2012 Hyundai Veloster: A Sporty, Economical, Three-Door Hatchback

Highlights:  The Veloster is the only vehicle available in the market today as a three-door hatchback. This is also the first Hyundai to offer the brand’s Blue Link Telematics System, which enables the driver to stay connected via the web or through the use of today’s Smartphone applications to do everything from finding the lowest gas prices to monitoring the fuel-economy of the vehicle to automatically lock and unlock the doors to contacting first responders in case the
vehicle is involved in an accident.



Test vehicle’s MSRP: $21,300 (Base price start at $18,100)  

Seating Capacity:  4

Standard Safety Features: electronic stability control; ABS; front, side and curtain airbags; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment: 17-inch wheels; air condition with air filter; remote keyless entry; cloth manually operated seats; a 7-inch multimedia touchscreen, which provides real-time traffic, real-time weather, real-time sports and real-time stocks; and steering-wheel mounted cruise control

Standard Audio: a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Bluetooth Compatibility: Yes

MP3 Capability: Yes

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder/138-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 28-city/40-hwy (manual)

What’s New: This sporty, front-wheel drive, three-door coupe is all-new to the Hyundai line up for the 2012 model year.

Pros: The Hyundai Veloster is available in one trim level. Buyers can opt for either the fun-to-drive manual transmission, which was in the vehicle we reviewed, or an automatic transmission.  

The Veloster has a limited option list. Buyers can opt for the $4,000 Tech Package or a $2,000 Style Package to accessorize their Veloster.

The Style Package includes 18-inch color-coded painted wheel inserts, a chrome grille, fog lights, an oversized sunroof, alloy wheels and supportive leather-like seats and an 8-speaker premium sound system with an external amp and subwoofer.

And for an additional $2,000, which bring the Tech Package to a total cost of $4,000, buyers can expect everything found in the Style Package plus a rearview camera, a nav system, a push-button keyless starter, keyless entry and automatic headlights.

We recommend adding both if the budget allows or at minimum, adding the Style Package. By adding the Style Package, this still keeps the price right at $20,000.

Besides the noted options and features, the layout of the instrument panel resembles that of an airplane. Also with this being a three-door, rear occupants can enter from the right rear door without the front passenger having to make seat adjustments or they can treat this vehicle as a two-door and still enter the rear from the driver’s side, which slides and tilt forward.

Cons: With its current engine configuration, the sporty three-door hatchback is underpowered. However, we hear that Hyundai is working on a turbo model to compliment this mean looking machine. Furthermore, while we embrace the fact this this is the first Hyundai to offer Bluelink, we were unable to connect with a live operator for assistance.

Furthermore, the sloping roofline means that the average adult will have to bend their body like a rag doll (ok not quite like that, but you get the point) to enter into the rear cabin. Also the sloping rear roofline could possibly obstruct the view of the driver.

And for those looking for power seats, they can’t be found in the Veloster.

The Verdict: Overall Hyundai has done it again, creating another standout design. This fuel-efficient, stylish looking three-door coupe should attract a new-buyer to the brand. With the exception of a few minor gripes, which we noted earlier, the Veloster should be another home run for the Korean brand. The pricing is right and the brand’s warranty is one of the best in the industry.

Competition: Really nothing since this is a three-door vehicle.