Hyundai Veloster (2012 – 2015) Review

Hyundai Veloster (2012 – 2015) At A Glance

4/5

+Coupe with clever extra rear side door. Prices start at £17,995. Available with new DCT dual clutch automatic. Turbo version from mid 2012.

-Other coupes are more enjoyable to drive.

Insurance Groups are between 16–21
On average it achieves 97% of the official MPG figure

If you thought the Hyundai ranged lacked a bit of sparkle and excitement then the Veloster is the car to change that. It's the first 'sports' car from Hyundai since the Coupe went off sale in 2009. But this is a very different car. For starters it's actually a three-door coupe. And that's not counting the tailgate. It has one door on the driver's side but has two doors on the passenger side, in a similar way to the MINI Clubman.

This makes getting in and out of the back a lot easier and means the Veloster is a viable option even if you have children. It works well and doesn't spoil the looks of the coupe either. And talking of looks this is one coupe that truly stands out. Unlike alternatives like the Vauxhall Astra GTC, the Hyundai isn't based on a standard hatchback, it's very much its own car.

The styling at the back may not be as successful as the front, but there's no denying that the Veloster is a distinctive car and one that stands out from other coupes. The engine line-up is simple with just one 1.6-litre petrol (confusing called a GDi). The standard version has 140PS while there's a turbocharged model with 186PS that feels considerably more sprightly and eager.  The Veloster is also the first car to be available with Hyundai's new DCT double clutch gearbox. Enjoyable to drive and comfortable, the Veloster is a great all-rounder.

Prices start at £17,995 which is good value when you compare it to the competition and consider the list of standard equipment which includes Bluetooth, climate control and parking sensors. But perhaps the real clincher is the five-year/unlimited mileage warranty which comes as standard.

Hyundai Veloster 2012 Road Test and Video

Real MPG average for a Hyundai Veloster (2012 – 2015)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

97%

Real MPG

31–48 mpg

MPGs submitted

46

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Could you recommend an easily accessible car with a wide boot opening for my wheelchair?

"I'm a new wheelchair and crutch user who loves driving and this is done mostly alone. My 2003 Ford Fiesta 1.4 is great as the boot opening is wide enough to sit on, take the wheels off the chair and place in the shallow boot with the frame following. Also, there is a boot release on the dashboard a fabulous feature when your balance is shot on crutches. I'm planning for a car change and my nightmare is that many cars have shrunken boot openings so it's impossible to sit and comfortably get the chair in the car. I've discounted many vehicles as the boots have too deep a well - great for stressing the back. Three door cars are best for putting my crutches out of the way behind the drivers seat. SUVs are too high. Ideally I need to design my own based on improving the Hyundai Veloster ie large driver door, two door access other side but with boot with minimal access lip and wide opening. Is there a model that I have missed that I should look at that doesn't shout 'disabled'?"
I think your best bet is a Honda Jazz because the 'Magic' rear seat squabs flip up, providing space in the centre of the car for crutches, folded wheelchair, etc., as well as class-leading space behind. What's more, the rear seats fold down completely flat and low.
Answered by Honest John

Replacing tyre pressure indicators after changing wheels

"I have changed the wheels and tryes on my Hyundai Veloster. However, I didn't change the tyre pressure indicators and consequently the TPI lights up all the time. Is it OK for me to transfer the TPIs to the new wheels/tyres or alternatively disable the warning light on the dash?"
Try to transfer the valves. But be careful, if you break one, they are about £120 each.
Answered by Honest John

What do you think of the Renault Laguna Coupe?

"I drive a 1999 Toyota Celica, which I love and have owned for eight years with no major problems at all. I feel however, that I would like something a little more up-to-date. I still want a coupe or a similar style car, and have been looking without too much success, as I still want a car with the versatility of split rear seats and a little space in the back for an occasional passenger. I have seen a Renault Laguna Coupe and consulted your review. Is this car (albeit a couple of years old) a suitable replacement, or have you any other suggestions? I feel a petrol engine would be better than a diesel as I tend to make short journeys and I would prefer a manual gearbox."
The short-lived (in the UK) Laguna Coupe is a nice car and the rear wheel steer system on some models works well. At least one reader has one and improved the ride comfort by fitting smaller wheels with deeper profile tyres. I guess you'll be going for the 2.0-litre turbo. Alternatives include one of the last Celicas (year 2000), a Volkswagen Scirocco, a Volvo C30, a Hyundai Veloster, a Renault Megane coupe, a BMW 1 Series or 3 Series coupe, or a KIA pro_cee'd.
Answered by Honest John

Which sporty coupe to replace my Mazda RX-8?

"I am a 63-year old retired man currently driving a 2007 Mazda RX-8. I would like to change to a more economical car (VED is £460pa), but still a little sporty and maybe in a coupe style. I have in the past driven an XJS, a Hyundai coupe, and a Tigra. I play golf and cricket and need to fit in the required equipment. I occasionally travel to London and Exeter to see my children but mainly drive short distances of around 30 mins daily. I would like to part-ex my car. I am aware I’m not going to get much for it and would put £9,000 towards the swap. Can you help?"
Trade book for a 2007 RX8 is a horrific £2250 - £2750 depending on the power output. It's almost worth putting a different engine in, somehow, like a Mazda MX-5 engine. You could think along the lines of a Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4TSI 122, a Volvo C30 1.6, or maybe even a Hyundai Veloster.
Answered by Honest John
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