Pros: One-of-a-kind styling stands out among compact cars; passenger-side third door provides a bit more passenger and cargo versatility than most sporty coupes
Cons: Sluggish acceleration with base engine; sloped roofline makes for poor rear visibility and subpar rear-seat headroom; not quite as agile as some sporty-compact competitors
CG Says: For 2017, Hyundai Veloster adds a new Value Edition model that includes navigation, panoramic sunroof, 18-inch wheels, and other equipment. Last year’s Turbo Rally Edition has been discontinued. Otherwise, Veloster is unchanged. Veloster is a sporty/performance car with an unusual three-door hatchback body. The third door provides passenger-side access to the back seat. Base and Value Edition Velosters are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. When paired with a six-speed manual transmission that engine develops 138 horsepower. With a six-speed automated-manual transmission the engine is rated at 132 hp. Turbo models have a 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that is mated to a six-speed manual or seven-speed automated-manual transmission. Veloster combines several attractive attributes into an outlandishly styled package. A reasonably roomy interior for 4 passengers, a large cargo hold, high-tech connectivity features, and respectable EPA numbers help Veloster stand out in its class. Plus, the third door is a novel touch that adds a tad more utility… at least among sporty cars. Base Velosters are disappointingly slow, but Turbo models deliver sprightly acceleration and crisper handling that are more in keeping with the car’s zany looks.
Class | Sporty/Performance Car |
Body Style(s) | 3-door hatchback |
Passenger Count | 4 |
Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Hyundai |
Nation of Manufacture | South Korea |
Base Prices | Base: $18,100 Value Edition: $21,350 Turbo R-Spec: $21,600 Turbo: $22,600 |
Base Engine 1.6-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower 138 (manual) or 132 (automated manual) |
Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
Avail. Transmission 6-speed automated manual |
EPA City Range (mpg) 27-28 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 34-35 |
Optional Engine turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower 201 |
Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
Avail. Transmission 7-speed automated manual |
EPA City Range (mpg) 25-26 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 32-33 |