is managed well especially at the rear, but feedback through the steering wheel is a little lacking and I wasnt entirely sure what the front end was up to. Its not an unrewarding drive but the VW still has some secret in their handling sauce that makes the Scirocco feel alive compared.
Safety features
With a slew of active and passive safety features, the Veloster has received top marks in the industry, carrying a 5-star EuroNCAP rating. Six airbags are fitted as standard. Active safety features include Vehicle Stability Management; Active Yaw Control; Electronic Stability Programme (ESP); an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS); and Electronic Brake Distribution.
Summary
The Veloster is a welcome addition to the local Hyundai offering. Its unique look certainly attracts attention and the three-door setup solves the impracticality of owning a two-door car. But I feel the dynamic package has been toned down a bit too much, I think Hyundai missed an opportunity to offer the buyer something a little more edgy and aggressive. If you like the brand and youre not too fussed about looks, the i30 makes much more sense. If you want a drivers car, you might have to look elsewhere.
Hyundai Veloster Price in South Africa
| Veloster 1.6 GDI Executive (manual) | R259 900 |
| Veloster 1.6 GDI Executive (auto) | R276 900 |
Hyundai Veloster Specs
| Engine: | 1.6 litre petrol direct injection inline-4 |
| Power: | 103kW at 6300rpm |
| Torque: | 167Nm between 4850rpm |
| Fuel consumption: | 8.4 litres/100km (combined cycle, claimed) |
| Fuel capacity: | 50 litres |
| CO2 Emissions: | 163 g/km |
| Acceleration: | 0 100km/h in 9.7 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 201km/h |
Rivals
VW Scirocco 1.4TFSi – R324 800
A significant premium over the Hyundai, and likely with less standard kit, but offers much more to the driver.
Renault Megane 1.4T GT-line Coupe – R259 900
Much closer to the Hyundai in terms of performance and spec level. A better chassis to exploit and better fuel consumption if you dont. Quite a looker too.
Hyundai Veloster Gallery
