2016 Hyundai Veloster Rally Edition M/T (1112)

Overview:

This is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster Rally Edition M/T Turbo. When I questioned the meaning of Veloster it made total sense when Hyundai said it was just a combination of “Velocity and Roadster”.

I also understand they will only produce 1,200. But then I agree there aren’t that many folks that fit the profile of owning this kind of car. The car’s springs and shock absorbers are tuned, and its six-speed manual transmission has a short-throw linkage from B&M Racing. That spells performance and if that is your thing and you live in the LA area you’re going to love this car. I test most cars over the roads in the mountains of Southern California because it is the best way to quickly reveal a car’s handling characteristics. You can’t get that driving the freeways of LA that most often look more like parking lots and wrecking yards.

I couldn’t have asked for more, since I love fast cars and not so fast women. This week’s testing reminded me of that old nursery rhyme that goes “Jack be Nimble Jack be quick…..”. I think you’ll be impressed with how quickly and smoothly it negotiates the curves. The turbo gives just the boost you need to get that old feeling of a serious sport car.

General Information: It is assembled in Ulsan, Korea; Parts – US/Canadian 2%, Korea 94%; Engine and transmission – Korea; Classification is Compact Cars. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Equus, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid,Tucson, Veloster, Veracruz.

Handling & Performance:

Outstanding in class with sportier springs, dampers and stabilizer bar. I never once felt vulnerable to the road but rather it gives a commanding stance and performance on the most challenging of road contours. It simply carves its own way confidently.

The 6-speed manual transmission is marvelous with a short throw shifter that is also hugely intuitive. It is, however, pretty common of today’s manual transmissions to direct your hand to shift into the right gear each and every time. You’d have to work hard to miss a shift or be in the wrong gear. If you’re under 50 years old you likely won’t relate to that statement but if over 50 you know exactly what I mean (if you’ve driven manual transmission cars of ‘yesteryear’.

Styling:

It’s not me in the style department but it is sure to excite the youthful driver and to boot it will fit most budgets. Kudos to the design people regarding the instrument cluster. Very nice and easy to read.

A recent review I did had a horribly hard to read speedometer and tachometer. I mentioned it as a weakness because people notice the small things. In this case it was difficult to read what speed you were driving. If it was an irritation after a few days of driving it would drive me crazy if I owned the car. That is NOT the case here with this Hyundai Veloster. In fact it was the prior car that made me appreciate how good this Hyundai’s instrument cluster was in contrast.

Fit and Finish:

Very good workmanship I find typical of all Korean made cars.

Cost:

Wow pricing (in a good way).

Conveniences and comfort:

To generalize it is obvious to me the demographic Hyundai is trying to reach is the youthful buyer. One indication is the 450 watt Dimension Premium audio system with external Amp and Subwoofer, AM/FM/ CD/ MP3 with 8 speakers to satisfy the need for noise. Some call it music.

Consumer Recommendations:

If you’re into performance this is truly a fun car to drive. Fiat is also very good in the performance / handling department. All the competitors are well priced and this is a small field of cars for you to test drive. All are well priced and economical to operate.

Recognized Competition:

Hyundai Veloster $24,000, Ford Focus $20,000, VW Golf $21,000, Mazda 3 $20,000, Fiat 500 Abarth $23,000.

Good News:

Priced well, fun fast sport car and good fuel economy.

Bad News:

More difficult to enter and exit than I like.

Standard Equipment:

1.6 liter Turbo GDI 201 hp 4-cylinder engine, twin scroll turbocharger, 6-speed manual transmission with B&M  Racing sport shifter, 18” lightweight alloy wheels, leather seating, Carbon Fiber look accents, stability and traction controls, ABS Electronic Brake force distribution with brake assist, TVC / Torque Vectoring Control,  4-wheel disc brakes Front side and side curtain air bags, tire pressure monitoring, front fog lights, rear spoiler, LED taillights, rear wiper, air conditioning, 450 watt Dimension Premium audio and external Amp with Subwoofer, AM/FM/ CD/ MP3 with 8 speakers, Sirius XM radio, 7”Multimedia touchscreen with rearview camera, remote keyless entry with alarm, steering wheel mounted cruise, audio and phone controls, Bluetooth hands free phone system, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, 60/40 split folding rear seat, emergency tire puncture kit in lieu of spare.

Gas Stats:

$2.77 Gal avg. November 1, 2015

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

25 City and 33 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $23,950.

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