Topic: Test Drive: 2015 Hyundai Veloster

[Autos_Editor]

Does Hyundai's four-door hatchback deliver on the promise of its sporty styling? (Yes, it does.)
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[redman]

Interesting design although not for me, still nice to see on the road from a design aspect. Seems like a polarizing vehicle whereby one either likes it or does not.
"Built on the same platform as the subcompact Hyundai Accent" no an accolade for a sporty car. Back seat looks like a challenge to get in but I'm sure this car is most likely considered a 2+2 seater.

[mixmanmash]

The article compares this to a Focus ST.  Wouldn't the Fiesta ST be more of a competitor?

[Jaeger]

Good review.  Not really m kind of ride - and if I were shopping for a hot hatch the GTI would get my coins.  But I can understand that a different demographic might find the Vdub to be totally boring and gravitate to something like this.

[aquadorhj]

friend of mine has one, and it's a... Hyundai. 

not saying it's bad, or good because of the badge.  I like the entertainment system, the design...

build quality and material could use some improvement though.

[conwelpic]

I recall reading on-line not too long ago that Hyundai was thinking of scrapping this model, but I guess not or giving it one last try.

[jyarkony]

The article compares this to a Focus ST.  Wouldn't the Fiesta ST be more of a competitor?

Jacob and I just had that conversation and I've updated the article. Fiesta is right... we also forgot our ever-popular competitors list:

<strong>Competitors:</strong>
Chevrolet Sonic RS
Fiat 500 Abarth
Ford Fiesta ST
Honda CRZ
Mini Cooper S
Scion tC
Subaru BRZ

[Rupert]

   A young persons sporty car in an age of other stuff for young persons to enjoy. Sales volume is not in the books I think. We always hear about VW handling when looking at cars like this...it not being there. Well make it so...reverse engineer one. I suspect that with this attribute we would be comparing this with FRSs et al. As it is I suspect that cross shopping will still occur because maybe this has more creature comforts and maybe even be able to dust the other...not that I do any dusting other than the sideboard these days. This has a different sporty appeal and I am sure that the extreme handling is an over the top consideration...maybe for older folk now...would be tearaways of yore.
   I like it and this colour is great...exhaust pipes to die for done very nicely...hmm grab handles. Not quite a sports car somehow but maybe the attributes of that designation has changed in an age of the internet.

[Noto]

I can't forgive it for having limited outward visibility, but at least it's different and offers a lot of kit for not a lot of money.

My neighbour's kid has a non-turbo Velo and loves it, but it does appeal to me.

[JacobBlack]

The middle of the back seat is a potty. That's handy. 

[tooscoops]

i really like the looks of these.. pre-kids, i was looking at one for my wife... wanted a usable if needed back seat, stick, hatch and fun (more in style than performance)... this fit the bill for sure...

i think they are a nice little car, offer good bang for the buck and have personality which is something so few cars can claim. especially in that "first car" or student type pricing.

i picture a lot of adults looking back fondly on their days with a veloster. once grown however, i don't think it appeals nearly as much. too much is sacrificed to keep style and price as the key motivators.

i picture myself hunting for an old one for my kids' first car

[Noto]

That's just it - as a kid's car, it's distinct. For the same price, you can get the usual Civic/Corolla, but it's not going to get your kid a ton of attention from the opposite gender...Lady Noto's first year in Uni was in. 528i, cuz FIL wouldn't allow her to be seen by boys in a Mazda3 

[tooscoops]

i rolled up in a brown lebaron convertible (kcar style)...

the ladies flocked like that salmon of capistrano.

gotta be different!

[Oldsguy]

I thought these had been discontinued. Initial sales buzz, then it fell off a cliff.

[Fobroader]

I sat in one of these at the car show.....the sightlines in one of these make a Camaro seem like a rooftop patio. Not bad looking, but man, I wouldnt want to drive one.

[tortoise]

<strong>Competitors:</strong>
Chevrolet Sonic RS
Fiat 500 Abarth
Ford Fiesta ST
Honda CRZ
Mini Cooper S
Scion tC
Subaru BRZ

I would choose every one of these cars before the Veloster.

[Rupert]

Actually, I see quite a few of these on the road....of various engine content I suppose.

[Patrick_D1]

I thought these had been discontinued. Initial sales buzz, then it fell off a cliff.

Not sure where you got that idea. Sales are 3,335 units as of November 30, more than any direct competitor.

[dkaz]

<strong>Competitors:</strong>
Chevrolet Sonic RS
Fiat 500 Abarth
Ford Fiesta ST
Honda CRZ
Mini Cooper S
Scion tC
Subaru BRZ

I would choose every one of these cars before the Veloster.

Even the tC?

[Sir Osis of Liver]

My next door neighbour has a charcoal Veloster Turbo. His was out of commission for a few weeks, but the dealer arranged for a loaner, which was pretty good I thought. I'm not sure what the fault was, but it was warranty work. Aside from that he likes it quite well.

I like the look. I agree with the author that the suspension needs sorting, but the rest is pretty well done.