The Hyundai Veloster represents the Korean automaker's move to become a more diverse brand. Known for building a whole lineup of impressive models, ranging from entry-level cars to mid-size vehicle, all the to SUVs and luxury cars, Hyundai->ke201 had a whole lot of markets covered.

The sports hatch->ke304 market, though, wasn't in the company's radar until it released the Veloster.

And when the Veloster did arrive, it ushered in a new era of affordable Hyundais with incredibly sporty looks and well-placed performance capabilities to back it up. It's numbers aren't as high as a lot of people would've liked, but overall, the Veloster offered customers a cool and new way to enjoy a car with sports car looks that won't empty their wallets in the process.

Hyundai answered those performance questions with the release of the Veloster Turbo, but the standard Veloster still has some appeal to it, even if it seemed like the top-line trim rendered everything below it redundant.

Click past the jump to read about the 2013 Hyundai Veloster

hyundai-veloster

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: hyundai-veloster
Pros
Cons

2013 Hyundai Veloster

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Hyundai Veloster
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 138
  • Torque: 132
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

While it doesn't have the menacing looks of the Veloster Turbo, the standard Veloster still looks the part of a sports hatchback. There's no wide-mouth grille and the bodykit isn't as low-slung, but the Veloster still possesses that sportiness about it that Hyundai was looking to create with the vehicle.

The hexagonal front grille is there, as is the hood scoop detailing that gives a touch of aggressiveness to the front profile of the Veloster. LED lights on the front are also part of the standard features. Around back, dual centered chrome exhaust tips underscore the kind of performance profile the Veloster wants to present to the public.

That's further touched on by a slew of exterior options, including chrome grille surrounds, piano-black highlights, fog lights, a massive panoramic sunroof and 18-inch wheel with painted inserts.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

104.3 in.

Overall length

166.1 in.

Overall width

70.5 in.

Overall height

55.1 in.

Tread Width (front/rear) - 17”

61.5 in. / 62.0 in.

Tread Width (front/rear) - 18”

61.3 in. / 61.8 in.

Tread Width (front/rear)

5.6

Minimum Ground Clearance

0.32


Coefficient of Drag

-Headlights with LED accents, escort function

-LED Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL)

-Dual heated body-color power outside mirrors

-Front bumpers, body-color

-Rear spoiler with LED HMSL

-Grille, body-color with black intake grille

-Door handles, body-color

-Windshield shade band

-Tinted glass

-Front two-speed intermittent windshield wipers with mist function

-Rear wiper

Interior

The Veloster's three-door layout is a welcome addition to the 2013 model, providing added convenience that makes going into the rear a little more comfortable. The space in the back could have been better, but compared to other models of its class, there's actually enough legroom to be at least comfortable. Tall people might have a problem in the back with its low, sloping roof line, but onsidering the overall dimensions of the Veloster, it's something that shouldn't be taken against the sports hatch.

Not surprisingly, the front of the Veloster's interior boasts a modern design that's fresh to look at, yet subtle enough that it's not too tacky. Hyundai used hard plastic on a number of components, and that's not really a problem because Veloster buyers likely aren't expecting the highest-quality materials. The center console is neatly arranged and comes with plenty of Hyundai's standard electronics and entertainment features.

Interior Dimensions

Head room without sunroof

Front

39.0 in.

Rear

35.3 in.

Head room with panoramic sunroof

Front

37.2 in.

Rear

35.3 in.

Leg room

Front

43.9 in.

Rear

31.7 in.

Shoulder room

Front

55.6 in.

Rear

54.0 in.

Hip room

Front

53.2 in.

Rear

52.6 in.


2013 Hyundai Veloster - Standard Interior Features

-Roof trim, non-woven

-Door trim, black plastic

-Door handles, chrome

-Door armrest, integrated

-Door map pockets, front with bottle holders

-Dual illuminated vanity mirrors with extensions

-Shift knob, urethane

-Parking brake handle

-Floor covering, needle punch carpeting

-Door scuff, step plate

-Front seatback pocket

-One touch triple turn signal

-Air conditioning

-Heater

-Cabin air filter

-Rear window defroster with timer

-Urethane steering wheel

-Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel

-Steering wheel audio control

Drivetrain

The front-wheel-drive 2013 Hyundai Veloster is powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission. With the optional six-speed DCT automatic transmission, the numbers are slightly down at 132 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque.

Performance numbers indicate that the Veloster was capable of hitting 60 mph in 9.5 seconds to go with a top speed of about 110 mph. The numbers are pretty decent for a car of its size, but not exactly a rocket by any stretch of the imagination.

Engine Specifications

Type

Gamma DOHC D-CVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing) GDI (Gasoline Direct Engine)

Materials

Aluminum block and head

Displacement

1.6L / 1,591 cc

Horsepower

138 @ 6300 rpm (M/T) / 132 @ 6300 rpm (DCT)

Torque

132 @ 4850 rpm / 120 @ 4850 rpm

6-speed manual

City

27 mpg

Highway

37 mpg

Combined

31 mpg

6-speed DCT

City

28 mpg

Highway

37 mpg

Combined

31 mpg


Suspension and Brakes

The front suspension of the Veloster is comprised of independent MacPherson struts with coil springs, gas-filled hydraulic twin-tube shock absorbers, and a 24 mm (0.94-inch) stabilizer bar. Meanwhile, the rear suspension makes use of a 23 mm (0.90-inch) V-beam stabilizer bar with coil springs and gas-filled hydraulic monotube shock absorbers.

Suspension and Brakes Specifications

Front Suspension

Independent, MacPherson struts with coil springs, gas-filled hydraulic twin-tube shock absorbers and 24mm stabilizer bar

Rear Suspension

23 mm V-beam stabilizer bar with coil springs and gas-filled hydraulic monotube shock absorbers

Front

11.0-inch ventilated discs

Rear

10.3-inch solid discs

ABS

4-wheels and 4-channels with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Tires

Standard: P215/45HR17 tires / Optional: P215/40VR18 tires

Wheels

Standard: 17 x 7.0J Alloy / Optional: 18 x 7.5J Alloy / 18 x 7.5J Alloy with painted inserts


Pricing

For Hyundai's turbo-less Veloster line, pricing begins at $17,450 for the 1.6-liter GDI with a six-speed manual transmission and $18,700 for the 1.6-liter GDI with a six-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch transmission.

Competition

MINI Cooper

The MINI Cooper is regarded as one of the most popular compact hatchbacks in the world. So if there was a model the Hyundai Veloster can use as its barometer, its the German Cooper.

Despite releasing a slew of new models in recent years, the legend of the MINI lineup remains the Cooper. There’s really no discussions in that regard, proving that when it comes to the brand, the first model to always get the attention will always be the Cooper.

The current generation Cooper remains a popular model and rightfully so. In addition to retaining its classic MINI look with an added modern twist to it, the Cooper also comes with a slew of engine options, including a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 121 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 114 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Veloster definitely looks the part of a compact sports hatch. Unfortunately, it doesn't really have the kind of performance credentials that you would expect for a car that looks as aesthetically-pleasing as the Veloster. The Cooper does have less performance numbers, but it doesn't look the part of a sports hatch the way the Veloster does. There's the Veloster Turbo, which answers those needs, but the standard model just seems like a step slow. There are a whole load of features that adds to the appeal but if you're going to buy a Veloster, we suggest you just go straight to the Veloster Turbo.