Show-stopping Veloster finally arrives

The Veloster is the prettiest car Hyundai has produced to date.

It has finally made its long-awaited local appearance after stealing the limelight at the Johannesburg International Motor show in 2011.

The Veloster is not only the prettiest car Hyundai has produced to date but it must also rank as one of the coolest hatches to appear in South African showrooms in a long time.

Its sporty coupé lines and sex appeal aside, the Korean newcomer also has a few other surprises including a unique passenger-side forward-hinged rear door for easy access to the back seats, in the process creating an entirely new "2+1 door" coupé look.

Striking looks

Hyundai also packaged the Veloster's pretty pose and the practicality of its unique door with a dollop of nippy performance and a fun-to-drive spirit, plus a full-house of fancy gear and an appealing price tag which could well turn it into another shining star in the Korean stable - even though it is quite a niche product aimed mainly at the younger, more progressive end of the market.

Here's lookin' at ya!

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True to Hyundai's new "fluidic sculpture" design language the Veloster has a striking bold look in spite of its rather compact proportions. Sharp, edgy lines, cocky front end, cute derriere and snazzy alloys are pretty cosmetics that make it stand out in any car park.

The cabin, too, is funky and fun, yet practical, well designed and surprisingly comfortable and spacious. The boot is cool for the car's size and the 60:40 folding seats stretches packing space even further.

All the must-haves to meet most needs

The living quarters are kitted out to meet most media and connectivity demands with toys such as a radio, MP3, AUX, USB and Bluetooth connectivity with functions displayed on a prominent LCD screen in the centre console. The steering wheel has buttons for the sound system and cruise control to add to the rest of the friendly, easy-to-use kit. Even the climate control settings are dead simple to figure out, unlike those of several new cars which require a degree in rocket science plus a strong magnifying glass just to turn it on, let alone adjust it.

The cabin, too, is funky and fun, yet practical, well designed and surprisingly comfortable and spacious.

But all the fancy kit and functionality are really side shows to the Veloster's head-turning looks and the pleasure it provides once you slide behind the wheel and tickle the pleasure pedal. It handles well and it takes quite a bit of whipping to unsettle in the corners.

However, like me others may feel a bit let down by its engine which churns out 103kW and 167Nm engine but cries out for an injection of turbo testosterone. The auto version is particularly woozy, especially on undulating terrain and during overtaking when the auto transmission becomes momentarily confused as its searches to fund the right cog. If you opt for the automatic version it is best to click into Sport mode so that you can hand-pick the gear you want to be in when you feel the need for fun. The six speed manual suits the nature of the little beast better even though the soup spoon does require regular stirring to keep the revs up.

Holds the road well

Its sporty coupé lines and sex appeal aside, the Korean newcomer also has a few other surprises - like its door set-up.

The steering is pleasantly weighted and electronically assisted. A quick-ratio steering rack provides sharpish turn-in although it is not exactly pin-sharp and there is not much feedback - but it is good enough for a bit of mild spirited right-foot exercise and a dab of fun. Electronic nurse-maids in the form of electronic stability programme and yaw control are on active duty throughout to help out when road and experience start to fade.

The sporty Korean holds the road well with a stabiliser bar up front to help keep things moving on an even keel. It also stops well, courtesy of ABS with EBD. Overall the ride is well balanced between sporty handling and comfortable cruising and commuting.

It looks good from any angle.

Safety equipment include six airbags and a strengthened, rigid cabin cell played key roles to secure a five star Euro NCAP rating for Veloster (which is better than some of its rivals).

The Veloster offers the choice of two identical 1.6 petrol engines linked either to a six-speed manual transmission or Hyundai's first EcoShift dual-clutch auto box.

A little more grunt would have been nice

On paper the Veloster has more punch than some of its rivals but a little more grunt would have been welcome. But then it doesn't sell itself as a hot hatch. It's a very pretty car with a lovely playful nature and lots of cool toys. Its lightweight price tag and zooty looks make it a must-drive option when shopping for new wheels.

Although created chiefly for the type of buyer who likes to push the envelope in terms of trendy looks and pose status don't be surprised if you spot see a couple of greying temples behind the wheel of the Veloster. It's made to pleasure the young at heart and just the ride to bestow cool-dad and cool-mum status on the school run.

The specifications. (Please note: All images are sourced from the Hyundai Veloster brochure or the company's SA website)

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Like all Hyundai vehicles its price includes a five-year/150,000km warranty and a five-year/90,000km service plan plus roadside assistance.

The models and prices are:

Hyundai Veloster 1.6 Executive manual - R259,900
Hyundai Veloster 1.6 Executive auto - R276,900

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