Hyundai Veloster Turbo

There really isn’t any direct competition for the Hyundai Veloster. Where else will you find a compact fastback hatchback with two standard right-side passenger doors, both hinged at the front, and only one on the left?  The answer is nowhere.

The door arrangement does make it easier for passengers on the right side to get into the back seat, at least in theory. The low roofline and large wheel well intrusion can complicate right side access for larger adults. Getting to the left side back seat requires the usual stoop and twist moves associated with other two-door coupes.   

The first Velosters arrived in America last year with a 138-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and the buyer’s choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automated manual, which, for all practical purposes, functions as an automatic. Performance was far from exhilarating.

This engine’s major weakness came in manual transmission models driven on the highway. Any acceleration while in sixth gear was met with an amazing level of mechanical apathy until the driver moved to a lower gear.

The new turbocharged model, with 201 horsepower available from its version of the 1.6-liter four-cylinder, solves this problem nicely. Unlike some cars, in which a turbocharged engine borders on wretched excess, this unit seems to fit very comfortably in the Veloster.

Performance with this engine is effortless and lively from any speed, with the 0-to-60 time coming to 7.4 seconds in our trials, down from the 9.1 mark we recorded with the previous engine.  The manual transmission has an easily-operated clutch and shifts nicely.

Much of this new model’s appeal is due to its highway performance, as it’s possible to accelerate without downshifting to fourth gear.  Hyundai has a six-speed manual transmission available, but it’s a conventional automatic as opposed to the dual-shaft automated manual used with the standard engine.

While Hyundai notes that the Veloster Turbo has its own “sport-tuned” steering, the suspension isn’t upgraded. Nor does it need to be. The Veloster handles very nicely, with a balanced feel in corners and a high level of grip. The electric power steering detracts from the driving experience, as it gives a dull and distant interpretation of what is happening at the front wheels.

The ride is firm and can be abrupt over some surfaces. Still, the Veloster is reasonably comfortable, even when confronting Connecticut’s worst-kept roadways.

The front seats are low but roomy and comfortable. The back seats are much less appealing for adults as the roofline limits head room and leg room is also an issue. One additional point: Care should be taken when closing the hatchback if there are passengers in the back seat to avoid striking heads with the liftgate. Cargo room is limited, but the rear seatbacks are split and fold.

The base Veloster is very nicely equipped, while the turbo is even more lavishly outfitted. Upgrades include leather upholstery with heated front seats, a lumbar adjustment for the driver, keyless access and starting, upgraded wheels and tires and the turbo motor with 63 more horsepower.  An Ultimate package, with a panoramic sunroof, navigation system, backup camera, rear parking sensors, automatic headlamps and a 115-volt power outlet is available as a $2,500 upgrade. The automatic transmission is $1,000 more.

Comfortable, responsive and now newly powerful, the Hyundai Veloster is a stylish competitor in the compact, hot-hatchback arena.

Paula Says

I had forgotten about the third passenger door on the right side of the Hyundai Veloster when we had it for review last year.

It’s really artfully hidden, with the outside handle part of the window trim. Why not just make the Veloster a four-door model, the way Volkswagen has done with the GTI?

Whatever the reasoning, the Veloster Turbo is a cute-looking car from both sides. And, given a choice between a two-door coupe or this three-door, I’d go for the third door.

Driving the car is enjoyable. I took to it immediately. It is quick, responsive and comfortable. The manual transmission is easy to use and the clutch is very nice. The trunk is small, but loading cargo is easy and the rear seats fold.

The front pillar is wide enough to block views at intersections for a shorter driver. Otherwise, the interior design is nicely done. The Veloster features a seven-inch touch screen that takes care of most audio and infotainment functions. I found it distracting.

However, the rest of the controls are easy to use.  Rear visibility is limited, suggesting that the rear backup camera should be standard, rather than part of a pricey options package.

Highway cruising is quiet with just a little road and wind noise. The engine, even in this turbo model, isn’t overly loud, which is a relief on longer trips.

Hyundai says that regular gasoline is acceptable in the turbo version. We averaged 26.1 miles per gallon, which is closer to the city rating than the highway EPA number.

Jim MacPherson is the host of "The Car Doctor" show airing Sundays at noon on WTIC-AM. Paula MacPherson is his wife and new-car review partner. Send comments, questions, suggestions in care of Special Publications, Hartford Courant, 285 Broad St., Hartford, CT 06115, or email otr@courant.com