2021 Hyundai Veloster Reviews

The turbocharged version of the Hyundai Veloster, tagged the SR, has only been in Australia a few months but is already generating plenty of sales.When launched in non-turbo format in February 2012 the Hyundai that looked like a coupe on one side and a five-door hatch on the other created a huge number of stares and comments during our entire test period.Some felt it needed more power, though others said it had the sort of engine performance that pleased drivers who enjoyed the decision making necessary to keep their Veloster in the correct gear to get the best out of the 103 kilowatts of power on offer.They also appreciated the low price tag of the non-turbo - it began at an appealing $23,990 in six-speed manual format.VALUEVeloster SR Turbo 1.6-litre four-door hatch starts at $31,990 (manual) and $33,990 (automatic). Our test cars over the last two weeks had each type of transmission. Standard features include USB and Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, steering wheel controls, reversing camera and rear parking sensor. And there’s a five year unlimited km warranty.TECHNOLOGYThere’s now a choice in Veloster engine power thanks to the introduction of a high(ish) performance SR model that began just six months later. With a 46 per cent increase in power (to 150 kW) and an even more impressive 60 per cent more torque (265 Nm) has a lot more poke.The engineers at Hyundai have worked on a car with linear power delivery with top torque of only 1750 rpm – then continues at its peak until the engine reaches 4500 revs. That’s not so much a torque peak as a torque plateau.On the road this means the Veloster SR has minimal turbo lag and a smooth push in the back that keeps on keeping on. But, if you’re looking for a drag racer in the manner of a Subaru WRX the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo may not be your best bet.Veloster SR Turbo is offered with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, the latter being a conventional torque convertor unit that can be manually controlled by paddles behind the steering wheel.DESIGNHyundai Veloster SR Turbo is even more striking in appearance than the standard Veloster as it’s even more radical in its shape. The front grille is bigger and bolder, the fog lights have futuristic shaping to their surrounds, side skirts give the lowered look and the dark glass sunroof gives adds to the overall effect - especially if the black glass contrasts strongly with one of the bolder paint shades.This is a four-seat coupe, not a cramped two-plus-two. Those with long legs and short bodies will be reasonably comfortable in the back seat. But back seat passengers of normal body height will suffer from the usual coupe complaint of lack of headroom.Kids will be comfortable as far as space is concerned but won’t be able to see much to the side of the car due to the small, high-set rear-side windows. Then again, they have that giant sunroof to peer through.The rear windscreen glass is directly above the back seats and created discomfort during the day in our home area of the Gold Coast. We strongly suggest looking at this aspect of the car if your plan is to regularly cart kids back there.SAFETYCrash prevention and/or minimisation devices include ABS brakes and the type of sophisticated electronic stability systems normally only found in expensive European cars.If all still goes wrong you will be pleased to know the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo gained a five-star safety rating in the ANCAP crash testing laboratory thanks to the use of six airbags and a body that’s strengthened in all the right crash protection areas.DRIVINGAs lovers of sporty driving we really appreciated being able to do our own gear changing with the manual. While the box isn’t as slick as we like it’s better than average for a front-drive car.The automatic is slick and easy in its changes and was generally in the right gear at the correct time. However, as is the way of modern autos that are chasing minimum fuel consumption it was all too ready to head for a higher gear for our liking.As this isn’t a full-blown sports coupe Hyundai has kept the price of the Veloster SR down by restricting engine torque to the front wheels to prevent wheelspin and understeer. The use of a fancy (expensive) differential would make for sportier handling at extremes. We did manage a chirp or two out of the front tyres under brutal acceleration, there’s still some element of fun built into the traction control system.Handling is good as the Veloster SR has been tuned for Australian conditions, with Aussie and Korean engineers spending quite a bit of time in this country to sort it out during early stages of design.Hyundai Veloster SR TurboPrice: from $31,990Warranty: 5 years/unlimited kmEngine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 150 kW/265 NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, FWDThirst: 6.8L/100km, CO2 163g/km 

