Hyundai Veloster 1.6 MPI Review: Opening new doors

What we like:

Distinctive looks

the vanity factor to those doors

well-equipped

What we dislike:

Needs more performance (should be solved by the GDI later on)

some overtly racy styling details on the outside

too much chrome on the headlamps

Inside, the Veloster’s 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 reminds me of the first generation TT’s. The neat looking main instruments are set deep in separate binnacles. 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. The screen displays settings and menus for various functions including a Blue MAX mode to encourage more fuel economical driving habits.

The driver’s seat is both comfortable and supportive while a thoughtful feature is the extended seat belt arm on the driver’s side – very convenient indeed as you’d have to stretch over your right shoulder to grab the belt in most two-door cars.

Obviously, the rear can be accessed from either sides 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 compartment. Once inside, headroom is once 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 and split/fold seatbacks are standard as well.

The Veloster is a fresh addition to the affordable coupe market. Its distinctive looks and style will make a bold statement in the market. A more powerful power train will be the icing on the cake – hopefully the upcoming GDI or the turbo can fulfill the Veloster’s potential.

Credits: Story and photos by Raymond Lai