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:

• 

  Veloster Turbos craze - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By Sandra Sartain - March 15 - 2:49 pm

  Love this car to death!!! I cant find but one thing wrong with it... The freaking resale value!

• 

  FUN SPORTY VALUE WITH ECONOMY TOO - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By justcarrie - February 17 - 5:48 am

  Just purchased a REMIX Veloster. Love this car! So far its been great. First new car in 7 years going from a Hummer H3 to this was a change but a very welcome one. I test drove several competitors and found Hyundai to have the best quality, price, styling and warranties that are fantastic. The dealership was awesome...best new car buying experience ever. I wanted economy and hope to see it soon in my pocket book. It is not a speed demon...I dont need the tickets either! It has plenty of power to get up and go. Want more power get the Turbo just save money for tickets! :)

• 

  Fun Car_No issues with speed - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By attaymik37 - December 6 - 4:20 pm

  I researched the Veloster so when it was time to look they were just coming in and I didnt want the base model. Being my impatient self, I bought a Genesis Coupe (big mistake--different review) in Oct; just traded it in yesterday for the car I should have had in the first place, a black Veloster. The ride is smoother, more comfortable and the amenities are outstanding for a car in this class and price range. No disrespect to the Genesis (Coupe) but this car suits me so much better and I couldnt be happier!

• 

  Fun car! - 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  By mh200 - June 30 - 6:12 pm

  Test drove several cars from Honda, Scion and Toyota. BORING! Reporters please Stop comparing to a CRX. May I remond you how much you all complained about the styling among other things? The Veloster does many things well and yes it is a quirky car to drive. So what do you get? You get a car that is sporty, different, great gas mileage, huge cargo area, great foot room, awesome features and a blast to drive! It feels much faster than the numbers suggest (though off line is not great) but this is why it turns over those great gas numbers. This car is no Acura, BMW or mini and should not be compared at this price point. I love mine and FYI my other car is a BMW!

• 

  Great drivers car, Style and Tech packages - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By ittazvic - June 12 - 8:40 pm

  I just turned 200 miles and the car is great. The shifter and clutch are light and accurate. The car is quiet and the ride is excellent. The car feels solid over bumps with no sqeaks or rattles. I thought the car would ride hard because of the 18" wheels and low aspect ratio tires but it is truly comfortable. Im coming out of a 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S w/manual and this car is so much better. The Mini was disappointing because of torque steer, rough ride, numerous squeaks and rattles and noise. The more I drive this car, the more I like it. The power is not as much as in the Mini but the car is surprisingly fast for the power rating. Drive this car before buying anything else.

• 

  Veloster beats every other car in its class - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By turboxxiii - May 5 - 4:55 pm

  I saw one of these on the road... stopped to test one on a whim one day when I was off work early... went back the next day and bought an electric blue one with the auto shifting double clutch. This car rules. I went and looked at other cars in this class, they cost more, and feature less. I took it on a 1600 mile road trip a week after buying it. The car saved my life from some crazy road rager, we drove circles around him. Powerful, fleet, surefooted, sexy and paying me back every time I go to the pump. Awesome!

• 

  A great car at a great price. - 2016 Hyundai Veloster
  By Bruce Hinman - April 6 - 9:46 pm

  I looked at a lot of cars on the internet and read many reviews. The car I selected was the Hyundai Voloster, the price and the quality of the car is the reason. Got a great deal on 2016 close out, a vitamin c color turbo. The car sounds great on start up, I like a little noise from the pipes. The engine is smooth, the transmission takes some getting use to. The salesman said to help with the turbo. Took a trip at about 400 miles and was getting 39.6 mpg on highway. I really like the car, it does have some blind spots. But mirror adjustment solved that.

• 

  Buyer Beware - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By madnmas1 - March 23 - 6:50 am

  My husband bought the Veloster in 2012. He needed a car that had good gas mileage but with a somewhat sporty look. To give you an idea, next month will be a year and it already has 25k miles on it. Long story short within one week the car died, antifreeze everywhere, and they had to replace the gasket. It started shaking real bad and Hyundai did not want to let us trade it in. We went the BBB route and did not win. Took it in recently for FOUR recalls..the sunroof is known to shatter at high way speeds, the rear calibers had to be replaced and were a safety issue, the mileage was misadvertised and now we get a refund check for mileage every so often Buyer Beware. Run as fast as you can.

• 

  No Go - 2012 Hyundai Veloster
  By stoz - March 9 - 10:10 am

  Ive had my Veloster for a little over a year and have driven 37,000 miles with it. I purchased this car because I needed something with great fuel economy, which I believe I got with the Veloster. It looks cool and looks like it would be fun to drive. It is neither. When I test drove the car I figured I could get used to the power issue and just thought of all the money I would be saving in gas. The trade off was not worth it.

• 

  Rally Edition value for money - 2016 Hyundai Veloster
  By GOV - January 23 - 6:34 am

  Performance for the money is great. There are other cars in the segment that cost about the same with similar performance (and maybe a little better performance). That said, you have to like the way the car looks. The other comparable cars I didnt like the looks. If youre a fan of the Velosters looks you will not be disappointed if youre purchasing a turbo. If you just like the way the car looks and buy the normally aspirated model and are looking for economy, not a bad car. What you get is pretty good if youre just driving on the street and not the track (turbo model). Lots of power to get you in trouble on the street if youre not careful. This is a fast car. The rally model comes with JDM wheels that would cost over two grand to add to any other car, but are included on that model. Handling is stiff on the rally. If youre looking for a very comfortable car, buy the normal model or a different car. These cars are set up for a sporty ride and can be harsh over bumps. Handling around really tight corners is not great. Its not bad, but this car shines more on the longer, faster corners. On the freeway its excellent. Freeway passing power is up to the job even if the speed limit is 85 MPH. The manual transmission is very slick with the B&M short shifter. Its really good but takes a little getting used to. If youre new to manual transmissions it can be difficult to start out in first gear until you do it a few times. Ive killed the engine a couple of times and I have a lot of manual trans experience. With the modern twin scroll turbo it has lots of low end power. Punch it at any RPM and it goes. The interior is pretty nice for a car on the cheaper end. Leather seats, infotainment, steering wheel mounted stereo controls, back up camera, 450 watt sound system with subwoofer. The stereo will blast your eardrums out if you want it to. The third door is great for grocery getting and lots of space in the hatchback if you lower the back seat. I come from a background of mostly JDM cars. This is my first Korean car and Im impressed. The fit and finish is not as good as on some JDM cars but it is a minor annoyance. Youre also not getting the power for price from those vehicles. One word of warning: Matte paint. If you buy the matte painted version of this car you will get non stop attention from other car enthusiasts. You will also get a non stop headache. You cant take it through a normal car wash. It has to be hand washed. Hyundai does include a nice kit to wash and protect it with, but its not like owning a normal car. If you really, really, really like matte paint then buy it but know that its going to be some work to take care of. They even make you sign an agreement! The rally is the ultimate edition and only 1200 were made. If thats your thing it is definitely worth the price. In fact, I think its worth more than what I paid.