Yawn. The 86 wins. There is no way to delay, or tease, or try and hide the outcome of a comparison test that provides the predictable verdict for anyone shopping for fun in 2012. When we put together a comparison crew of the newest and most-desirable affordable sporty cars in Australia today, we always knew the Toyota 86 would be tough to toss.But the Volkswagen Golf GTI is almost a classic, the Mazda MX-5 is a classic, and the latest Veloster Turbo is more proof that Hyundai is building cars that are much more than just A-to-B transport modules. So we were looking forward to a close contest, even if the Toyota 86 is the odds-on favourite for every Car of the Year award in the world for 2012.In the end, the only realistic challenger to the 86 is the Subaru BRZ. We didn't have one along because it's virtually identical - some say the Subaru is the original - to the 86er. But Toyota is making  the most noise, even though the BRZ is the car I'd choose for its nicer styling, slightly softer suspension, and the full-sized spare that Toyota is about to remove from the tail of the 86.VALUEIt's crazy that the smallest and oldest of the comparo crew - the MX-5 - is also the most expensive. Not just that, but at $49,805 it also doesn't come with a lot of the hi-tech stuff - such as Bluetooth - that even bargain-basement buyers expect today. Still, it does have a thumping Bose sound system, wonderfully supportive Recaro seats and good looking BBS alloys.The MX-5 also benefits from historically high resale value as a modern in-demand classic. The Veloster SR Turbo is cheapest at $31,990 yet still has a seven-inch touch screen with satnav, panoramic sunroof, leather-leatherette seat trim, rear parking camera and Bluetooth with streaming. The turbo engine cuts service intervals to six-months/7500km, but the new capped-price service plan means the total cost over three years to service the car is $1164. It also has Hyundai's five-year warranty, but that's offset by the lowest resale value.The Toyota 86 test car is the fully-loaded GTS, with bigger brakes and wheels, satnav, auto aircon, LED running lamps and more. It also has a capped-price service plan and Toyota expects a very strong resale value. We considered the costlier Volkswagen Sirocco coupe for the comparison, but the price check went in favour of the three-door GTI pocket rocket even though it's still over $40,000. It comes with dual-zone air, Bluetooth and rain-sensing wipers, but is missing some features that are standard in the Toyota and Hyundai.TECHNOLOGYAll four cars have four-cylinder engines, although they range from the Subaru boxer in the 86 to the turbos in the VW and Hyundai. Power is important for enjoyable driving and the twin turbos are naturally on top, with the GTI taking the prize with 5 kiloWatts more than the Veloster, although the Korean is lightest on fuel at 6.8litres/100km. While the 86er's engine is notoriously thirsty with 7.8L/100km, and takes premium unleaded, the MX-5 actually tails on efficiency at 8.1litres. The Volkswagen has a double-clutch automatic and the rest are driver-first six-speed manuals, while each has all-wheel disc brakes and sports suspension settings.DESIGNThe 86 has classic sports car proportions, just like the droptop MX-5 that's become a classic. But the Toyota has a modern cabin and reasonable space inside, where the Mazda is cramped and old-fashioned. There's nothing old-school about the Veloster, from its gaping mouth to a body with two hatchback doors on one side and a single coupe door on the other.There's nothing special about the GTI, but it has the right 'hot hatch' triggers despite a cabin that's now showing its age with the all-new Golf just a month away from a Carsguide preview drive in Europe.SAFETYThe age of the MX-5 is reflected in a four-star ANCAP safety rating, against the maximum five stars for its rivals. The Veloster comes with six airbags while the Toyota and GTI add a knee airbag, but the Hyundai is the only one with a standard review-view camera in a field where rear vision is often crimped in favour of fashion.The 86er still has a spare but it goes from September, when a puncture-repair kit clears some extra boot space, while the MX-5 also has a repair kit for space reasons and the Veloster and GTI have temporary spares.DRIVINGDriven on their own, each one of these cars is fun. Well, until you try and cram the weekly groceries into the MX-5 or 86. The droptop Mazda is sharp and responsive, even if the engine is a bit dowdy by today's standards, but the biggest failing is the lack of cabin space. It's a small car that really feels small, especially with the folding roof in place.It really shows its age when we head for pictures at Lakeside raceway outside Brisbane, as the MX-5 - despite brilliant steering and a taut chassis - is actually pretty slow. The Veloster is the most practical in the pack, from its extra-door access to a drivetrain that's quick enough but not overly demanding. It gets along briskly, is quiet on a cruise, and has lots of nice stuff in the cabin. The big glass window in