The 2017 Hyundai Veloster rides on a platform based on the Elantra sedan, but all similarities end there. The Veloster is not only a visual departure from the rest of the Hyundai lineup, it is a segment-defining look sure to draw lots of attention.
One of its most obvious attributes is its unusual door design, with a single large door on the driver's side and two smaller doors for passengers on the opposite. Beyond that, the Veloster is a sporty hatchback powered by a choice between a pair of 1.6L direct-injected 4-cylinder engines. The standard unit features continuously variable valves, helping to produce 138 horsepower and return an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The turbocharged engine produces 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, while still achieving 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
A 6-speed manual transmission puts power to the front wheels and is standard on base, Turbo R-Spec and Turbo Velosters. A 6-speed EcoShift dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters is standard on the Veloster Value Edition, while a 7-speed dual-clutch unit is optional on the Turbo.
The Veloster is available in four trims, Base, Value Edition, Turbo R-Spec, and Turbo. Base Velosters come with heated power side mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, a dual-centered chrome-tipped exhaust and a rear spoiler with LED brake light incorporated into it. The Veloster Value Edition includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a panorama sun roof, eight-speaker premium audio system, touchscreen navigation, and more. The Veloster Turbo R-Spec distinguishes itself with a unique front fascia, sport tuned steering, mirror-located turn signals, projector headlights with LED accents, fog lights, LED taillights, alloy pedals, and unique R-Spec badging. The Turbo is outfitted similarly to the R-Spec but adds luxury items like leather seats.
Inside, the Veloster comes with air conditioning, power accessories, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, a 6-speaker CD/MP3 stereo, a 7-inch high-resolution LCD touchscreen, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and Hyundai's Blue Link, a telematics system that allows for location sharing and hands-free texting, remotely locking or starting the car and flicking the lights to help find it in a parking lot. As a safety feature, the system also includes SOS Emergency Assistance, which can request help when a collision is detected.
Veloster Turbo models come with a few additional interior features, most notably leather seats, a graphite black interior theme with blue accents and heated seating surfaces for front seat occupants.
Turbo R-Spec features the standard Turbo's turbocharged 1.6L engine mated to the 6-speed manual transmission, but with no available automatic. The R-Spec gets some chassis upgrades, including stiffer springs, tuned steering and a B&M racing shifter. The R-Spec also loses the standard proximity key system, heated seats and leather. The net result is a base price that is $1,000 less expensive than the standard Turbo model.
Like all Hyundais, the Veloster emphasizes safety, with stability control, traction control, stability management, anti-lock brakes, a tire pressure monitor and a full host of airbags.
For 2017, Hyundai adds a Value Edition trim to the Veloster lineup. It is powered by the 132-horsepower 1.6L 4-cylinder engine found in the base Veloster and adds a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission along with 18-inch alloy wheels and a sunroof. It carries an MSRP of $21,350.
Hyundai is blurring class lines with the Veloster. It's got doors like a coupe yet it's shaped like a hatchback. No matter what it's called, the Veloster is designed to win over just about everyone. With attractive and unique asymmetrical styling and a sporty demeanor, the Veloster is loaded with standard features that set it apart. Add to that best-in-class interior volume and high-quality materials, with a base price just over $18,000, and the Hyundai Veloster is hard to beat.
