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Hyundai Veloster

The Hyundai Veloster coupe hits British roads. So is it really a Scirocco rival?

Hyundai Veloster front cornering

By Luke Madden

December 2011

  • Rating:
The Veloster is Hyundai’s VW Scirocco rival, but aims to offer something a bit different. Its quirky asymmetrical rear doors are intriguing – but success in this class is judged from behind the wheel. Does it measure up? We drove it on UK roads to find out.

There’s only one engine on offer – a 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol with 138bhp – but buyers can choose between dual-clutch auto and six-speed manual boxes. Our car was fitted with the manual.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Hyundai Veloster

 

Hyundai claims the Veloster will do 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds, but it doesn’t feel it. While throttle response is sharp, you need to work the engine hard – and above 3,000rpm, it sounds strained.

What’s more, as the engine needs to be revved, you’d have thought Hyundai would have put more effort into making it sound good. Let’s hope the 201bhp turbo, arriving next summer, can rectify this. Still, the gearchange is satisfyingly accurate and direct.

The Veloster isn’t quick, but it’ll be cheap to run thanks to 44.1mpg economy and 148g/km CO2 emissions. A Blue Drive version is also available: this uses a stop-start system and low-rolling-resistance tyres to bring CO2 down to only 137g/km.

Through corners, it’s clear that there’s a capable chassis under the Veloster. It’s agile and there’s plenty of grip, with sharp turn-in and direct steering. The steering could do with more weight and better feedback, however.

The compromise between handling and ride comfort is well judged. While the ride is firm, only the biggest potholes send a jolt into the cabin.

It’s impossible to talk about the Veloster without mentioning its doors. There are two on the passenger’s side and one on the driver’s side, so the car is much more practical than rivals, while retaining its sleek coupé profile. Plus, the 320-litre boot is slightly larger than the Scirocco’s.

It’s also much cheaper than its rivals. A Scirocco with similar kit and performance will set you back nearly £23,000, but our Veloster only cost £20,495 – including a sunroof, heated leather seats, rear parking sensors and keyless go.

The Veloster doesn’t drive as well as rivals, but it stands out and is great value. In a class where driving dynamics are vital, it’ll be interesting to see if those plus points are enough.

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8 Comments

Asymmetric

Saw one of these in the flesh, looks better than in the photos.
Quite a funky little coupe, but practical too!

Asymmetric doors are a bit strange, but then, so does a MINI Clubfoot, at least the Hyundai as them on the correct side of the road unlike the aforementioned German effort.

No doubt if this had a MINI/Audi badge instead of a Hyundai one, it would've scored higher than 3/5.
Typical bias.

By SirWiggum2 on 7 December, 2011, 5:00pm

Not there yet

Nice presence but its figures and dynamics fall short to excite me. My farourites remain the Scirocco and the GTC.
@ SirWiggum2 -well if the GTi and the GTC scored 4/5 with all their abilities I don't see how this could ve done better. You are right though, there is bias in the scoring system.

By PAAdam on 8 December, 2011, 5:55am

Ne deep

Why does Hyundai keep designing cars that look like a squashed toad?
At least Kia are getting their act together,

By toycollector on 8 December, 2011, 8:26am

Veloster nice but too pricey

The biggest issue I have with this car is the price, although everything else about it appears appealing - I think it would make more sense if cost £16 or £17k.

By cousins11 on 8 December, 2011, 11:28am

I30 coupe

it looks like the I30 from the front and inside,that's not to say its bad as the current I30 is a fine car but,this Velostar is pretty reserved compared to the old Hyundai coupe.

By nickbsmooth on 8 December, 2011, 7:01pm

New i30 looks better

even though it's not perfect itself, at least they've not resorted to silly gimmics like a different number of doors each side!

PS - the mini clubman fails because of this too - are car designers really struggling that much to be original? Take a tip - try making good looking cars again rather than introducing pointless silly ideas or following trends from bad designers like Chris Bangle.

By gavsmit on 8 December, 2011, 9:11pm

To bring the 122 HP Scirroco up to Velostar sport spec and I make it £23,505 not "nearly £23,000". Either way, neither are exactly going to set the pulse racing.
I think the Veloster has potential, it even looks good in black, but launching it with one wheezy base engine and having a diesel and the turbo off in the undefinable maybe later instead of at the launch is I thing a mistake.

By NickGeorge on 8 December, 2011, 9:14pm

I like

At last a non-premium practical coupe alternative to the ultra thirsty Mazda RX-8.
Compare Hyundai 5 year manufacturer warranty against VW 2 year manufacturer + 1 year dealer warranty, and the likelihood of more easily attainable discounts on the Veloster. I'm quite tempted :)

By driver_skp1 on 9 December, 2011, 5:43pm

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Pictures

Hyundai Veloster front cornering
Hyundai Veloster rear three-quarters
Hyundai Veloster dash
Hyundai Veloster badge
Hyundai Veloster rear seats
Hyundai Veloster light
Hyundai Veloster wheel
Hyundai Veloster panning

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FIRST OPINION

    The Veloster handles and rides surprisingly well and is great value for money, too. Yet it’s let down by the rough, noisy and lifeless engine. It’s clear that the chassis could handle more power, and with a 201bhp turbocharged version of this engine due later next year, it might be worth waiting for that model before taking the plunge. As things stand, the Veloster is more about style than speed.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £20,495
    Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 138bhp
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    0-62mph: 9.7 seconds
    Top speed: 125mph
    Economy: 44.1mpg
    CO2: 148g/km
    Equipment: Heated leather seats, keyless entry system, iPod dock, sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, reversing sensors
    On sale: February
     
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