Skip advert
Advertisement

Hyundai Veloster

We see if dramatic new coupé can put the fun back into Koreans’ range and take on established premium rivals like the VW Scirocco

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Hyundai Veloster
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The cheeky Veloster has got what it takes to meet rival models such as the VW Scirocco and the MINI Cooper head-on. It’s compact, efficient and should be cheap to run. But it’s also a lot of fun, with decent steering and an agile chassis, and although the 1.6-litre engine is a little short on power, it’s smooth and engaging to use. The styling probably won’t convince everyone, yet the shape is surprisingly practical. With a feast of standard kit at a tempting price, the Veloster is one to watch.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Meet the sporty hatch that’s set to shake things up for Hyundai. Fans will remember the much-loved Coupé as the company’s last fun model – but the Veloster is altogether different. And we’ve driven it.

Rivalling models as varied as the Volkswagen Scirocco, Honda CR-Z and MINI Cooper and Clubman, the compact car is only 4.2 metres long – about the same as the VW. And while its chunky body shape and low roofline shout coupé, an extra rear door on one side adds practicality.

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

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"69315","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

The Veloster certainly looks different and is Hyundai’s most distinctive car for a long time. It’s squat and square – and while our model’s violent yellow paint will split opinion, a quieter metallic shade should look great.

Inside, a six-footer can sit comfortably in the back seats, and the boot is surprisingly big, at 320 litres. That extra rear door (which will swap sides for right-hand-drive markets, unlike on the MINI Clubman) is odd, yet is useful for access.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Octavia Estate

2022 Skoda

Octavia Estate

42,909 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £15,537
View Octavia Estate
Focus

2020 Ford

Focus

31,458 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,573
View Focus
C1

2021 Citroen

C1

16,012 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £9,300
View C1
Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

20,995 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £26,800
View Range Rover Evoque

The cabin is neatly laid out with plenty of legroom up front, but tall drivers will find their heads edging close to the rooflining. Even though the car seen here is a prototype, it all looks good and feels well made.

Impressive standard kit for the likely £17,000 asking price of the production model will include a seven-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system, complete with a media player connection, and a leather steering wheel that includes audio controls.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Out on the road, the Veloster is surprisingly good. The new 1.6-litre direct-injection four-cylinder petrol engine is great. With 138bhp and a mere 166Nm of torque, it doesn’t provide the pace of a MINI Cooper S, but has an energetic note and is peppy.

While Hyundai isn’t quoting any performance figures yet, we’d estimate 0-60mph in about nine seconds. The Veloster will be frugal, too. Again, there are no official figures, but 40mpg combined and sub-140g/km of CO2 seem very likely. A dual-clutch paddleshift gearbox will be available as an option.

Meanwhile, the chassis shows real promise. The dampers on our car were not to final spec and the model thumps a little over bumps, but the steering is beautifully balanced and weighted (if slightly short on feedback). The newcomer feels light on its feet, impressively agile, grippy and fun. A lot of fun!

There’s no doubt that the Veloster is shaping up to be one of this year’s most interesting cars. We can’t wait to drive the final showroom-ready model – on the basis of this prototype, Hyundai is on to a winner.

Rival: VW Scirocco 1.4 TSI
A starting price of £19,570 highlights the Veloster’s good value. But the Scirocco is fine to drive, with top build quality. And for some, the badge will be enough to swing a sale.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,943
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,008
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,655 off RRP*Used from £15,700
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025