This is the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo. It has 3 doors (4 if you count the hatch) and is Hyundai's new...thing. Before we get into things we might regret, let me inform you, I'm wholly against anything or any car that Hyundai has ever produced in it's lifetime. I hate them, I really, really hate them. Now that that's out of the way; looking back at Hyundai's failed car list (which is all of them) we can see that they've all suffered from the same tragic flaws. Horrifically underpowered and full of understeer, not to mention they make me sick when I look at them. However with this new Veloster, things seem to be looking up. Or are they?
Beginning with the exterior of the car, Hyundai recently gave all of their models facelifts - which really hasn't worked out too well because the cars have gone from looking like 1992 to 2082. I fail to understand the awkward headlight design, or the fact that they seem to have copied SEAT's trunk. The biggest thing I have an issue with however, is the fact that the drivers side has one door and the passengers side has two. Hyundai in all their brilliance seemed to think it was "hip and cool" to design a car such as this. The reality is however is that the car seems to be misshapen - which honestly doesn't help it's looks.
So what about the interior? Well shockingly, it's actually rather decent. Everything seems to be put in a functional place and the tach/speedo are actually enjoyable to look at. The entire interior itself is just... well... it's good.
Performance - all the other Hyundai's have always lacked in the power department. But finally, it seems like the Korean's have seen the light; more power in your car is actually not a bad thing as long as you don't overdo it. 208 brake horsepower come firing out of the turbo-charged inline 4 engine - which doesn't sound like much compared to some other hot hatches out there; but let me assure you that 208 BHP is certainly enough to get this car going in any direction you want it to. Speaking of speed, it's always nice to be able to slow down after you've hit the gas, the brakes in past Hyundai's haven't been bad, don't get me wrong, but they created a tidal wave of understeer getting into a corner - which was a bit of an issue. I'm pleased to announce that the Veloster's brakes actually cause little to no understeer under braking. In fact, the car handles brilliantly - I can't believe I just said that.. let's move on.
So, handling, brakes and speed aren't an issue at all. The price is cheap and it gets great gas mileage. Shame the exterior is so ugly however, it's a bit like driving a Panamera actually - as long as you're on the inside you're golden. So ladies and gentlemen (mostly gentlemen) I have to say it. After my entire life of hating Hyundai's I actually think this one is quite good, actually, beyond good - it's quite excellent.