Hyundai Veloster 1.6 GLS Sunroof Review: Split personality

What we like:

Distinctive looks

the vanity factor to those doors

well-equipped

GDI model offers better performance than early MPI models

What we dislike:

Doesn’t drive as sporty as its looks or character

some overtly racy styling details on the outside

too much chrome on the headlamps

engine can sound gruff when revved hard

Obviously, the Veloster’s rear passenger compartment can be accessed from either side of the car but it’s a no-brainer to enter via the driver’s side if there’s an extra door for easier access on the passenger side. Despite the convenience of the rear door, ingress and egress requires some gymnastics as the drooping roof line and hence the shape of the doors mean you’d have to bend your neck quite a bit to get into the rear compThe rear accomodates only two occupants as the seat bench features a console in the middle. artment. Once inside, headroom is again limited by the sloping roof while legroom is just about average for a compact coupe. The panoramic sunroof adds a sense of airiness in the cabin, which in turn helps rear passengers from feeling too claustrophobic. The boot is reasonably deep and well-sized – it isn’t any less spacious when compared to say, a Scirocco’s and split/fold seatbacks are standard as well.

Up front, the dashboard shares its basic flowing architecture with the Elantra’s and i45’s, and together with the door trims, once again shows off Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design themes and lines. The triangular door handles mimic the Scirocco’s while the grab handle like sides of the gear lever console harks back to the first generation TT’s. The sizable engine start button sits on the lower part of the centre console while a 7-inch LCD colour touchscreen infotainment system takes centre stage higher up.

For its price, the Veloster is a superbly equipped package. It comes standard with LED running lights, factory-fitted infotainment system, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, panoramic sunroof, 18-inch alloys and so on.

The direct injected GDI Veloster does not significantly offer more straightline speed than the MPI model we’ve previously driven but thanks to the new dual clutch gearbox and its more efficient nature, makes for an even more convincing affordable coupe model than the latter variant.

Credits: Story by Joe Yeo Photos by Raymond Lai