Used 2017 Hyundai Veloster

The 2017 Hyundai Veloster is a fun and funky sporty compact car with value pricing and a secretly practical side. While it looks like a low-slung coupe, the Veloster hides its functional nature until you need it, thanks to an upward-rising rear door that reveals respectful cargo space, plus a hidden third side door on the right side that allows easier entry for rear passengers. Though it has aggressive looks and a carnivorous name, a base Veloster doesn’t have much muscle. Hyundai remedied that a few years ago with a turbocharged model that better competes with sporty hatchbacks like the VW GTI. The Veloster remains a great value thanks to its sub-$19,000 starting price, standard features like Apple CarPlay compatibility, and Hyundai’s excellent 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

If you’re considering a Veloster, a big decision will be whether to go with the standard or turbo version. With 132 horsepower, the standard model has only adequate acceleration and passing power, and in our eyes this power doesn’t do justice to the Veloster’s aggressive looks. It will be fine for basic errands around the city or for lazy highway commutes, but we had to regularly mash the pedal to pass slower traffic or get up to speed on short freeway onramps. If you want a sporty compact that’s actually sporty, go with the turbo Veloster. With 201 horsepower, this one has the grunt to back up its racy looks. It’s far more rewarding to drive, especially if you go with the standard 6-speed manual transmission. The downside is a stiffer suspension than the non-turbo model. Due to its design, all Velosters have poor rearward visibility.

Unlike more mainstream hatchbacks like a VW Golf, but similar to a Mini Cooper 2-door, the Veloster has seating for only four passengers. As we’ve mentioned, rear-seat space is snug. Up front are comfortable seats for average adults, though taller drivers will be short on headroom. We give props to the Veloster’s easy-to-see-and-use controls for audio, climate and other functions. All models also feature a 7-inch touch-screen display. Rear cargo area is another highlight. There’s 15.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, and that figure more than doubles to 34.7 with the seats folded.

The 2017 Veloster stands out from the crowd thanks to its long and low yet squat profile, large wheel arches and a sloping roof. Of course, one of the Veloster’s most unique aspects is its doors. The driver’s side door is long as in a traditional coupe, but on the passenger side are two shorter doors, with the rear one allowing easier access to the rear. Turbo models pump up the visual volume with a huge grille, standard fog lights and larger twin tailpipes. At just over 166 inches in length, the Veloster easily fits in tight places.

TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
No one likes a car that looks sporty but can’t get out of its own way, which is why we recommend the 2017 Hyundai Veloster turbo. It adds much-needed power while yet still keeps the price tag under $23,000.

THIRD DOOR
Let’s face it. Everyone loves a sports coupe until they have to climb in or out of the back seat. The 2017 Veloster from Hyundai solves this problem with a clever passenger-side integrated third door.

As with most Hyundais, the 2017 Veloster boasts impressive standard equipment. The least expensive Veloster includes a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible and has a rearview camera, keyless entry, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, 6-way-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and USB/auxiliary inputs. In addition to the more powerful engine, turbo models come with torque-vectoring-control front axles for better performance, sport-tuned suspension and steering, 18-inch alloy wheels, Leatherette seating and unique front fascia. All new Hyundais are backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, plus five years of roadside assistance.

Most major options come by moving up trims. The new Value Edition bundles panoramic sunroof, push-button start, navigation, automatic climate control, Dimension audio system and Hyundai’s Blue Link Connected Car System. The top-line 2017 Veloster Turbo includes leather upholstery, heated front seats and piano-black interior accents. The Tech Package for that model includes panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors, navigation and auto climate control.

The standard engine for the 2017 Hyundai Veloster is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 132 horsepower. You won’t win many races with this engine, but if you’re trying to stretch the time between visits to the gas station, this little engine can suffice. If you want something to back up the Veloster’s sporty looks, go with the turbo. With its twin-scroll turbocharged version of the same 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, the 201 horsepower is plenty powerful enough to move the lightweight Veloster with enthusiastic quickness. All Velosters are front-wheel drive. Both the standard and turbo engine come connected to a 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional for the standard engine, while the turbo offers a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

1.6-liter inline-4
132 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
120 lb-ft of torque @ 4,850 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/34 mpg (manual), 28/35 mpg (automatic)

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
201 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
195 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/33 mpg (manual), 26/32 mpg (automatic)

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.