Hyundai Veloster

Over the weekend, went to see the 2nd hand Veloster 1.6GDi 2012 model before head down to KMC to look at the new one.

Went to test drive the car again, since i tested drive one when it was launched in Singapore before. Everything remains the same except that the steering setting mode is no longer available for the basic model, so are missing the silver chrome finishing and sun roof. From the outer look, it don't looks anymore sporty as it used to be as compared to the 2012 model.

SE mentioned that Hyundai Korea had stop production for Right hand drive Veloster for both normal 1.6MPi and 1.6Turbo model. They only left with 2 silver for the 1.6MPi model but never mentioned about the turbo model since we aren't looking for one. Anyway, the red turbo one the color don't look fierce at all.

Conclusion is the current model is not worth the price as compared to the older model. You might give it a missed for this round. Perhaps a newer model might be on the way if this model is still in production since the 5 years design cycle is due.

The car is smooth and stable. Back windscreen is well design like no frame!

Rear seats 2+2 quite big! Pickup is sluggish but acceptable! Road noise bearable but air con is cool! Exterior design could better and more fierce! Steering is abit heavy but firm. Overall is good feeling but lack of sprinting feeling. Conti feeling is apparent but fuel efficiency could be improve! View area is fantastic and gave a panaromic feel!

No problem getting into the Veloster in the back, although with minimal legroom. the 3rd door handle is placed at the C pillar to "hide" the handle from the viewers. I've to say this is a very interesting car to drive!

Beautiful curves of the car makes it stand out from the other cars on the road.

Prior to this car, I was driving a 2L Japanese SUV (A) and a 3L American Coupe (M). As such, it was an initial disappointment to be driving a 1.6L with a slack pick-up. Objectively, it will be an unfair comparison with my previous 2 cars and hence, I started exploring with the Sports Mode and rev the rpm to reach the max torque and the results was a smile on my face.

This curvy car inevitably attracts the attention of many and the interior design and functions (electrical seat & lumbar, folding mirror, steering control, etc etc) are excellent for its class. In short, it's truly value for my money.

The only gripe (probably 2) is that it doesn't have GPS functions in the 7" Head Unit. The 2nd gripe would be the lack of BT Phone function, which these are included in the Veloster on other continents.

Entry into car is very practical, a unique feature that no car has it. Curves are fantastic with wave-like wind sweeping past.

Beautiful, functional yet economical to own one. I am proud of the Koreans, who finally has a voice in the world car market!

Have been driving the Turbo GDI for a week now.

There no point denying that this car is a headturner. Love the aggressive front and the sexy rear. Love the panaromic roof too. People passing by smile at me, wave at me and some even gave me the thumbs up! And that when i am driving! When i am not, i get swamped by myriad of questions and requests for photos (not of me of course). Including from guys who own much more expensive cars. So I will just leave it at that.

Mine is the Turbo version. Though it does not have dual clutch yet gear changes are pretty smooth. Steering weight is much better than the NA version. The damping of the suspension is pretty good too. Of course good and not good is all relative. My assessment is based on cars of similar price band.

The bad....at this price, there is really not much to complain. I guess I wish the multimedia console was more comprehensive - its pretty basic. There isn't even a mute function. I have to turn the volume all the way down before i can answer a phonecall (hands free, of course) and after the call, I need to turn it all the way up again. Very irritating. A 6 disc changer would be nice too. Also bluetooth would be nice. Miss the electro-chromic mirror my Kia Koup had. I wish the electric seat was for both the seat and the backrest (like Elantra) instead of just the seat. The backrest is adjusted with manual lever. But then again, its probably difficult to find another car at this price point that has electric seats to start with. Also, i am not sure how many other cars at this price point has paddle shifters, cruise control, etc. Some of the new Japanese models are still having 4 speed ATs!!

Much of the bad is nit-picking. At the end of the day, there is no car at this time which you can buy at this price that would beat it. And there is no other car i would rather have at this price and within an additional $20k range.