Hyundai's quirky-cool Veloster four-door sportster is now on sale in Australia, priced from $23,990 for the entry-level manual variant and $27,990 for the Veloster + model.

It also comes in double-clutch DCT versions (Hyundai's own version of DSG) which add a $2000 premium.

The Australian launch of the Veloster follows its international unveiling at last year's Detroit Auto Show. The top-shelf Turbo variant, which appeared in Detroit just last month, has also been confirmed for a local debut later this year.

Setting the Veloster apart from the usual suspects is its unusual 2+1 door configuration: On the driver's side (the 'road' side), there is just one regular door. That's normal enough - if the Veloster were a normal coupe.

Move around to the passenger side however, and you'll find a second door behind the front, providing easier access to the rear seats. Viewed only from that angle, you'd be forgiven for thinking the Veloster is a sporty five-door hatch.

Note: TMR will be attending the media launch of the Veloster next week. Watch for our 'first drive' review.

Mechanical Package

In both Veloster and Veloster + form, Hyundai's new sports car is powered by a 1.6 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 103kW at 6300rpm and 166Nm of torque at 4850rpm.

Both versions of the Veloster are available with either a six-speed manual transmission, or Hyundai's new six-speed DCT transmission. Fuel consumption for both transmissions is listed at 6.4 l/100km.

Hyundai says the Veloster will hit 100km/h in 9.7 seconds, putting it on par with Honda's smaller (but slightly less powerful, at 91kW) CR-Z sports car.

That's not buckets of go, but at a smidge under $24k, it'll do fine for the Veloster's target buyer. Those looking for more guts will need to hang out for the upcoming 155kW Turbo variant, which should hit closer to a Golf GTI-rivalling 6.5 to 7.0 seconds.

Hyundai says we can expect a properly sporting drive from its new front-wheel-drive coupe-hatch, with a lightweight V-torsion beam rear suspension arrangement, a 23mm stabiliser bar and sports-tuned electric power steering.

Features

Externally, the entry-level Veloster features 18-inch alloy wheels, daytime-running lights and dusk-sensing headlights, along with LED indicators integrated into the side mirrors.

Inside, you'll find a seven-inch touchscreen with a rear-view camera and a DivX and MP3-compatible CD player, along with USB, iPod and auxiliary audio connectivity.

The audio system offers four speakers, a centre speaker, two tweeters, sub-woofer and external amplifier as standard. Cruise control is also standard, along with steering-mounted controls.

The interior is finished with modern metallic-look accents around the centre console, door handles, air vents and gear stick.

The standard sports bucket seats are trimmed in a cloth/leatherette combination, and there's a "premium" steering wheel and gear shift knob.

Move up to the top-shelf Veloster + variant, and you'll pick up colour inserts in the 18-inch alloy wheels, along with a panoramic glass sunroof with a motorised sunblind, a push-button ignition and a proximity smart key.

The Veloster + also adds heated and folding external mirrors, automatic climate control, powered driver's seat base (recline is still manual), and leather/leatherette combo seat trim.

Standard safety features across the Veloster range include Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-skid Braking Systemn (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) & Brake Assist System (BAS). Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) is standard on DCT models.

The Veloster carries a 5 Star ANCAP safety rating in Australia.

Intelligent seat belt reminders are fitted to both front seats. Pretensioners are fitted to the front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a crash.

• MoreHyundai Veloster news and reviews
• MoreHyundai news and reviews

Pricing

• Veloster 1.6 GDI - six-speed manual - $23,990
• Veloster 1.6 GDI - six-speed double-clutch auto - $25,990

• Veloster + 1.6 GDI - six-speed manual - $27,990
• Veloster + 1.6 GDI - six-speed double-clutch auto - $29,990

Note: all prices are Manufacturer’s List Price and do not include dealer delivery or on-road costs.

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• reply ” like !

  

  Jezza says,
  4 months ago

  1 like

  Looks great. Will be interesting to see how the 2+1 system works in real life.
• reply ” like !

  

  Don says,
  4 months ago

  1 like

  Saw one the other day on the road. Looks great in the front, as I had to look back in my rear view mirrors a couple of time to take another look. However I'm not too sure about the rear, looks a bit weird imo.
  
  Will we see other engine variants? I wonder how it drives..
  
