2017 Hyundai Veloster Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What’s new

　　Joining the Veloster lineup for 2017 is the Hyundai Veloster Value Edition. The Value Edition features many of the options available in the Turbo, but is powered by the standard 1.6-liter engine.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　The 2017 Hyundai Veloster is a compact car with a unique characteristic: Instead of being a two-door or a four-door with a hatchback, it's a three-door. The driver gets one large door, and the passenger side of the vehicle has two smaller doors. Compared to a similarly sized coupe, it's a genius solution to the problem of being able to effectively access the rear seat in such a small car, and it works great. Combine that with its tech-heavy standard features list, the Veloster could be just the thing if you're looking for a small, distinctively styled car. But it's not perfect.

　　From a price perspective, the base Hyundai Veloster hangs with a crowd of equally fuel-efficient four-door hatchbacks. Most of them are roomier, more comfortable to drive and offer superior acceleration. The Veloster Turbo would seem to be a good solution to the above considering its 201-horsepower engine. But compared to other "hot hatches," performance is again underwhelming. Overall, we like how the Veloster stands out on the road but think you'll be happier with a more well-rounded rival two-door or four-door small car instead.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　Aside from a new well-equipped trim level called the Veloster Value Edition, the 2017 Hyundai Veloster line is pretty much the same as the 2016 model. We like how the Veloster stands out on the road but think you'll be happier with a more well-rounded rival two-door or four-door small car instead.

　　

Driving

　　The Veloster won't win any races, but the manual transmission works well. The dual-clutch automatic has sluggish shift speeds. Steering feedback is adequate, but the suspension has an unrefined feel to it. Buy a Veloster for its style and functionality, not for its performance.

　　

Comfort

　　The seats and ergonomics are fine enough, but the suspension needs some work. "Harsh" would be the chief complaint, particularly on the R Spec.

　　

Interior

　　Fit and finish is good for the class, and contrasting fabric and trim in the Turbo as well as the red fabric in the R Spec spice things up. Rear seat passengers will feel claustrophobic, as the heads of taller passengers can touch the back glass. Otherwise, the rest of the interior is conservative.

　　

Utility

　　With its funky three-door arrangement, the Veloster makes curbside passenger and cargo loading easy. Just make sure to duck, as it is essentially a low-roof coupe. The large hatch opening is deep but narrow. The rear seats fold down for even more space.

　　

Technology

　　As in all Hyundais, Blue Link is standard. This allows the Veloster owner the ability to set geo-fences, speed alerts, check maintenance timing, lock and unlock doors, and even contact authorities in case of an accident. It's easy to set up and works with an app on your smartphone.

　　

Which Veloster does zzdcar recommend?

　　For a 2017 Veloster, we like the Turbo R Spec best. It features the car's high-output turbocharged engine that best matches the car's sporty styling. You also get 18-inch wheels, a navigation system and an eight-speaker premium audio system. But the Turbo R Spec does have a fairly harsh ride quality. The new Veloster Value Edition is a good alternative. Though it doesn't have the turbo engine, it's more comfortable and comes with an impressive set of standard features.

　　

2017 Hyundai Veloster models

　　The 2017 Veloster is available in four trims. The base Veloster comes pretty well equipped with features. The new-for-2017 Veloster Value Edition adds premium features and options that are found on the Turbo model. The Veloster Turbo R Spec is the enthusiast's choice, with sport-tuned suspension, manual transmission and R Spec specific interior bits. At the top of the price range is the Veloster Turbo. It comes with the most luxury-oriented accoutrements, such as leather seating and heated seats, for not much more money.

　　Highlights for the base Veloster include 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (132 hp, 120 pound-feet of torque) powers the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.

　　The Veloster Value Edition upgrades to 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a premium eight-speaker sound system and a navigation system. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are also standard, and they control the standard six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.

　　If you want a sportier feel than the base Veloster offers, check out the Veloster Turbo R Spec. It's equipped more like the base Veloster but comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine (201 hp, 195 lb-ft of torque), sport-tuned suspension and steering, and a B&M short-throw shifter for the six-speed manual transmission. It also has an aerodynamic body kit, projector headlights and special interior trim.

　　At the top, the Veloster Turbo keeps the turbocharged engine and offers the dual-clutch automatic as an option. It also reverts to a more comfortable suspension setup. Inside, you'll find leather seating surfaces and an upgraded gauge cluster. You'll need to order the optional Turbo Tech Package, however, to get the panoramic sunroof, navigation system and dual-zone climate control.

　　

2017 Veloster Highlights

Trim: w/Black InteriorValue EditionTurbo R-SpecTurbow/Black Interior

　　

Base MSRP	$18,100
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$126/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles