The Hyundai Veloster was introduced seven years ago as the South Korean manufacturer’s first coupe. A year later, a turbo-charged edition debuted. The 2017 edition is the continuation of the first generation of the odd-looking compact with sporty ambitions.
Key Takeaways
- 201 horsepower from the turbo-charged 1.6-liter four-cylinder; the standard Veloster has 132 horsepower.
- Transmissions: a six-speed manual on both trims, with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic optional on the turbo.
- Standard equipment includes a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a rearview camera.
- Driving: Driving the Veloster is frustrating.
- Rear seats: The Veloster also has only four seats, with headroom and legroom limited, particularly for rear seat occupants.
- Manual: Credit Hyundai for offering the Veloster a manual transmission.
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster has unique styling and an asymmetrical three-door configuration. All images © James Raia/2017.”/>
A modernized version of the Hyundai Tiburon (discontinued in 2008), the Veloster has an asymmetrical door configuration. There’s a large door on the driver’s side and two smaller doors on the passenger’s side. The rear passenger door opens with a high-positioned, flush handle that’s easy to miss but convenient to use.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
Hyundai‘s reputation in recent years has improved in part because of its lengthy standard features list throughout the carmaker’s lineup. The base model includes: a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible and a rearview camera.
Automatic headlight, keyless entry, 17-inch alloy wheels, six-way-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and USB/auxiliary inputs are all also in the mix.
The turbo-engined trim, my weekly driver, has a substantial engine boost and a good list of sporty upgrades. The standard Veloster is equipped with a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder with 132 horsepower; the turbo-charged trim has 201 horsepower. Torque-vectoring-control front axles improve performance as well as a sport-tuned suspension and steering, 18-inch alloy wheels, Leatherette seating, unique front fascia.
The standard and turbo trims are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive and a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic is an option on the turbo.
Driving the Veloster
Driving the Veloster is frustrating. Its unique exterior look, including a “frowning” rear grille, dual tailpipes, a squatty, compact hatchback a sloping roofline, provide a race-car-like ominous appearance.
But the performance doesn’t match the Veloster’s look. Credit Hyundai for offering the Veloster a manual transmission. It’s increasingly rare in the U.S. marketplace. But the compact hatchback’s shifting isn’t smooth.
The Veloster also has only four seats, with headroom and legroom limited, particularly for rear seat occupants. The Hyundai Elantra GT, Honda Civic and Mazda3 all have more interior space.
2017 Hyundai Veloster Verdict
Since the Veloster is only 166 inches long, the “fun factor” increases in city driving where tight turns and small parking spaces are handled easily.
Likes
Best warranty in the industry. Unique 3-door and hatchback configuration. Fun to drive manual transmission.
Dislikes
Gear shifting not smooth Rear visibility limited. Entrance and exit difficult.
Facts & Figures: 2017 Hyundai Veloster
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 201 hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city / 33 highway / 28 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| Seating | 4 |
| Length | 166 inches |
| Wheels | 18-inch alloy |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
