Hyundai Veloster 2020 Car Review

Design

From the driver’s side it looks like a coupe, and from the passenger side it looks like a four door hatch due to its unique door configuration. 

Attractively redesigned inside and out, the second generation Veloster features upgraded drivetrains and a sophisticated new multi-link rear suspension with increased standard specifications across the range.  

The two doors on the passenger’s side are a practical design choice, and made it easy to install and access a baby seat in the rear seats, whilst maintaining ample front passenger cabin space. The boot capacity is also good considering the car’s compact shape.

Performance

The drive is quite firm thanks to the low profile alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres and the updated rear suspension, but it’s not bone jarring.

Enthusiasts will enjoy the crisp exhaust note the Veloster produces – it’s lively upon start-up but mellows somewhat when cruising along. The Veloster is also quite economical, despite its 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine produces 150kW of power.

The inclusion of a Torque Vectoring Control (TVC) system, digital performance gauge display, and turbo over-boost function will also whet the appetites of petrol heads. Torque Vectoring Control delivers a deeper driver-to-machine connection. It takes inputs from sophisticated wheel-speed sensors and the TVC system applies precision-level braking to the inside front wheel as the Veloster navigates a turn. By acutely slowing the inside wheel, engine power is better utilised by the front wheel on the outside of the turn, improving grip and cornering stability to make the Veloster feel planted.

The new Veloster is available in two trim grades, with all-new Atkinson cycle 2.0 MPi and updated 1.6 T-GDi turbo engines driving the front wheels via an automatic or Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). The model we reviewed was the Limited Turbo model in Ignite Flame Red.

Tech and safety

Hyundai’s SmartSense™ suite is standard in every new Veloster, and in addition to this the 2020 Veloster also features; LED daytime running lights, a Reverse Parking Distance Warning (PDW-R) system, a rear view camera with dynamic guidelines, and tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

The Veloster Turbo Limited model adds a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia unit with satellite navigation and DAB+ digital radio, as well as additional styling, comfort and convenience features.

Also reserved for the top-spec model is a leather seat trim, power driver’s seat, heated and ventilated (cooling) front seats, heated steering wheel, a wireless (Qi standard) charging pad, full-width glass sunroof, and a Head-Up Display (HUD).

 Safety systems

• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA)
• Six airbags
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)