Author Topic: Test Drive: 2016 Hyundai Veloster Rally Edition (Read 29115 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** February 12, 2016, 06:30:36 am »

Veloster, how it should have been.
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quadzilla · « **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2016, 07:24:12 am »

Nice write up...

Quote

Of course, something had to give and in this case, fuel economy was the victim. If in my Veloster I can normally get a 7.8L/100km in-city average in the winter, the Rally got me an average hovering around 9.8L/100km. And of course, no cheap fuel for this ride: the turbo requires premium for its higher octanes.

Would be nice if EPA numbers were included. Fuel economy is very different for ever body.

I really like this car, think I would get tired of the matte paint after a couple of years though. But for the price I'm sure I'd still pick a 3 door GTI over this.

JacobBlack · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2016, 07:44:48 am »

Quote from: quadzilla on February 12, 2016, 07:24:12 am

Would be nice if EPA numbers were included. Fuel economy is very different for ever body.

EPA Numbers now added.

SabrinaGiacomini · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2016, 07:54:34 am »

You request, we address!

Many people would agree that the Golf is a great option in the segment. Even I don't have an argument against that. But considering how affordable the maintenance of the car is and how reliable I have found the Veloster to be 4 years in, I guess I could say that the Rally would be a strong contender were I to replace my personal car.

quadzilla · « **Reply #4 on:** February 12, 2016, 08:01:52 am »

Quote from: JacobBlack on February 12, 2016, 07:44:48 am

Quote from: quadzilla on February 12, 2016, 07:24:12 am
Would be nice if EPA numbers were included. Fuel economy is very different for ever body.

EPA Numbers now added.

Quote from: SabrinaGiacomini on February 12, 2016, 07:54:34 am

You request, we address!

Thanks!

safristi · « **Reply #5 on:** February 12, 2016, 08:03:35 am »

I'm confused,,,IT STILL only has the power of the TURBO...thats NO RALLY REALLY..just a minor do over

Jaeger · « **Reply #6 on:** February 12, 2016, 08:11:20 am »

Quote from: quadzilla on February 12, 2016, 07:24:12 am

Nice write up...

Quote
Of course, something had to give and in this case, fuel economy was the victim. If in my Veloster I can normally get a 7.8L/100km in-city average in the winter, the Rally got me an average hovering around 9.8L/100km. And of course, no cheap fuel for this ride: the turbo requires premium for its higher octanes.

Would be nice if EPA numbers were included. Fuel economy is very different for ever body.

I really like this car, think I would get tired of the matte paint after a couple of years though. But for the price I'm sure I'd still pick a 3 door GTI over this.

I'd take a GTI as well. But let me say this, that matte blue paint is off-the-hook cool in person. I recently dragged wife and child in to look at the Genesis Sedan and struggled to pry them away from the matte blue Veloster

- they were climbing all over that thing.

And frankly, I wish that the GTI offered a bit more visual excitement. I don't need it to be nearly as boy-racer as the Veloster, but just as you think you might tire of the blue paint after few years, I think I might tire of the near complete lack of visual interest offered by the current GTI even sooner.

So it might be an electric Smurf-blue Volvo V60 Polestar that I really need.

dirtyjeffer · « **Reply #7 on:** February 12, 2016, 08:40:47 am »

i remember when the veloster first came out...looking all fast and furious...then people complained it "looked" the part, but with its Kia Rio engine, didn't play the part...so Hyundai has kicked it up a notch with the Turbo and Rally Edition, giving people more power and style...then they complain about fuel economy...how surprising.

as well, none of the turbo engines in the Hyundai/Kia line up recommend premium fuel...they are all designed to run on regular (but use a top tier fuel, no cheap crap).

JohnnyMac · « **Reply #8 on:** February 12, 2016, 09:18:39 am »

Personally I'd cross shop this with the Fiesta ST and Mini Cooper S. They're more comparable size. I've driven a Turbo model of the Veloster and wasn't overly "thrilled" with the power or handling.

