Skip advert
Advertisement

Hyundai Veloster

We get behind the wheel of latest version of Hyundai's striking new coupé to see how it will compare to rivals from VW and Renault

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 Veloster seems to have all bases covered – it’s stylish, fun to drive, very well-equipped, and won’t cost the earth to run. The added practicality of the unique door layout means it’s a coupe that doesn’t demand any sacrifices either. We just hope Hyundai has the confidence to give it a little more power and really let the grippy chassis sparkle.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s over four years since the Veloster concept was first revealed at the Seoul motor show, and the production version is inching closer to making its full debut. We traveled to Germany to get behind the wheel of the latest prototype to see how its shaping up.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"69332","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

Not everyone will be won over by the design – it suits brighter colours better than the silver car tested here - yet despite some fussy touches at the rear, the Veloster’s proportions are spot on, and the low, nose-heavy stance gives it classic coupe appeal.

There will only be a single engine offering in the UK, a 1.6-litre petrol sending 138bhp and 166Nm of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.

A dual-clutch option will also be available from launch, and Hyundai claims the new transmission (a first for the brand) lowers tailpipe emissions, while improving acceleration characteristics.

The powerplant was chosen for it’s blend of performance and fuel efficiency – and although not the punchiest engine, it strikes a decent compromise between the two. However, it lacks torque in the middle of the rev range, which means it has to be worked hard to give its best, and can sound strained.  

The company’s engineers insist that both a diesel and high-powered turbo version are being considered for the future, and we hope that’s the case, as the chassis certainly feels like it could handle some extra performance.

The ride and handling of these prototypes is in its final stages, and ride comfort has improved significantly over the mules we drove back in April.

The spring rates have been decreased, and the dampers firmed up, and even on the optional 18-inch wheels the Veloster feels more composed then before, even if the occasional jolt still intrudes the cabin. The changes may become part of a specific right-hand drive setup designed with Britian’s unforgiving tarmac in mind.

Combined with the excellent cabin refinement, the Veloster should be an accomplished cruiser too, and while the one-plus-two asymmetric door layout might take getting used to, it’s a practical addition, and with 60:40 folding seats and a 320-litre boot as well, the Hyundai is certainly more flexible than its rivals.

There are still niggles – there’s not enough headroom for driver or passengers, especially if you’re over 6ft tall, and the lack of a sportier engine note can make it feel a little lacking in character, but as an overall package the Veloster is shaping up to be a real contender.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,426 off RRP*Used from £11,800
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,300
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,462 off RRP*Used from £12,200
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,818 off RRP*Used from £15,480
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best car tyres to buy now 2025: top tyres tested and reviewed
Auto Express Summer Tyre Test 2025 - header image showing a Volkswagen Golf undergoing wet weather cornering

Best car tyres to buy now 2025: top tyres tested and reviewed

Nine brands go head to head in our annual test, but which one should you put on your car?
Product group tests
13 Aug 2025
Forget Netflix, Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription
Volkswagen ID.3 - front cornering

Forget Netflix, Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription

Owners can now subscribe to boost the power of their car… for a fee
News
14 Aug 2025
New Jaecoo E5 is a Range Rover lookalike with a very attractive price
New Jaecoo E5 - front static

New Jaecoo E5 is a Range Rover lookalike with a very attractive price

Chinese newcomer’s first electric SUV is also a rival to the award-winning Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona Electric
News
13 Aug 2025