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Once you get past the doors, you're left with a sporty, well-equipped hatch that handles extremely well. Photo Gallery
Chris Riley road tests and reviews the new Hyundai Veloster three-door.
Whether or not you're a fan of the doors, Hyundai's Veloster has plenty of appeal. Based on the price and plenty of standard features alone, it is sure to attract bargain hunters.
The addition of a turbo charged model later in the year will have the blokes drooling in anticipation. Prices start from $23,990 for the Veloster, or $27,990 for the Veloster + while the DCT auto adds $2000 to either.
DESIGN
Seats four (two in back). Same platform as Elantra. Same wheelbase but wider track, but sits 9cm lower. Draws it's inspiration from a high-performance sport bike, with black front pillars that give the glass the appearance of a motorcycle helmet visor.
THOSE DOORS
This is what all the talk is about. It has one door on the driver's side and two on the passenger side. It takes a bit of getting your head around, but there's a certain logic to it. The two doors are located on the kerb side which makes it safer in terms of exit and entry (unlike the Mini wagon).
In practice however the low roofline makes getting in and out difficult, no matter what side you approach from. And, while there's plenty of rear legroom, headroom is limited (more so with the sunroof). If you're tall you could easily bump your head on the rear window frame which is recessed into the roof above.
POWER PLANT
Just the one engine to start with, a 1.6-litre direct injection petrol four that produces 103kW of power and 166Nm of torque, the latter from 4850 revs. It's the same as the 1.6 litre engine in the Kia Rio, but a more powerful turbocharged version has already been confirmed for Australia with 150kW.
GEARBOX
Six speed manual or six-speed auto. The big news of course is the introduction of Hyundai's first twin clutch DCT transmission, a manual that operates just like an auto like VW's DSG box.
It's a pretty good effort and offers smooth, rapid gear changes, via the shifter or wheel-mounted paddles. But like all twin clutch boxes, it tends to get a bit confused in stop/start city traffic. DCT/manual produces same fuel economy at 6.4 litres/100km.
HOW'S IT GO?
Okay. Better on the flat than in the hills. It's high revving and doesn't have a lot of torque, but provided you keep the revs up _ it's not bad. In the manual the gap between second and third is too great and it can become unresponsive if you back off in third. Local suspension tuning has delivered a flat, firm controlled ride and the electric steering shines (probably the best yet we've seen from Hyundai).
SAFETY
Veloster scores a maximum 5 stars for safety. Comes standard with Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-skid Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) & Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) is also standard on DCT models.
GOODIES
The audio story is a strong one, with an 8-speaker system standard, including a separate amp and subwoofer. There's also a 7 inch touch screen, with a reversing camera, tyre pressure monitoring and rear parking sensors all of them standard.
VERDICT
We like it but the real test will be the response from the market. Once you get past the doors, you're basically left with a sporty, well equipped hatch that handles extremely well. We wouldn't bother with the more expensive Veloster Plus model, everything you want is in the entry level car. Too bad about the space saver spare.
HYUNDAI VELOSTER
Price: from $23,990
Engine: 1.6-litre four cylinder
Performance: 103 kw/166Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual and DCT, front-wheel drive.
RIVALS
Price: $34,990-$40,790
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine + electric motor, 91kW/167Nm (CVT), 174Nm (manual)
Transmission: Six-speed manual, CVT; front-wheel drive
Body: Three-door hatch
Thirst: 5.0 litres/100km, 118g/km CO2 (manual), 4.7 litres/100km, 111g/km CO2 (CVT)
Toyota 86- compare this car
Price: $35,000 (estimate only)
Engine: 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four cylinder
Transmission: six-speed manual or automatic, rear-wheel drive
Body: Two-door hatchback, four seats
Thirst: 8.0 l/100km, 7.7 l/100km (manual)
Renault Megane RS250- compare this car
Price: $46,990
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo petrol 4-cylinder; 184kW/340Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual: FWD
Body: Two-door hatchback
Thirst: 10.7L/100km tested
