Hyundai Veloster (2012 – 2015) Review
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
Hyundai Veloster (2012 – 2015) Verdict
Coupe with clever extra rear side door. Prices start at £17,995. Available with new DCT dual clutch automatic. Turbo version from mid 2012.
Other coupes are more enjoyable to drive.
Find out more about the Hyundai Veloster (2012 – 2015)
If you thought the Hyundai ranged lacked a bit of sparkle and excitement then the Veloster is the car to change that. It's the first 'sports' car from Hyundai since the Coupe went off sale in 2009. But this is a very different car. For starters it's actually a three-door coupe. And that's not counting the tailgate. It has one door on the driver's side but has two doors on the passenger side, in a similar way to the MINI Clubman.
This makes getting in and out of the back a lot easier and means the Veloster is a viable option even if you have children. It works well and doesn't spoil the looks of the coupe either. And talking of looks this is one coupe that truly stands out. Unlike alternatives like the Vauxhall Astra GTC, the Hyundai isn't based on a standard hatchback, it's very much its own car.
The styling at the back may not be as successful as the front, but there's no denying that the Veloster is a distinctive car and one that stands out from other coupes. The engine line-up is simple with just one 1.6-litre petrol (confusing called a GDi). The standard version has 140PS while there's a turbocharged model with 186PS that feels considerably more sprightly and eager. The Veloster is also the first car to be available with Hyundai's new DCT double clutch gearbox. Enjoyable to drive and comfortable, the Veloster is a great all-rounder.
Prices start at £17,995 which is good value when you compare it to the competition and consider the list of standard equipment which includes Bluetooth, climate control and parking sensors. But perhaps the real clincher is the five-year/unlimited mileage warranty which comes as standard.
Reviews for Hyundai Veloster (2012 – 2015)'s top 3 rivals
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
Hyundai Veloster (2012 – 2015) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.6 GDi Blue Drive to 1.6 T-GDi Turbo
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 31–48 mpg
Driving the Veloster is an easy and pleasant experience. The ride is fairly firm which fits with the notion that this is a sportier Hyundai. It's a touch bouncy on bumpy roads but is forgiving enough on rough surfaces while the steering is nicely weighted too. Out on the road the Hyundai corners very tidily and fills you with plenty of confidence on more demanding routes.
As is often the case with modern cars, the steering could do wth a little more natural feel, but it's still very responsive and has a suitably sports feel to it. The Veloster is easily the best handling car Hyundai has made to date. Refinement is another big strength with little in the way of unwanted noise, helped by a triple layer sound pad behind the dashboard. The door handles have even been designed to minimise wind noise.
There's one engine in the line-up - the 1.6-litre GDi which, despite the name, is actually a petrol (a bit confusing we know). It's a lightweight all-aluminium engine that develops a healthy 140PS despite the absence of any turbochargers. It's a real revelation in the Veloster and has plenty of get up and go about it despite only a modest 167Nm of torque.
It's at its best when you work it a bit harder, but there's still plenty of eagerness at low revs and round town it's nippy away from a standstill. It's helped by an excellent six-speed manual gearbox with a delightfully positive shift, while at motorway speeds it's quiet enough to make long journeys fairly relaxed affairs. It's also efficient for its size with a claimed average of 43.5mpg although emissions of 148g/km are a touch high.
There is a Blue Drive version which comes with Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG), low rolling-resistance tyres and an alternator management system. This helps improve economy to 47.9mpg and cuts emissions to 137g/km - one tax band lower. Along with the manual gearbox a new dual clutch automatic complete with steering wheel mounted paddle shifts is available. Called DCT it is Hyundai's first ever twin clutch gearbox and costs an extra £1250.
