The 2013 Hyundai Veloster rides on a platform loosely based on the Elantra sedan, but all similarities end there. The new car 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 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 standard 6-speed manual transmission puts power to the front wheels. A dual-clutch 6-speed EcoShift automatic with paddle shifters and hill-assist is optional.
The Veloster is available in two trims, Veloster and Veloster Turbo. Standard 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 Turbo distinguishes itself with a unique front fascia, sport tuned steering, projection headlights, mirror-located turn signals, 18-inch alloy wheels and fog lights.
Inside, the Veloster comes standard 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, as well as remotely locking or starting the car and flicking the lights to help you find it in a parking lot. As a safety feature, the system also includes SOS Emergence Assistance, which detects when you have been involved in a collision, then locates your position and requests help.
Veloster Turbos 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.
Popular options on the base Veloster include automatic headlights, 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sliding sunroof, navigation, a big stereo and leather seating. For those looking to stand out, the Veloster Turbo is available with a very trick matte gray paint job, further differentiating the Veloster from just about every other car on the road.
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.
While the Veloster was all new for 2012, Hyundai has still been hard at work trying to make the Veloster appeal to an even broader audience. A high performance version is brand new for 2013 featuring a much more powerful turbocharged engine. Simply dubbed the Veloster Turbo, the new car is faster, handles better and includes more upscale features.
Hyundai is blurring class lines with the Veloster. It's got two doors like a coupe yet it's shaped like a hatchback. No matter what you call it, 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 $17,000, and the Hyundai Veloster is hard to beat.
