Overview & Reviews

It's a rare occurrence when bold design is married to a car that is accessible to shoppers on a budget. The Hyundai Veloster is that rarity among hatchbacks, with evocative styling, a unique asymmetrical three-door layout and respectable performance. Yet the Veloster still achieves fuel economy figures that rival more commonplace economy cars.

Built upon the same basic architecture as the Hyundai Accent, the Veloster shares many of the same advantages and drawbacks. But when it comes to the bottom line, the Hyundai Veloster ranks highly for its feature-rich content, friendly price and appealing overall character.

Current Hyundai Veloster
The Hyundai Veloster is a four-passenger, three-door hatchback. The driver-side door is coupelike in length, while the passenger side features two smaller doors. There are three main trim levels: base, Turbo R-Spec and Turbo.

The base Veloster comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo versions pack a turbocharged version of the 1.6 that cranks out 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. For either engine, a six-speed manual transmission is standard. The base engine offers a six-speed automated manual (called DCT), but selecting that option reduces engine output slightly (to 132 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque). A traditional six-speed automatic is optional only on the Turbo model, as the R-Spec is manual only.

Standard feature highlights for the base Veloster include 17-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, air-conditioning, full power accessories, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, the Blue Link emergency telematics system and a six-speaker sound system with a USB/iPod interface.. Options include the Style and RE:FLEX Edition packages, which add some unique styling flourishes inside and out, plus features like upgraded seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an upgraded audio system.

The Turbo R-Spec features a lower body kit, 18-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension and steering, a torque-vectoring system that improves handling around tight turns, and a feature that pipes exhaust sounds through the stereo speakers. Compared to the more performance-focused R-Spec, the Veloster Turbo has slightly less aggressive suspension and steering tuning, some different styling elements, keyless ignition and entry, heated front seats and leather upholstery. Option highlights include a panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors and a navigation system.

Although the Veloster's cabin has an abundance of hard plastic surfaces, unique texturing and sculpted design help to bolster its appeal. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, but that's not the case in back. There's ample legroom, but the rear seat cushions are mounted a bit too low and headroom is limited by the sloping roof line. Furthermore, the glass hatch extends over the passengers' heads, leaving them exposed to the sun.

On the plus side, all of the Veloster's cutting-edge features are sure to attract the tech-savvy youth market that it clearly has in its sights. Features like Bluetooth audio and Pandora Internet radio are standard, while the Blue Link system (besides its typical safety features) includes outbound text messaging, turn-by-turn navigation and location sharing (via Facebook). Parents of young drivers will also appreciate the programmable geo-fence feature that alerts them when the car travels outside of defined areas.

In reviews, we found power from the base 1.6-liter engine to be merely adequate, a bit of a letdown considering the Veloster's sporty styling. Regardless of trim level, the Veloster's ride tends to be harsh on pockmarked roads. Thankfully, the turbocharged versions make the latter demerit easier to take, as their added kick makes for a fair amount of entertainment from behind the wheel.

Used Hyundai Veloster Models
The Hyundai Veloster debuted for the 2012 model year in a single, well-equipped trim level. Unlike later versions, the base engine made 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque regardless of transmission. For 2013, the Veloster Turbo debuted. On the other end of the spectrum, the standard Veloster's engine output dropped slightly (to 132 hp and 120 lb-ft) when it was matched to the automated manual transmission. That year also saw the one-year-only RE:MIX Edition: a base Veloster spiffed up with a body kit and special wheels. Apart from trim level shuffling and lacking a few notable features (such as a standard rearview camera, and, for the Turbo, a torque-vectoring system), these Velosters are otherwise similar to the current models.

User Reviews:

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  The more I drive it, the more I love my Veloster - 2015 Hyundai Veloster
  By Edward Wronsky - April 29 - 11:19 am

  I would advise a potential buyer of a Veloster to lower your expectations and appreciate the car for what it is, not dwell on what it is not. My car has all the bells and whistles of my 2012 Optima in a smaller package. It is comfortable, easy to maneuver, convenient for schlepping, and great looking. Someone wiser than I once said its more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. My only reservation is the iPod shuffle performance. It must be reset about once a month, and likes to default to "reading" about once a week. Other than that, I am delighted with my purchase.

