CARS OF THE WORLD

Hyundai Veloster 2021.

The 2021 Hyundai Veloster hatchback features striking shapes, strong dynamics and a powerful drivetrain at a good price. And in 2021, it will be even more fun and cheerful with the new 8-speed automatic with dual clutch on the Veloster N.

Without a rear passenger door on the driver’s side, and on one from the sidewalk, it is called a three-door, not counting the hatch.

The salon is made of budget materials, assembled in clean forms, with a standard touch screen compatible with smartphones.

Specifications

The new Hyundai Veloster is equipped with three different 4-cylinder engines to choose from, two of which are turbocharged.

The base engine is a 2.0-liter inline-4 with 147 horsepower, while the optional 1.6-liter turbo 4 develops 201 horsepower and can accelerate to 100 km / h in six seconds. Finally, the Veloster N has a 250 horsepower turbo 4. If this is not enough, you can get it, but with a return of 275 forces.

Available transmissions include a 6-speed manual or 6-, 7- or 8-speed automatic transmission. Each Veloster handles twisty roads with good steering and responsive ride, but the Veloster Turbo and Veloster N are the most excellent.

The Veloster technically accommodates four people, but not really; the back seat is cramped, not even for adults. Behind the second row is nearly 20 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to over 45 with the seats folded.

Veloster with base engine and automatic transmission consumes gasoline in the city: 8.7 liters per 100 kilometers, 6.9 liters on the highway, 7.8 liters in mixed mode; The 6-speed manual transmission lowers mileage by 2mpg.

The 1.6-liter turbo-4 delivers 26/33/29 mpg (7 liters per 100 kilometers minimum) with a manual transmission and 28/34/30 mpg with an automatic transmission.

Even the powerful Veloster N has good fuel economy: with a manual transmission, the Veloster N consumes 22/29/25 mpg or a minimum of 8.1 liters per 100 kilometers.

Veloster 2020 was named the best choice for security by IIHS last year. Automatic emergency braking and active lane control come standard.

Options and prices

The 2021 Veloster is available in 2.0, 2.0 Premium, R-Spec, Turbo, Turbo Ultimate and Veloster N trim levels. Prices range from $ 20,000 to $ 30,000.

• Base Veloster features manual transmission, 17-inch wheels, automatic emergency braking, active lane control, fabric upholstery, power features, 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, dual USB ports and connectivity Bluetooth. The automatic transmission costs $ 1,000 extra.

• The 2.0 Premium trim adds a sunroof, updated interior materials, keyless start and an automatic transmission paired with the base engine for about $ 24,000.

• Turbo R-Spec trim offers more horsepower, 18-inch wheels, 8.0-inch touchscreen, a short shifter for the 6-speed manual transmission, and premium audio for around $ 25,000.

• N trim features a 250-horsepower turbo 4, premium audio, adaptive cruise control, wireless smartphone charger, sports front seats and adaptive cruise control. For another $ 2,000, you can get a 275bhp engine, 19-inch wheels, and better brakes.

Hyundai backs the Veloster with an excellent 60,000 mile 5 year warranty.

Exterior

The 2021 Hyundai Veloster offers a unique sporty, asymmetrical styling.

The large front end is crowned with a wide grille with straps and air intakes that visually lower the small hatch. The backward-sloping headlights penetrate the front fenders to enhance front-wheel drive power.

On the sides, widened rear arches and short overhangs indicate the car’s desire to be hot.

Interior

The Veloster’s cockpit is also expressive, though not pretentious. Lots of hard and grainy plastic. Hyundai is good at cutting costs on hidden corners, however, and they don’t save money on materials but cut sound insulation. The cabin is surprisingly quiet for a car like this. Most Velosters use a synthetic sound that can be muted.

Comfort for two is average. The front seats are mostly comfortable and adjustable, although perhaps not for wide shoulders.

The single driver’s door is longer than the front passenger door, so the passenger can reach the rear seat from the driver’s side; it’s just not as convenient as using a third door.

But the back seat is not very comfortable. Hyundai says the Veloster has 34.1 inches of rear-seat legroom, but that space is more suitable for small people or children.

Behind the second row, the Veloster offers 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 45.5 cubic feet with the seats folded forward. It’s more than small sedans, but the versatility is excellent.

Driving experience

The performance of the 2021 Hyundai Veloster ranges from moderate to extremely wild. Even the light engine is far from lame, with the base engine, a 2.0-liter inline-4 producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.

The naturally aspirated engine drives the front wheels through a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The power is not impressive, but it is enough for such a light car.

The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine in the Veloster Turbo develops 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in six seconds.

Power is transmitted via a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

We prefer the manual transmission, partly because it’s so attractive, and partly because the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission isn’t very good at low speeds.

The Turbo R-Spec version features a short shifting gearbox that is a win-win.

The Veloster N uses a 250 horsepower turbo 4 that’s incredibly dynamic and fun, especially for the money. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard (and highly recommended), although an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is a new option this year.

The Veloster N adds a stiffer suspension, larger brakes, retuned steering and an electronic limited slip differential on the front axle that guides the car with pinpoint precision.

For another $ 2,000, an optional performance package adds 25 horsepower, larger brakes and more grippy tires.

The steering is precise and gets heavier in different modes; it seems a little artificial, but you forget about it when you drown on the gas pedal.

Summary

We highly recommend this pocket rocket. The base 2021 Hyundai Veloster is very affordable as a great stylish two-person hatchback, with rear gear, a third door for rear seat access and plenty of cargo space.

Three great powertrains, great fuel economy and stylish looks?