The top version is the 1.6 T-GDi - a turbocharged version with 186PS and more torque - up to 265Nm. It's this increase in pulling power which has the biggest effect on the way the Veloster performs with far better in-gear acceleration and that extra sparkle that's somewhat lacking in the standard version. The Turbo is nippy too with a 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds while claimed economy is still decent at 40.9mpg.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 GDi | 44 mpg | 8.4–9.7 s | 148 g/km |
| 1.6 GDi Blue Drive | 48 mpg | 9.7 s | 137 g/km |
| 1.6 GDi DCT | 44 mpg | 10.3 s | 145 g/km |
| 1.6 T-GDi Turbo | 41 mpg | 8.4–9.7 s | 157 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Hyundai Veloster (2012 – 2015)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
96%
Real MPG
31–48 mpg
MPGs submitted
41
Hyundai Veloster (2012 – 2015) interior
- Boot space is 440–984 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4220–4250 mm |
| Width | 1790–1805 mm |
| Height | 1399 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
What's really unusual about the Veloster is the three-door design. The driver's side has one standard door, but on the passenger side there's a front and a back door. It may seem like a gimmick but it does actually work. It means that the Veloster still looks like a coupe, especially as the rear door has been designed with a 'hidden' door handle. And it makes getting in the back so much easier, especially as the door open wide. And unlike the MINI Clubman it's on the correct side for us in the UK.
There's a surprising amount of space in the back too. The Veloster may not look that big but it's roomy inside and even six-footers will find decent leg room in the rear. Head room isn't so good due to the low roof and the fact the tailgate glass starts so far forward, so weirdly you sit under the rear windscreen. There's a large boot though and despite a high load lip, it will carry plenty of shopping and even the odd suitcase or two. For a coupe that's only four metres long, the Veloster has a surprising amount of space inside.
Interior quality is impressive as is the design. It looks smart and is well laid out with everything easy to use. The seven-inch touchscreen system that controls the stereo (and sat nav if you opt for it) comes as standard as does Bluetooth, an iPod input and climate control.
The only slight let down is the indicator and wiper column stalks which are a bit dated compared to the rest of the interior. Some of the plastics, such as round the handbrake, could be better too. On the plus side, the driving position is spot on with a low placed seat and plenty of adjustment in the steering, while the seats themselves give plenty of side support.
Standard equipment from launch:
Veloster comes with 17-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 tyres, body-colour door handles, body-colour bumpers, tinted glass with windscreen header band, front and rear fog lights, LED daytime running lights, remote central locking with deadlocks, electric windows front & rear, electric heated door mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, automatic headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, black cloth upholstery, climate control air-conditioning, RDS radio/CD player, iPod connection, steering wheel mounted audio controls, trip computer, height adjustable driver's seat, 60/40 split folding rear seat backrest, 7-inch touch-screen media centre, twin cup holders front & rear, centre console storage box with armrest, ESP electronic stability programme, front, side and curtain airbags, engine immobiliser and reversing sensors.
Veloster Sport adds 18-inch, 5-spoke alloy wheels with colour inserts and 215/40 R18 tyres, panoramic glass tilt and slide sunroof, black leather upholstery, heated front seats, cruise control, keyless entry with engine start/stop button and sports alloy pedals.
Optional Equipment includes metallic or pearlescent exterior paint, red leather upholstery and front door trim, media Pack (available on Veloster Sport only), satellite navigation system, rear view safety camera, premium eight speaker audio system with external amplifier and subwoofer.