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  Fun and Unique Looking Car - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By gmtsinger - April 7 - 11:30 am

  I love this car and it certainly gets alot of looks. It rides well for its size and gets about 30 MPG mixed street and highway. Its noisey (hear the wind), when the sunroof is open but otherwise it is relatively quiet. I only have 2700 miles on it so its difficult to rate its reliability and total quality at this point. My only concern is with Hyundai service. Will the technicians be up to speed on this car when it comes time for service and troubleshooting issues, and will the dealership and hyundai honor their warranty. I also purchased the extended warranty as I tend to keep my cars long. The built in navigation system is challenging to use at times.

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  One fun little sporty econo-car - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By crzydmnd - March 22 - 4:23 pm

  To me, this car is the best combination of having good gas mileage (Im averaging around 33 MPG currently, mix of city and hwy) and good looks. Im partial to hatchbacks and this one is a looker. The interior quality is nice, nicer than the Mk4 VW Golf I owned in the past. The Dual Clutch transmission takes some getting used to (when you let off the brake, the clutch engages and car starts rolling, just like if you had a manual and put it into 1st gear). I like not having a "slush box" between the engine and wheels. Some people have complained about the lack of power. Sure, in 1st and 2nd gears it is fairly gutless, but once you get to 3rd it can really accelerate due to the low weight

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  Wow - Couldnt be happier!! - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By vanessa5 - February 10 - 11:03 am

  Just purchased the 2012 Veloster - Fully Loaded with Style and Tech package white/grey leather combo. This was the ACTUAL car at the OC auto show that I fell in love with less than 24 hours before! On the drive back to the office, I got SEVERAL blinding stares on the freeway, including a few waves as well and thumbs up signs! Im a bit of a car fanatic - this is actually my 3rd car in addition to a 350z and 2011 Ford Edge, and I can honestly say this car is as fun to drive as my 350z. Doesnt have the same power BUT the handling and grip to the road is superb. For having every option and getting out of the dealer for ~25k, I feel like this is a bargain and a HUGE bang for your buck!!

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  The Ultimate Mix of Sporty Luxury & Economy! - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By blackoutsbox - February 6 - 10:24 pm

  I have only had it for a few days now but I cant put into words the level of awesomeness of this car. This car is a bat mobile / tron futuristic spaceship rather than just a car. I havent even begun to toy with all the gadzillion features it has but I can say for certainty that a trinity of unique style, power, and economy have birthed this majestic wonder.

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  LOVE IT - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By rn3 - January 20 - 1:24 pm

  I love this car!! It is comfortable, stylish and love the touch screen. I have no problems with with acceleration. It is a 1.6 4 cyl, so it is what I expected. The inside is very cool and has the quality of a high end car. I have the style package and am completely happy with it!!!

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  Nothing like anything on the road. - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By edz3 - January 19 - 2:33 pm

  Exciting exterior design is what drew my attention. And the high fuel efficient engine was what got me hooked. Its been about 2 weeks since I bought the car and I have been pleasantly surprised by the sporty handling. I have owned faster turbo engined cars that cost more but never had this many features. I love how frugal this car is on gas. The GDI engine was designed for regular grade gas and it is very efficient as well. I easily get 40 mpg on the highway and it seem to be the most efficient around 45-60 mph. I love how the 6 speed manual transmission shifter just slides and clicks into position. The clutch travel is very short and smooth compared to other cars I have driven.

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  Diamond in the world - 2016 Hyundai Veloster
  By Jimbo - November 27 - 3:30 pm

  Brought this jewel home with 6 miles on the odometer! And can tell you its a true elite white diamond turbo so far!! Have almost 3500 miles on it already in 3 months already 2 road trips ! I to Sedona Arizona and its fast, quick, sporty enough handling, comfortable and does get a few looks!! Yes some nits are the transmission seems slow to respond probably my biggest gripe but its good on gas.the interior plastics on doors scratch easily. And visibility can be a hidden problem!! But hay for the money 24000 with rebates and fully loaded with the panoramic moonroof!!! I can hang with this diamond!!! Till next review enjoy!!! Im sold so far on the veloster turbo!!!

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  Nice car - 2016 Hyundai Veloster
  By Siu Wong - November 1 - 6:37 pm

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  my kind of car - 2016 Hyundai Veloster
  By Everette Cyr - October 21 - 2:36 am

  This car is a drivers car. It has a good weight to horse power ratio. It handles superbly. It is not over powered and it gets decent gas mileage. It is 4 passenger vehicle when needed. More suited for 2 passengers with plenty of cargo space for 2. I have taken one of these on a 400 + mile trip. It is very comfortable and road worthy on all highway conditions, the wind does not blow it around like other small cars I have driven. The Huyndai is noted for its reliability and I am planning on having this auto for many years. 26