2012 Hyundai Veloster Reviews, Pricing & Specs

What the heck is that?! Get used to hearing that phrase when you drive the 2012 Hyundai Veloster; it’s a real looker. Going after a younger, hipper driver with more class than cash, this tight little vehicle sports an unusual 3-door setup - the passenger side has an extra portal. This actually makes sense: Why would you want your passengers entering from or exiting into oncoming traffic?

This is a car for a type of person that likes to be noticed, and its “healthy” color palate, which includes Marathon Blue, Vitamin C and Triathalon Grey, add to its “look-at-me” appeal. A dome made almost entirely of glass panels gives it an airy feel, even without the (optional) sunroof open. While it comes with an impressive number of standard features, including voice command and 17-inch alloy wheels, its Style package upgrades the wheels to 18-inch chrome and adds black interior and exterior trim, fog lights, and leatherette seats, among other goodies.

Whether you go standard or optional, the inside of the Veloster is just as awe-inspiring as it is out. With an interior theme inspired by a futuristic sports bike, the cockpit is comfortable and fun. You feel like you’re riding in a vehicle with twice its price tag. Some have complained about backseat headroom, but for most folks and their children, it should pose no problem. Its dirty little secret? The Veloster is really just a hatchback trying to have some fun.

Everyone agrees it’s got style for miles – what it doesn’t have is pickup. Its138-horsepower, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder front-wheel-drive engine comes with a 6-speed manual (standard) or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, but still just doesn’t quite give you the juice you may want. (A Turbo version is rumored.) On the plus side, your right calf will get nice and toned.

And look at that price tag. You do get a lot of bells for your whistles. A handy 7-inch touchscreen is included, keeping many options, like a backup camera and GPS, at your fingertips. Voice commands are supposed to interact with your music player via Gracenote (its Bluetooth connection is included as standard), although this apparently works better in theory than in practice.

On top of that, it’s a gas saver, with a not-to-shabby 28 mpg city/40 highway. The 0-to-60 sprint takes around 8.5 seconds, which isn’t the Veloster’s strongest suit, of course, but it’s okay for its class. Once you’re up to speed, you’re also hugging the road, as the Veloster handles bumps and curves with aplomb. Marring its smooth ride, however, is excessive engine noise at higher speeds. Boo.

And just like your mother, this car wants you to be safe – very safe. Six airbags cushion the front seats, and it has many standard safety features, such as traction and electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring and brake assist, to help keep you and your passengers out of harm’s way.

Negatives aside, this car is developing a fervent fan base of both owners and gawkers. Be advised, this car is not recommended for private investigators.