the tail cuts vision and makes the back seat too hot for youngsters, but it's still the sort of car that most fashion-conscious buyers will enjoy. The Korean car is good enough, but the Volkswagen is truly good with a brilliant engine, a responsive DSG gearbox - despite Carsguide complaints about reliability and longevity - and a taut chassis that feels right in all conditions. It's also easy to park, easy to handle, and is only let down by a cabin that's feeling - like the Tiguan driven recently - old and dowdy.It's hard to fault the 86er, which is a landmark sports car from a company that's doing all it can to put personality into its cars. Every drive is fun in the 86, even if it's just a mundane run to the shops, thanks to a car that you wear as much as drive.Ok, the engine is a bit flat and the boot is not huge and I think the dash looks below-par for Toyota quality, but all the ordinary stuff drops away when you hit a twisty road and uncork the car's performance.VERDICTIn this field, and despite so many previous successes, the MX-5 is last. It might be the world's all-time favourite sports car, a sweet drive and a taut package, but it's an old car that costs too much. Even its party trick - that fold-down roof - is not enough to lift it off the bottom.The Veloster is third, despite its practicality and the 'look at me' bodywork. It's competent and great value, nicely youthful inside and well equipped, but not a winner. The Hyundai drives nicely enough, but when you jump into the Golf you realise the Korean maker still has some way to go. It just feels cheaper and less together. The GTI is a Veloster done right, from the driver's seat, with a truly taut chassis, great performance and German quality on the assembly front. The difference between the Hyundai and Volkswagen is rammed home at Lakeside, where the GTI is actually quickest of the crew - thanks to more punch than the 86er - and the Veloster always seems to be nice but not right. So we come to the 86, which wins because it's a sports car for the 21st century.It looks great, is practical and reasonably efficient, and is so much fun to drive. It could do with more punch, and some of the cabin stuff looks and feels cheap, but it's a landmark car at a great price. The only question that remains is how the 86 would have done against a BRZ.For me, and I've driven and lived with both, the Subaru would take a narrow points decision. But, as it stands, the 86 is a knockout winner.

Those who don’t like being stared at should steer clear of buying a Veloster. Reaction from onlookers can vary from the double take to serious jaw dropping: the Veloster just won’t be ignored.VALUEWith a starting price of just $23,990 for the six-speed manual, it’s no wonder the little Hyundai is selling so well in its early days. An upmarket Veloster + costs an extra $2000, while six-speed double-clutch automatic versions adds a further $2000.The well-specced standard Veloster’s price includes premium audio featuring AUX/USB input; seven-inch LCD touch screen with integrated rear-view camera, tyre pressure monitoring, daytime running lights, automatic headlamps, cruise control and rear park assist.It also has hill-start assist on DCT equipped models – which doesn’t make sense, it’s the manual model that needs assistance for clumsy drivers, not the automatic.The topline Hyundai Veloster + adds a panoramic glass sunroof, projector beam headlamps, smart key with push button start, heated door mirrors, leather/leatherette seats, power driver’s seat and upgraded instrument cluster.TECHNOLOGYUnder the bonnet is an all-new Hyundai Gamma 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, the smallest Hyundai powerplant to use Petrol (Gasoline) Direct Injection (GDI), providing greater fuel efficiency and durability with reduced noise, vibration and harshness.The engine puts out peak power of 103 kW at 6300 rpm and maximum torque of 166 Nm at 4850 revs with an estimated combined fuel economy of just 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres. On a trip of predominantly highway driving the Veloster + test car recorded a low 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres, while on city commutes the best it came up with was the seven-plus mark.DESIGNHyundai Veloster is something cleverly different in its design. Kerbside, there are two doors as in any five-door hatch; but on the right-hand side there’s a single door in the manner of a two-door coupe. Talk about a talking point – everyone who saw the car wanted to enthuse over the doors.The front has a touch of aggression thanks to the use of the Hyundai corporate radiator grille. In profile the driver’s side is pure coupe with its single door and arching roof; kerbside the rear passenger door is fitted with a concealed handle to try and hide the fact that the car has a rear door.The look from the rear is complex, with a range of geometric shapes including triangles and trapeziums all coming to a focus on low-set centrally situated twin chrome-tipped exhausts.DRIVINGWe