Funny story, when I test drove the vehicle me and my wife noticed a strong burnt plastic smell. Upon returning to the dealer we discovered that the dealer plate the sales guy put on the back was directly in line with the exhaust, melting the plastic bag the plate was being held in.

I would probably choose the Fiesta ST over all these because it's so much more of a performance car. In fact I'd probably choose the Mini over the Veloster as well.

dirtyjeffer · « **Reply #9 on:** February 12, 2016, 11:48:43 am »

if i were shopping the "hot hatch" segment (which, admittedly i wouldn't be), it would be the Golf R, or maybe the GTI...nothing else interests me enough to buy in that segment.

Solstice2006 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 12, 2016, 11:49:28 am »

Nice write up Sabrina.

Can't believe you bought a car without a test drive, and now your work involves reporting car industry news and writing reviews.

I like the Veloster for it's uniqueness, available different engines. This rally edition (dumb name) seems like a waste. With it's relatively low sales to begin with, I can't see many selling. After a couple of years this matte paint (unless properly cared for) won't hold up. Most people don't handwash weekly.

JacobBlack · « **Reply #11 on:** February 12, 2016, 11:56:52 am »

Quote from: Solstice2006 on February 12, 2016, 11:49:28 am

Can't believe you bought a car without a test drive, and now your work involves reporting car industry news and writing reviews.

You never made mistakes when you were in your teens bud?

Fobroader · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2016, 11:59:39 am »

If they would have stuffed an LSD between the front wheels or made it AWD, the Rally badge would be deserved. For me this is like when Toyota dealers in Calgary tarted up a Tercel for the Stampede with stickers, different hubcaps and floormats....Great review as per usual!!

Nuttygent · « **Reply #13 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:00:07 pm »

As with my car I would never consider the Veloster a GTI, Focus ST competitor. Please...258, 270 ft-lbs in those vehicles pretty much crushes the 195 in the little 1.6 turbo. Even the 236 ft-lbs in the much lighter Mini rules that car out as a rival as well. I drove the Fiesta ST before buying my car, it's a great little car. You have to emphasize the "little" as it is a significantly smaller car. We the enthusiasts are the big winners at this time with so many great cars available.

SabrinaGiacomini · « **Reply #14 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:00:40 pm »

Quote from: Solstice2006 on February 12, 2016, 11:49:28 am

Nice write up Sabrina.

Can't believe you bought a car without a test drive, and now your work involves reporting car industry news and writing reviews.

I absolutely did!

I was already working with journalists at the time who all recommended it (despite the obvious lack of power) so I kind of knew what I was getting myself into lol. Kinda... And to this day I don't regret it. Yet.

And thank you!

dirtyjeffer · « **Reply #15 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:06:03 pm »

you should correct the comment about premium fuel though...it uses regular.

ChaosphereIX · « **Reply #16 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:07:46 pm »

I would take a Fiat 500 Abarth over this any day. More panache, more excitement, and better sounding.

Fobroader · « **Reply #17 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:13:21 pm »

Quote from: ChaosphereIX on February 12, 2016, 12:07:46 pm

I would take a Fiat 500 Abarth over this any day. More panache, more excitement, and better sounding.

Fiat, with its reliability??

Solstice2006 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:14:22 pm »

Quote from: JacobBlack on February 12, 2016, 11:56:52 am

Quote from: Solstice2006 on February 12, 2016, 11:49:28 am
Can't believe you bought a car without a test drive, and now your work involves reporting car industry news and writing reviews.

You never made mistakes when you were in your teens bud?

Of course, and still do, especially when I click on a review that you wrote!

Just a little weird, because she just got a job as an auto journalist, but didn't test drive a car?

Not the end of the world or anything, just saying.

SabrinaGiacomini · « **Reply #19 on:** February 12, 2016, 12:15:12 pm »

Quote from: ChaosphereIX on February 12, 2016, 12:07:46 pm

I would take a Fiat 500 Abarth over this any day. More panache, more excitement, and better sounding.

Better sounding, I'll give it to you. Though in the Abarth, it feels like you're sitting right on top of the exhaust pipe. More exciting, I guess we don't drive the same way :p