  
• reply ” like !

  

  MattJ says,
  4 months ago

  1 like

  hrmmm... seen in real life.. didn't notice it was 2+1 thought it was a 4 door.... but not interested. Just another Hyundai but it might be worth for other peoples. Awaiting a review here on TMR.
• reply ” like !

  

  John says,
  4 months ago

  1 like

  Looks pretty good, and priced really well, really keen to testdrive the turbo engine!
• reply ” like !

  

  Cranston says,
  4 months ago

  1 like

  Faaaar out I love this car. Not sold on many of Hyundai's new cars (style wise), but I reckon this looks tops. Better than the Scirocco even!!
  
  Lookin' forward to the turbo version
  • reply ” like !

    

    Cranston says,
    4 months ago

    1 like

    And yeah, REALLY good pricing!
• reply ” like !

  

  Dave says,
  4 months ago

  3 likes

  Too expensive for a 1.6 litre Hyundai, even when you consider the equipment. 24k for the base model not including the on road cost... I don't think so. Take 2k off the price and change the wheels to 17" and it'll sell like hotcakes.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Cranston says,
    4 months ago

    2 likes

    I reckon the time for "for a Hyundai" has probably passed...
    
    • reply ” like !

      

      Dave says,
      4 months ago

      1 like

      How about "for a Hyundai that historically has crappy resale value"?
• reply ” like !

  

  5 valve per cylinder says,
  4 months ago

  The only minor aesthetic paneling which doesn't gel with this car is the colored bumpers which sort of make the car look buck-toothed. It's a good thing the turbo version has a more blacked-out treatment - like Audi.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Mitch says,
    3 months ago

    Had a drive today, loved it! They will sell boat loads of these. Resale?? Gee, if you paid too much for so called euro style ,I bet you're in tears when you lose 60% of the value after 3 years. Give these guys some credit where it's due!
• reply ” like !

  

  Greg says,
  3 months ago

  I love everything about this car. Looks very sleek and well priced. Looking at bying one.
• reply ” like !

  

  Ross Trattler says,
  3 months ago

  1 like

  We bought one a few days ago...the first new car in 35 years! We love it. Plenty of pick up for our needs and too cool for school!
• reply ” like !

  

  ATV says,
  2 months ago

  1 like

  Full of it. Prices are from $31K to $35K! So much for a competitive price. All of the sudden Hyundai feels like the should be priced like a Golf, etc... good luck selling them.
  
  • reply ” like !

    

    Craig says,
    2 months ago

    2 likes

    At $23,990.00 or $25,990.00 for the dual clutch auto, these cars definately represent great value. Have you actually driven this car yet? If not I'd suggest you test drive one & see for yourself. I did & drove the others also & the Veloster is definately something out there, unique & a good drive in my opinion. Nothing out there currently, except for higher end priced vehicles has the look of this Veloster! Toyota, Suzuki & even the Cruze are everywhere & are dating in age quickly!...How many Velosters have you seen on the road to date?
    
    To be frank & fair a Toyota is a Toyota (brand name, fair enough if it counts) but you need to Compare the drive away including dealer delivery charges, on-road costs, gst & your looking at up to $28K t $29K for any car around $25,990.00 RRP or around $26K to $27K for a manual on lot at $23,990.00
    **On road costs are not cheap no matter what you buy!
    
    Now on the brand name thing??? Hyundai have been in Australia for quite some time now & are getting a pretty good reputation overall. Compare this to their warranty backing of 5 years/unlimited kms warranty & your getting a pretty good deal....only other one that has unlimited kms that i know of is Kia. Holden is around 100,000 to 175,000kms with Toyota, Mazda & Suzuki all around 175,000 but all have only 3 year warranties not factoring in the extra warranty they throw your way if you service with them from day 1. Mitsubishi has a 5yr/10 warranty which is pretty good also.
    
    **FYI you can service your Hyundai through any MTA approved mechanic so no need to pay a dealer centre top $$ for you service if you have a trusted MTA approved mechanic.
    
    I'd put my money on a Veloster right now if I were buying a new car!....Craig
    • reply ” like !

      

      Chettie says,
      23 days ago

      2 likes

      Thank you Craig , the world need the person s like you Im going to buy one too....