sampled a Veloster + manual and found it to be an adequate performer without it serving up the enjoyment of that extra edge found with a genuine sporty coupe. Vision behind from the driver’s seat is good considering the steeply raked rear window. This is helped by the absence of a centre back seat and its head rest. The standard reversing camera is a great guide to what’s behind the vehicle when going in that direction. The deep set rear seats are separated by dual drinkholders and offer limited views through small side windows. Kids may not be able to see much to the side if they are still on the short side.On the other hand, the two-piece panoramic glass roof directly overhead gives them a view of the sky, tree tops, tall buildings and the like. Inside, the extensive range of instruments and controls is simply set out and, together with the multi-function sports-style steering wheel, makes driving easy. The short-throw gearshift only adds to the stress-free atmosphere.The centre console is meant to continue the motorcycle theme with a layout aping a sports bike fuel tank, with air vents like tailpipes and a base mirroring the seat of a bike. Acceleration of the Veloster + is average rather than adventurous. A turbocharged model is getting close to joining this standard model in Australia and should make all the difference.There is no arguing with the sporty Hyundai’s ability to stick to the road. Its suspension has been specially calibrated for Australian conditions and drivers’ likes. The feeling through the steering is nicely balanced with good turn in and understeer not rearing its head until the car is going pretty hard.VERDICTWhichever way you look at it this attention grabbing Hyundai is a competent, cool coupe-cum-hatchback.Hyundai Veloster +Price: $27,990Warranty: 5 year/unlimited kmResale: N/AService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 5 starSpare: temporary steelEngine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 103kW/166NmTransmission: 6-speed man; FWDBody: 4.2m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1700kgThirst: 6.4/100km; 153g/km CO2

Hyundai has taken its range in a new direction with the Veloster. If the admiring looks and comments we received during our week at the wheel are any indication of admiration, then Veloster is set to be a sales success. All the more so when interested parties realise it has a starting price of only $23,990.Veloster is a coupe on the driver's side and a hatch on the other. Quirky, yes. Practical: absolutely. The bane of owning a coupe has always been getting passengers in and out of the rear seats. This simple solution overcomes this. The forward hinged rear door on Veloster has the handle cleverly integrated into the door so that it is deliberately difficult to spot.Part of Veloster's visual appeal is the diving roof line and expansive hatch lid. This gives the car its sporting lines. The front is aggressive and distinctive and the rear end is also impressive.  There are two Veloster models, Veloster and Veloster +.ENGINE AND MECHANICALAt this stage Veloster is conservative under the bonnet. The 1.6-litre petrol direct injection has peak power of 103 kW at 6300 rpm and 166 Nm of torque at 4850 rpm. It redlines at a sporting 6700 rpm. There are two transmissions, a six-speed manual (as tested) and a six-speed dual clutch gearbox (DCT) developed by Hyundai.Hyundai claims combined consumption of 6.4 litres per 100 km. We managed 7.4, but that including a lot of city driving and performance testing. The good news is that Veloster is to get a turbocharged engine later in the year.SAFETYHyundai Veloster has a 5-Star ANCAP rating. Six airbags, stability control, stability management, traction control, ABS brakes and EBD with brake assist. Veloster comes standard with a reversing camera in the tailgate handle with images relayed to the 7-inch centre console LCD screen. Veloster also comes with rear park assist with sensors built into the rear bumper.DESIGN AND EQUIPMENTThe dashboard is all curves and lights, yet still manages to be a user-friendly. Our test car was the Veloster + so we had leather sports seats with lumbar support, panoramic glass roof and what Hyundai calls its supervision instrument cluster. This has blue back-lighting and the centre display has a blue/white matrix providing trip information.While the car is stationary passengers can view movies on the 7-inch screen. The audio system provides MP3, CD and AM/FM radio via four speakers, a centre speaker, two tweeters and a subwoofer, all powered by an external amplifier.As well as USB and Auxiliary inputs, there’s connectivity with iPod and Bluetooth including audio streaming on both models. The steering wheel has an array of remote controls for audio, telephone and cruise control. There are plenty of storage bins, cup holders and bottle holders in the front doors.DRIVINGThe front seats are supportive and comfortable as are the two rear seats. Obviously access to the rear seats is easy via the kerbside second