Review
Hyundai Veloster coupe
Price: £17,995 - £21,745
/5
- Pros:
- Fun to drive
- Clever door layout
- Good value for money
- Cons:
- Limited headroom
- Hyundai badge can't match Volkswagen for image
- Slightly underpowered
reviewed by Carbuyer
"Practical, good looking, well equipped and fun to drive - the Veloster is an attractive package."
At a glance
- The greenest
- 1.6 GDi 4dr Blue Drive 4dr
£18,345 - The cheapest
- 1.6 GDi 4dr 4dr
£17,995 - The fastest
- 1.6 GDi 4dr Sport 4dr
£20,495 - Top of the range
- 1.6 GDi 4dr DCT Sport 4dr
£21,745
Advertisement
The Hyundai Veloster is the firm's latest attempt to produce a coupe without compromise, and first impressions prove they are not far off the mark. One highlight is the clever door arrangement, which is similar to a MINI Clubman. It has a single door on one side and a pair of doors on the other to improve access to the back seats. Unlike the Clubman, Hyundai has engineered the door layout for the UK, so the double doors open on to the pavement, not into the road. At the moment there's a single engine choice - a rather weak 138bhp 1.6-litre petrol - but this may be joined by a diesel and a high powered turbo version in the near future. The Veloster's sharp chassis is easily capable of dealing with more power.
Drive
Behind the wheel the Velsoter doesn't disappoint
With lots of grip and agility, the Velsoter is fun to drive and rewards the enthusiast. The engine has to be worked hard to gain the best out of it and the exhaust note isn't as exciting as the bodyshape suggests.
Comfort
Firm but secure, the suspension provides a good compromise
The low roof can make taller drivers or passengers feel cramped, but overall the Veloster's interior is spacious and well thought out. Susupension is firm, as you would expect in a coupe, but the car deals with small bumps very well. Only the very roughest of surfaces can unsettle the suspension.
Reliability
Hyundai has a great reliability record and all cars come with long warranties
All Hyundais come with a five year unlimited mileage warranty, and the firm's most recent models have proved to be well made and reliable. Some interior plastics will age quickly however.
Practicality
Clever doors and a good size boot all aid practicality
The unique door layout makes getting in and out of the stylish coupe very easy, especially for rear passengers. Use of 60:40 folding seats and a 320-litre boot puts the Veloster ahead of the competiton in the carrrying stakes. Up front, the cabin is well designed with plenty of useful cubbies and storage, although passengers over 6ft tall may find headroom a bit tight.
Value for money
Well equipped and cheaper than rivals
Well equipped and cleverly designed the Veloster is cheaper than almost all of it's rivals including the Peugeot RCZ and Honda CR-Z. Good looks and well executed cabin give the new Hyundai coupe a premium feel.
Running costs
Respectable fuel consumption and low tax
The Veloster uses the same 1.6-litre petrol engine found in the i40, and is estimated to produce emissions of 148g/km, whilst it should return at least 45mpg at the pumps. Both figures result in low day-to-day running costs.
