REVIEW | Quick look: Hyundai Veloster Turbo-GDi

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Our rating:

“Much better than average. So, you’re better off with this one”

The gist:

Considered as one of the “Hot Hatches” available in the local market, the Hyundai Veloster is a unique-looking hatchback sport-coupe loaded with a Gamma 1.6-liter Turbo Gasoline Direct (T-GDi) injection DOHC engine. Considerably small compared to other sports cars, it’s still has a powerful engine with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with F1-type paddle shifters that provide enhanced fuel efficiency, improved driving quality, and reduced noise. Its Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) delivers comfortable and responsive power steering. The asymmetrical door configuration – a coupe with two front doors and a third rear passenger door on the right side – makes this car an oddball on the road, which is actually fine. Making all the difference in a sea of identical passenger cars. Safety system includes: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), and Rear parking assist system, B Pillar Impact Management System, front SRS airbags, and side and curtain airbags. It’s available in Sleek Silver, White Crystal, Dazzling Blue, Phantom Black, Sunflower, Vitamin C, and Veloster Red.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo-GDi

The good:

Preppy engine
Responsive steering
Sporty eye-candy design
Affordable compact sports car
Sunroof
Odd car on the road

The bad:

Limited rear view
Low-profile tires make a rough ride
Smoother transmission, please
Rear seats comfortable only for kids, maybe teens

Our verdict:

The Hyundai Veloster is a compact sports car with a unique touch — it’s supposed to be a two-door sports coupe but turns out that there’s another rear passenger door on the right side with it’s door handle hidden from view. Something, we’ve never seen before in a compact sports car. Although the Veloster first came to market in 2011, it was only two or three years ago that this car hit our shores. In 2017, it’s Turbo version comes at a time when newer versions of the 86s, BRZs, MX5s and even the CR-Zs are now running in the streets. Perfect timing? Probably. It’s uniqueness and quirky look may just be what the Veloster is going for, and for that alone it has achieved its goal. If you’re looking for something that is completely different from the others in traffic and still fun to drive, then the Hyundai Veloster is the car to choose.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo-GDi

Quick specs:

Variant: 1.6 T-GDi GLS 7A/T-DCT (Premium)
Transmission: 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission
Seating Capacity: Four (4)
Engine typr: 1.6 T-GDI (Turbocharged-Gasoline Direct Injection)
Displacement: 1591cc
Max. Power: ps/rpm 204 / 6000
Max. Torque: kg-m/rpm 27 / 1750~4500
Emission Rating: Euro 4
Steering System: MDPS (Motor-Driven Power Steering) + Flex Steer
Steering Column: Tilt and Telescopic
Steering Wheel: Leather; Audio, Bluetooth & Cruise Controls
Suspension (Front/Rear): Macpherson Strut / Coupled Torsion Beam Axle
Brakes (Front/Rear): Disc/Disc
Overall: 4250mm (L) x 1805mm (W) x 1405mm (H)
Wheelbase: 2650mm
Ground Clearance: 149mm
Gross Vehicle Weight: 1700kg
Curb Weight: 1300kg – 1360kg
Wheel and Tire: 225 / 40 R18 Alloy

SRP: 1,608,000.00