Hyundai Veloster (2012 – 2015) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4220–4250 mm |
| Width | 1790–1805 mm |
| Height | 1399 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1236–1313 kg |
| Boot Space | 440–984 L |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Servicing | 10000–20000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £16,995–£22,120 |
| Insurance Groups | 16–21 |
| Road Tax Bands | E–G |
| Official MPG | 40.9–47.9 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until July 2017
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Coupe 1.6 GDI 140ps SE 4dr | £17,000 | 43.5 mpg | 9.7 s |
| Coupe 1.6 T-GDi 186ps Turbo 4dr | £22,005 | 40.9 mpg | 8.4 s |
On sale until January 2015
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 GDi 140 4dr | £17,000 | 43.5 mpg | 9.7 s |
| 1.6 T-GDI Turbo 140 4dr | £22,000 | 40.9 mpg | 9.7 s |
On sale until May 2014
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 GDi Blue Drive 4dr | £18,355 | 47.9 mpg | 9.7 s |
| 1.6 GDi DCT 4dr Auto | £19,255 | 44.1 mpg | 10.3 s |
| 1.6 GDi SE 4dr | £16,995 | 43.5 mpg | 8.4 s |
| 1.6 GDi Sport 4dr | £20,505 | 43.5 mpg | 9.7 s |
| 1.6 GDi Sport DCT 4dr Auto | £21,755 | 44.1 mpg | 10.3 s |
| 1.6 T-GDI Turbo SE 4dr | £22,120 | 40.9 mpg | 8.4 s |
Model History
- January 2011: Hyundai Veloster announced
- March 2011
- October 2011
- March 2012: Veloster Turbo announced
- September 2012
January 2011
Hyundai Veloster announced
The Hyundai Veloster differentiates itself from traditional coupes through its unique three-door configuration, which includes am additional rear door on the passenger side for added practicality and useability, giving safe and easy access to the rear seats. A hidden exterior door handle ensures the attractive coupe design is maintained. 4,220mm long x 2,650mm wide x 1,399mm high.
The car’s dynamic profile has been inspired by Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ form language. Distinctive black A-pillars give the glasshouse a striking appearance, set above unique character lines in the bodywork. Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille, bonnet scoop details, athletic wheel arches and wraparound headlights provide the Veloster with an assertive form at the front and side. At the rear a distinctive glass hatch and centre-mounted exhaust complete the sporty look.
The Veloster is available with Hyundai’s latest powertrain technology, including the company’s first six-speed double-clutch transmission. Equipped with Hyundai’s new, efficient 1.6-litre four-cylinder GDI petrol engine, the Veloster will be a coupe without compromise, offering driving enjoyment combined with high fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.
In Europe the Veloster will benefit from Hyundai’s industry-leading Five Year Triple Care package that includes a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, five years’ roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.
March 2011
Shown at Geneva. With Hyundai’s new six-speed double-clutch transmission and an efficient 140PS 1.6-litre GDI engine, the Veloster has CO2 emissions of just 137g/km, ther lowest of any petrol engined sport coupe.
October 2011
Hyundai announced full pricing, specification and insurance group ratings for the anticipated all-new Veloster. On sale in the UK in February 2012, prices from £17,995 on the road with an insurance group rating of 16E. Offers style, functionality and economy delivered with a high level of standard specification.
The Hyundai Veloster is available in two trim levels (Veloster and Veloster Sport) and powered by an efficient 1.6-litre four-cylinder GDI petrol engine, generating 140PS. It will be available with the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or Hyundai’s first dual-clutch transmission. Hyundai’s Blue drive technologies – incorporating Intelligent Stop & Go technology and low rolling resistance tyres – will feature in the Veloster line-up ensuring competitive CO2 emissions of 137g/km and a combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg.
Standard features, which set the Veloster apart from other competitor offerings are 17-inch alloy wheels, 215/45 R17 tyres a 7-inch Touch screen media centre (with capability of playing games through consoles and films from smart phones), Bluetooth Connectivity with voice recognition, climate control air conditioning, reversing sensors, front and rear fog lights and striking LED daytime running lights. The Veloster also features a stereo RDS Radio/CD Player with MP3/WMA compatibility and an iPod connection, with the ability to control all functions on the leather steering wheel for added convenience.
The Veloster Sport has 18-inch alloy wheels with colour inserts, 215/40 R18 tyres, black leather upholstery with heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide function, cruise control, keyless entry with engine start/stop button and sporty alloy pedals.
A media pack - containing touch screen satellite navigation with rear view parking camera, Parking Guidance System and 7 speakers including Amp and subwoofer – and red leather interior are available as options on the Sport only at an extra £1,100.
