Hyundai Veloster review: Secret genius in weird three-door layout

Hyundai’s funky little hatch blended with a sports car has a very unique layout that has a secret ability that families will love.

Sports cars are often the dream but the reality for those wanting something affordable and sassy often results in a more sensible hatchback. But since it first arrived in 2012 the Hyundai Veloster has aimed to create an affordable bridge between the two. Its quirky layout looks more coupe on one side with hints of hatch down the other. The second-generation Veloster evolves the formula while stepping up safety and performance. Here are five things you need to know.

The Veloster finds the middle ground between a hatchback and sports car.

1. It’s (surprisingly) kid friendly

The Veloster is the only new car with more doors on one side than the other. It’s all about giving it the look of a coupe from one side — complete with a large driver’s door — and the practicality of a sedan on the other. The extra door, on the kerb side, makes it easier for kids to get in and out. And, once there, there’s respectable legroom for those in the rear seat. It may not be the first choice for a family car but it easily caters for children when required.

The Veloster only has three doors.

2. It’s more hatch than sports car

The Veloster may tug at the sports car heartstrings but it’s firmly in the hatchback realm. Don’t go thinking you’re buying a genuine competitor to a Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ, each more engaging to drive. Underneath is plenty of Hyundai i30 hatchback, including the front-wheel drive layout and choice of engines. The suspension has been tweaked to match its sporty positioning and there are grippy Michelin tyres to complete the equation. It adds up to a car that’s confident in the corners — in a sensible kind of way.

The Veloster is designed to look like a coupe from the driver’s side.

3. The seats are a mixed bag

There’s no middle seat in the rear, which limits overall capacity to four. Instead, those in the back get a storage binnacle and cupholders between the seat. It’s also best to allow rear passengers to get in from the left side. Access via the driver’s side means folding the seat and weaving under the seatbelt. There’s no memory function on the driver’s seat, which means you’ll have to readjust every time.

The Turbo is the one you want.

4. The Turbo is the sporty option

The 2.0-litre in the base Veloster is the same as in the Hyundai i30 but has less power. So performance is leisurely and, as a manual, its gearing isn’t remotely sporty, with sizeable gaps between the gears and an engine that calls for big revs to uncork that modest performance. It’s the biggest disappointment for a car that delivers so much elsewhere. But shell out another $6000 for the Turbo and things are more exciting. The 1.6-litre turbo makes 150kW and a heartier 265Nm, for better pull across the rev range. Mated to the optional seven-speed auto (add $3100), it makes for snappy response more in keeping with the looks. For brisk blasts make sure to select the Sport mode for a better chance of it picking the appropriate gear.

The Veloster has funky looks that stand out from the crowd.

5. The Turbo is more than an engine

Stepping up to the Turbo adds radar for active cruise control functionality and more advanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB). It also brings a larger infotainment screen with satnav, plus blind spot warning, improved audio, luggage net in the boot, auto folding mirrors and smart key entry. Cosmetic tweaks include a rear spoiler and side skirts. You can take it further with the Premium pack (available only on the Turbo) for another $4500 with luxury kit such as leather, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, head-up display and sunroof. The Turbo Premium’s optional black roof ($1040) takes the price for an auto to about $47K.

Originally published as Hyundai Veloster review: Secret genius in weird three-door layout