Hyundai Veloster

Hyundai has become one of the world's largest car makers thanks to an avalanche of styish new models..

No longer the cheap and cheerful manufacturer of thirty years ago.. it's cars compete with or better its rivals in many areas in terms of value, equipment, safety and desirability.

The latest to hit our shores is the Veloster. a sleek coupe, with an unusual asymetrical door configuration.

Two on the passenger side and a single longer door for the driver.

Mazda's RX 8 has two tiny doors that open from the B pillar for easier rear sear access.. but the Veloster layout seems more practical... with passengers more likely to enter or leave from the kerbside openings.

Power  from the Hyundai group one point six litre engine also found in the Kia Rio, is however barely adequate.. just 103 Kw and 166 Nm of torque means a lot of rowing through the six speed manual gearbox to keep up with the traffic.

Economy on my week long mainly city driving test was seven point two litres per 100 kays...quite acceptable as most of that was with the air con running.

A turbo version is on its way and will give the car the missing oomph  it needs.

The chassis can certainly handle more power. 

Visually stunning, the swoopy Veloster drew many admiring glances while on test.

Not so stunning is the rearward vision. A failing on so many of today's cars across all price ranges and segments. 

The rear window like Honda's CRZ is split with a divider bar..the upper part almost horizontal in the roof and the lower bit slightly angled forward from vertical. 

However,there's no wiper on either surface and in the rain on a muddy road visibility is very poor.

Despite riding on low profile 40 series tyres on 18 " rims the Veloster is quite comfy for a sporty coupe....steering is a little dead at the straight ahead, but otherwise does it's job well in the bends, with good driver feedback. The smart alloy wheels look terrific, really setting off the rest of the car.

Keyless entry and start, among the first positive impressions inside.

I liked the clarity of the reversing camera on a large screen in the centre of the dashboard.

The audio system is adequate with more than enough power and tone adjustments to satisfy just about anyone. 

I  found the Audi-esque door and console grab handles to be easy to use and functional.

Daytime running lights complement the futuristic front end, but the headlights could do with more illumination... the spread on high and low beam not as good as others in the class.

Seat comfort was good except being tall I left the sun roof shade open.. as even on the lowest seat setting the blind brushed my head. 

 Priced at under thirty thousand dollars, this head turner is bound to be popular with those style conscious drivers who just love to be seen in the latest thing... they won't be disappointed.. just a little more power Hyundai.

Peter Sellen