Hyundai Veloster wows with curves and fuel economy

Creating a vehicle that has coupe-like styling, hatchback-like functionality, is filled with technology and that appeals to the masses would be quite an undertaking. But for the engineers and designers at Hyundai, the challenge wasn’t too great.

In fact, with the introduction of the all-new 2012 Veloster, the three-door includes all of the above items and then some.

Design

To call the Veloster bold in appearance would be an understatement. Hyundai’s designers went to great lengths to make this vehicle look like nothing else on the road. And they’ve done it. Furthermore, it’s their most aggressive implementation of their “fluidic sculpture” design language to date.

My favourite part of the Korean automaker’s front-wheel-drive vehicle, from the outside, is definitely the rear end. The centre-mounted dual exhaust pipes, combined with a rotund rear fascia make it curvy-licious! Additionally, the wraparound taillights further add character to its already dynamic road presence.

The only qualm I have with its sultry posterior is the limited visibility out the rear window. Luckily, the Veloster comes standard with a rear-view camera to assist when parallel parking or backing up. Without that, it would be somewhat of a challenge to see behind you.

Moving from the outside in, the cabin is extremely well executed. Its focal point lies within its standard seven-inch touchscreen media hub, which allows you to stream music, browse through photos, and play videos - when the vehicle is stationary - along with a host of other features. With the tech package, you also get a navigation system and sound system with eight speakers and a subwoofer. This four-seater is not short on tech toys, that’s for sure!

Performance

The Veloster uses the same engine as the Accent. Looking at the figures, it’s not a lot of power. But along with its modest displacement engine comes some amazing fuel economy - 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway, a number that reaches into hybrid territory without the hybrid price.

When pairing the 1.6-litre engine with Hyundai’s EcoShift dual clutch transmission, estimated city fuel results improve to 7.0L/100km. Having tested both transmissions, it’s a tough call as to which I like better. The DCT makes city driving more convenient, but the six-speed manual is pretty darn good, too. Gear throws are a little long for my taste, but they aren’t uncomfortably stretched out by any means.

Mind you, if you’re looking for more performance out of the Veloster’s powertrain, a Turbo variant is making its way down the pipeline, so stay tuned for that.

Driving/Utility

Driving the Veloster proved to be a positive experience. When behind the wheel, admiring the fit and finish of the cabin wasn’t hard. And even with all of the technology laced within its seams, it’s very easy to operate the various buttons and controls that grace the centre stack.

Cabin noise is kept to a minimum when at higher speeds, therefore allowing me to enjoy the music emitted from the premium stereo system. This helped me make my drive time just that much more enjoyable.

Stability in corners wasn’t a problem as the Veloster’s front MacPherson struts with coil springs and rear torsion axle with coil springs suspension allowed for agile handling.

When it comes to loading up the cabin with people or stuff, Hyundai makes it easy-ish.

The inclusion of the second passenger-side door makes getting in the rear seats from that side much easier. That said, if you’re climbing into the rear seats via the driver’s side, it still takes a little bit of yoga-like moves to manoeuvre yourself in.