NEW FOR 2015:
- New entry-level trim level
- New colour: Sunflower Yellow (non-Turbo)
Want a car with head-turning style that won’t break the bank? Hyundai’s Veloster could very well be the ticket. Thanks to a new base trim level which stickers at $17,999, it’s possible to put one on your driveway for just a hair over $20,000 after taxes. Not bad for a car that comes standard with direct injection, 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, all the power essentials, Bluetooth, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen display audio system. Budget buying just got a whole lot more interesting.
Elsewhere, the Veloster carries on without any major changes. With the introduction of this de-contented base-level trim, last year’s base model now becomes the mid-grade SE. Potential Turbo buyers coveting the Matte Grey paintwork should note that it’s no longer an extra-cost option.
Based on the Accent’s platform, the radically styled fastback offers seating for four with plenty of technology and equipment to appeal to those who desire connectivity and touchscreens over driving thrills. While the performance of the Turbo model may not be up to the same level as the VW GTI or Honda Civic Si, there’s still fun to be had.
Standard Velosters get a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine with 138 hp (132 hp with the optional six-speed dual clutch automatic); The Turbo gets a 201-hp 1.6L four-cylinder turbo with a choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Both have direct injection.
The Veloster features 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, heated power mirrors, 7.0-inch display audio system with six-speaker sound system, AM/FM/CD/MP3, air conditioning, Bluetooth, power locks, power windows, cloth upholstery, floor mats, front map lights, six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, sun visors with vanity mirrors, iPod/USB/auxiliary input, rear cupholders, multifunction steering wheel, tilt/telescopic steering, trip computer, and chrome dual centre exhaust.
The SE adds hood insulator, heated front seats, satellite radio, cruise control, proximity key with push-button start, one-touch auto up and down windows, sunglass holder, map lights, reverse camera, and reverse parking sensors.
Tech Package trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, panoramic sunroof, projector beam headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, mirrors with integrated turn signals, power driver’s lumbar support, heated steering wheel, 115V power outlet, 7.0-inch touch screen navigation system with eight speakers, alloy pedals, cloth/leather combination seats, high gloss black interior accents, and leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob.
The Veloster Turbo builds on the Tech Package and adds unique 18-inch wheels, Turbo grille, Turbo body kit, e-Limited Slip Differential, leather upholstery, and body-colour rear spoiler.
Turbo with Matte Paint adds blue interior trim accents and matte exterior paint.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