door, but it's also easy to get in or out via the driver's side door with the front seat electrically moving forward.Many will find the rear seats a little claustrophobic thanks to the diving roof line and high side windows. In fact the passengers' heads are below the top of the vast hatch window and are likely to be cooked in the sun. The rear seats have a 60/40 split and fold to create a good size luggage area of 440 litres.Veloster has a solid feel about it from the moment you close the driver's door. Our test car was fitted with the six-speed manual shifter which was smooth and direct, but not close gated like some more expensive sports cars.Our first impression was that the car is under-powered. It’s certainly not rapid off the line and seems highly geared. Yet, when we took it for a spin through some of our favourite winding roads in the Gold Coast hinterland, Veloster was more at home and lived up to its looks.Peak torque is not reached until 4850 rpm so acceleration is a little tardy. The engine revs out to a tad over 6500 rpm. So holding on to the gears above 3500 rpm Veloster actually delivers plenty of punch, particularly if you are using second, third and fourth gears on winding country roads.There is no hill-start on the manual version, so poor drivers may have to opt for the automatic, or get some more driving lessons. Hyundai Veloster handles really well, flattening out corners with little body roll. The engineers have got the suspension sorted pretty well.The interior rear view is impeded by the design of the hatch so the adjustment of the rear view mirror is important to make the most of what is available. Road noise intrusion into the cabin is not too bad, but if you’re going to be spending a lot of time cruising on coarse-chip back country roads it might be worthwhile including these in your own pre-purchase test drive.VERDICTFrom the drivers' perspective there’s not a lot to dislike. Many people will buy Veloster on looks alone, but there is so much more to this car. We can't wait to drive the turbo version later in the year...MODEL RANGEVeloster 1.6-litre three-door coupe: $23,990 (manual), $25,990 (automatic)Veloster + 1.6-litre three-door coupe: $27,990 (manual), $29,990 (automatic)Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for driveaway prices.

The Hyundai Veloster is pitched at the same people who buy the Fiat 500, Mini, Honda CR-Z and perhaps even VW Golf. They want a small car that stands out from the crowd. They'll get that with the Veloster, but as yet we don't know at what price.DESIGNWe've seen the gimmicky addition of a small suicide door as the third one on the right-hand side of the Mini Cooper Clubman. But on the Veloster it’s front-hinged, wide and for us will be on the left-hand side.The body manages to wrangle a jumble of curves and angles into a surprisingly cohesive result around the rear. Hyundai says the interior design is inspired by high-performance sport bikes, and you can see some of that in the centre stack and ‘panic handles’, but overall there’s a sharp-looking dash, plenty of storage nooks, and quality materials and accents.TECHNOLOGYThe engine is an all-new 103kW/167Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder – the smallest the carmaker has offered with direct injection to improve performance and economy.Drive goes to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or the optional six auto slots of Hyundai’s first dual-clutch transmission (with steering wheel shift paddles) which the company says is as fuel-efficient as the manual, claiming 5.9L/100km.SAFETYWith stability control, six airbags and ABS with brake assist and brakeforce distribution, Hyundai hopes to get a five-star result when the Veloster undergoes crash tests.DRIVINGWhile we only drove about 10km in the Veloster, it didn’t take long to confirm that the car is fairly agile and refined – but not at all performance-focused. The engine is happy to hit high revs, but there’s no hot snarl from the squared off twin-exhaust tips, and it responds smoothly rather than snappily.However a few laps of the handling track showed the benefits of the Veloster’s light weight, and the taut suspension. It changes direction neatly and sits level through the corners, with steering that seemed quick enough but needed more weight at speed.The cabin is quiet under city speeds, but getting up above 100km/h brings wind rush, and opening the optional sunroof raises the racket.The rear is easy enough to climb into from either side, and there’s plenty of legroom, but the headroom is mainly accommodated by the bowled glass and your head will hit the front edge of the hatchback if you lean forward – or the driver hits the brakes.HYUNDAI VELOSTERPrice: from $22,000 (est)Warranty: 5 years/unlimited kmResale: N/AService interval: 12months/15,000kmSafety: N/AEngine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder 103kW/167NmTransmissions: 6-speed DSG; 6-speed man; front-wheel driveBody: 3-door hatchWeight: 1172kg; 1205kg (DCT)Thirst: 5.9L/100km.