All Hyundai Veloster models are supported by Hyundai’s industry-best, fully transparent Five Year Triple Care assurance. This package offers five-year unlimited warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.
March 2012
Veloster Turbo announced
Powered by a 1.6-litre T-GDI engine. First model with Hyundai's T-GDI engine which is based on the standard 1.6-litre GDI engine but fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger. The new engine is designed to offer plenty of low down performance which is accessible in everyday driving. It has an air-guided intercooler and a direct fuel injection system. Acceleration from 0-60mph takes 8.4 seconds in the manual version which is 1.5 seconds faster than the standard non-turbocharged Veloster.
Veloster Turbo gets a quicker steering rack with revised calibration for more precision in corners plus better feedback through the steering wheel. The suspension has also been enhanced with a more sports focussed set-up. Same positive-shifting six-speed manual as the standard Veloster, but with a wider gear ration spread to handle the extra torque.
Other changes include a sport-tuned engine intake and exhaust with the angular central tailpipe of the normal Veloster replaced by two larger circular exhaust pipes, giving a louder sound. On the outside there are unique bumpers, a different grille plus a new rear spoiler and LED rear lights along with 18-inch alloys with chrome inserts.
September 2012
The turbocharged version of the Veloster 1+2 door coupe will be available in showrooms from September 24 priced at £21,995.
The Veloster Turbo SE is the first vehicle to feature Hyundai’s 1.6-litre T-GDI engine with a high-compression, twin-scroll turbocharger. To best suit European driving tastes and enhance driver enjoyment, power output has been boosted and low end torque increased.
It develops 186PS (184bhp) and 195lb ft (265Nm) of torque and is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission featuring wider gear ratios. This delivers a top speed of 133 mph and acceleration from 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds. Maximum torque is delivered between 1,500rpm and 4,500rpm and the benefit is a more engaging and responsive drive. Firmer dampers ensure improved body control.
As with all Hyundai powertrain offerings, efficiency has been maximised so in spite of increased performance, the Veloster Turbo SE offers CO2 emissions of just 157g/km with fuel economy of 40.9mpg on the combined cycle.
On the outside the Veloster Turbo SE retains the standard car’s unique 1+2 door layout but with the addition of visual enhancements designed to give the car an even more athletic and purposeful look. The front bumper, radiator grille and front fog lights are new to the Turbo. The rear also benefits from a revised bumper, which includes a new fog lamp design plus round twin exhausts and diffuser. A longer and wider rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light is included in the visual changes along with a red “Turbo” nameplate on the bottom right of the bootlid.
The Veloster Turbo SE offers new 18-inch alloy wheel designs with chrome inserts. These are complemented by a moulded side sill, which gives it a low and sporty stance. Three colour options will be available for the Turbo SE namely White Crystal (Solid), Phantom Black (Pearl) and another Hyundai-first a Matt Grey finish. The Pearl and Matt Grey paints cost £445 and £525 respectively. A tilt and slide Panoramic sunroof is available for £950.
Inside, the Veloster Turbo SE also receives an unprecedented level of added standard specification to make it the ultimate version in the Veloster range. It features re-designed leather seats with grey panels, with the “Turbo” nomenclature embossed on the driver’s and passenger’s seats. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable with lumbar support.
Hyundai’s 7-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system, incorporating media centre and reverse parking camera with parking guidance, comes as standard. With navigation, buyers also receive an upgraded eight-speaker sound system including amplifier and subwoofer.
As with all new Hyundai products, the Veloster Turbo SE is backed by the manufacturer’s fully transferable 5 Year Triple Care assurance package. This includes a five year unlimited mileage warranty, five years free roadside assistance and five years vehicle health checks.
What to watch out for
Report of 36,000 mile Hyundai Veloster exhibiting gear change noise in low gears and under load, sort of clanking when engaging gear. Previously had repair under warranty, garage went through all linkages and found nothing, but torqued wheel hub bolts. Noise is now returning after around 4000 more miles. Car has 36,000 total mileage. Probably the diff.
