Overview:
This is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster R-Spec M/T 3-door coupe. This and other competitors noted below appeal to the younger driver during the ages 16 and 25 or so, in my opinion. Why 25? Because that is when cars cease to be the most important defining thing in a young life and young men especially, are more likely to be looking at marriage… kids and car seats.
General Information: It is assembled in Ulsan, Korea; Parts – US/Canadian 0%, Korea 94%; Engine & Transmission – Korea; Classification is Compact Cars. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra Coupe, Elantra GT, Equus, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, Tucson and Veloster.
Handling & Performance:
This Veloster features Torque vectoring which is a new technology in the differential to transfer engine torque to the wheels. Torque vectoring technology provides the differential with the ability to vary the power to each wheel. It is popular in all-wheel drive vehicles but also is employed in some newer front-wheel drive vehicles like this Veloster. This feature allows for the wheels to grip the road for better launch and handling.
Styling:
Nice lines and I like the sporty touches on the interior seating stitching. Again, I believe it appeals to the younger set from my experience. Young people, mostly guys of course, are obvious when they gawk at these need for speed looking cars.
Fit and Finish:
Very well assembled and well-fitting components in this price range. As you may recall that has not always been true. Earlier cars in all brands were really pretty sloppy fitting.
Cost:
All the cars in this segment noted are nearly identically priced.
Conveniences and comfort:
Pretty basic features on the car I reviewed. But it is, overall, a comfortable car to drive. I put 100+ miles a day on a car and I notice when it doesn’t meet reasonable standards of comfort. However, the Manual Transmission will not be to the liking of many and most youthful drivers don’t even know what a manual transmission is.
It did not include conveniences I appreciate such as Smart Cruise, crash avoidance and other warning sensors that are becoming more commonplace. It does, however, include Stability Control and traction control and ABS brakes with Brake Force Distribution. No NAV but my phone and most likely yours has Nav.
Consumer Recommendations:
If you are looking for a performance / sporty car this is the best of the competition noted and recognized in the industry. However, I think it can effectively compete with more upscale sports cars like: Mazda MX5 Miata – over $25,000, Scion FR-S – over $25,000, Subaru WRX – over $26,000, Ford Mustang – over $24,000 and even the Nissan 370Z which is over $29,000.
Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Veloster $22,000, MINI Hardtop $22,000, Volkswagen Golf $21,000, Fiat 500 $21,000.
Good News:
Fast and furious fun ride, 3-door convenience for rear seating, good pricing for a sporty performance car.
Bad News:
Limited space and limited use application and thus limited to a more youthful consumer.
Standard Equipment:
1.8 liter Turbo GDI 201 hp 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, sport tuned suspension, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with electronic brake assist and brake force distribution, torque vectoring control, stability and traction controls, front, front side and side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitor, 18” allow wheels, fog lights, LED taillights and rear wiper, air conditioning, 450W sound system with external amp with subwoofer, CD, MP3 with 8 speakers Siius XM radio, iPod / USB and Aux input jacks, 7” Multimedia touchscree monitor, rearview camera, remote keyless entry with alarm, leather bolster seats, steering wheel monted cruise, audio and phone controls, bluetooth hands free phone system, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, 60/40 split folding rear seat.
Gas Stats:
$2.95/ Gal avg. July 22, 2016
for more information.
25 City and 33 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $21,680.