Test Drive: 2015 Hyundai Veloster

The first thing I noticed when getting behind the wheel of the Veloster is that the seat is very comfortable. It gives good support, keeps you properly positioned and feels like it won’t make you tire on a long drive. The second thing I noticed is that the handle to close the door is positioned exactly where it should be, at arm’s length toward the front of the door. The seatbelt is attached to a plastic valet that places it at your left shoulder for ease of access. Everything felt like it was in the right place.

Once underway you find the gears are easy to locate, the shifter cooperative and clutch take-up flawless. So you can get going in a hurry, no problem. Steering is light and a bit vague, although the car is responsive enough. I found the power perfectly adequate. In normal driving, the Veloster motors along with the rest of the pack, but put your foot down and the turbo launches the car with gusto.

And as you come up to speed, the exhaust emits an entertaining note that perhaps overstates the pace at which you are accelerating. Don’t get me wrong, the Veloster’s not slow, but it sounds maybe a bit more dramatic than the experience warrants. It’s not a screamer, in other words. But it is a go-er.

2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, seating. Click image to enlarge

The suspension is the weakest point, struggling occasionally to manage broken pavement and irregular surfaces. It can be a bit noisy, a bit thumpy, mostly at the rear. Typically, however, the ride is smooth, controlled and quiet.

And yes, you can see out the back of a Veloster, although visibility to the rear and sides is not great. For backing up, the rear-view camera was a necessity, and not that Hyundai hasn’t already supplied enough equipment, but blind spot monitors would have been appreciated given that they’ve thrown in just about everything else.

Personally, I enjoyed much about the Veloster but I must say I liked its character the most – it’s pure style. There is the caveat about the suspension, and that’s only because I know that in a competitive car like the 2015 Volkswagen GTI, for instance, the suspension and handling are a genuine delight; the chassis truly setting the standard for this type of car. [I would cite the Mini Cooper S for this class. –Ed.]

2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo. Click image to enlarge

However, did I mention that the Veloster Turbo is fully loaded? You’ll pay much more from the competition for a vehicle equipped similarly to this car (easily over $30,000 for the GTI or a Mini Cooper S). And once more, it’s distinctive; you won’t be everyone else.

One more thing, the Veloster Turbo is rated to consume 9.7/7.0 L/100 km city/highway of regular fuel. My numbers were 10.4/6.3 L/100 km. 6.3 L/100 km! That highway mileage is better than I got a few years ago in a Honda CRZ hybrid…

Pricing: 2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Base Price: $26,749
Freight: $1,695
A/C Tax: $100
Price as Tested: $28,544
Note: at the time of this writing Hyundai Canada has reduced the price of all Velosters by $1,500

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