2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Review - CAR and DRIVER

Jared Gall, senior editor at Car and Driver, checks out how the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo compares to the non-turbo model on the latest episode of Car and Driver: Tested.
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CARS: Hyundai Veloster Turbo
LOCATION: San Diego, CA.
MAG EDITORS: Jared Gall
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[@FillyJeanOfficial]

Horrid review... You basically said from the get go that you didn't like the car and you think its weird. Even if you didn't like it you should use words like unique because maybe some people love this sort of thing.l. Why not get someone unbiased for a test drive? I live in Canada and bought a 2014 Turbo Veloster and I love it even in the snow. Handles amazing, good on gas. A sports car without the sports car pricing. And all the technology behind it. Seriously. Yes its built for a younger market. Single or a couple. Its no family car but you never went through the audio, parking assist, options, interior or trunk space. How did you even get this job?

[@jimmylai7969]

FillyJeanOfficial - Car and Driver are known to be euro and domestic fanboys. They don't like Asian cars.

[@lcar4000]

+Jimmy Lai That's really not true. The magazine has raved about Hondas for years.

[@dazuko8839]

Yeah I was getting annoyed through the video.

[@jessicakibler9181]

I love it

[@brettdesnoyers3831]

I have the exact car 2013 with 79,000 km. It is great? Get me right. I don't get to drive many other cars . Esp exotics

[@bensocharles6322]

This car is fuckn beautiful

[@mitchellsteindler]

Awful review...you talked about nothing and showed us nothing. Why not just tell us how much power and actually test the zero to sixty time? Why not actually show us the car taking some corners at speed? What was the point of this video?

[@tomasmolinari1543]

It's an economy car that's supposed to look sporty and comfortable to drive, and convenient. If you want sheer sport and power, get the Genesis and be done with it.

[@K-kreationz]

I bought a 2013 veloster (non turbo) and I love it!!! How often do people really put a turbo to its full use anyways, other then to show off and look dumb. this is a perfect car for first time buyers looking for something unique and unlike every other car you see on the road. really stands out and is very practical. get the look and personality of a sport coupe, practicality of a hatchback and it handles as much as you need a car to along with great gas mileage. It is my new favorite car

[@ewstaeger]

TBH if you are not looking for a speed demon this car is great. It's comfortable, drives well and the packages it comes with are great. I have recieved a bunch of compliments on mine. I agree it is really underpowered but this car wasn't build for speed in the first place. Personally i think the name is pretty cool.

[@peterf1]

"It's got 50% more HP and 50% more torque, and that gives you 50% more fun" No wonder I stopped subscribing to C&D.

[@cherryshawn]

going to test drive a veloster this weekend, dealership doesnt have the turbo model in stock but I wouldn't purchase a N/A one regardless. Just wondering, I'm 6 foot 2" is this car going to be too small for me? How is the drivers seat?

[@Dheyaa100]

I saw one today this car looks really good in real life i love the lights the body and everything about the exterior

[@Anonymous-ij4lq]

I need a review on the RSpec version of the Turbo. I've had that car for almost a year. It's so much better than the turbo. Upgraded steering, upgraded suspension and upgraded to a B&M short throw shifter it fixes all the issues people have been having in reviews with the turbo.

[@atomicpunk5318]

And your a professional reviewer. That was terrible, a total lack of information and biased.

[@jackorwell8015]

It's not weird, it's a good looking car that isn't boring.

[@Skarokin]

Tomas is right. The Genesis is more of a power kind of car. Veloster is more of like everyday driving. Also, this is a compact, not a performance car. You are talking about how weird it is, it's supposed to be a unique car that no other brand has done before.

[@tonyvaccaro98]

It's not a wierd looking its futuristic.

[@clickslidebang1871]

how does the car hold up after 150k miles or so?? any one?????

[@drunkpunkmike]

i have seen alot of cars on the road but for some reason this one always makes my head turn,i went to the auto show in chicago at the mccormick place and saw hundreds of cars and the only car i reaal wanted to see was this one it has karisma and style and everything is standard thats a huge plus for me....

[@shadowfoxx65]

Torque: 195 ft-lbs. @ 1750 rpm Horsepower: 201 hp @ 6000 rpm Curb weight: 2800 lbs this is what we really want to know

[@OsborneCox.69.420]

very fair review. spot on.

[@1rcproductions]

In Canada a Mini Copper S and GTI with close to the same options is $10, 000 more than the Veloster Turbo. I like that my VT uses regular gas, gets decent fuel mileage and is still fun to drive on my regular commute. I was not looking for a track car and I like the looks of my VT. Although the rear suspension is not up to what is found on the the Mini and GTI, and the tires that come with it aren't the greatest, I am satisfied with my purchase overall. Cheers.

[@Dreadstor]

Very fair review. There are problems with the steering and the rear suspension but with $450.00 of (3) after market add-on's, it clears those problems right up. My VT drives like it's on rails now, the steering is very responsive and the rear wheel hop is gone. It drives like a $30k+ car now.

[@havanisda1]

So what specifically did u buy for $450?

[@jamesjohnston8863]

Hey man what did u add to your veloster to fix that stuff? Have a vt myself and only have a cai so far but plan to add more. Thanks!

[@Dreadstor]

I bought a Rear Torsion bar, a Strut Bar and a Two Point Front Tiebar Brace from piercemotorsport.com

[@littilcuteboi1]

I love this car and the colors it comes with

[@xXKinGofbLadEsXx]

Does the turbo have paddle shifters?

[@_chipchip]

I heard him talk about the steering feedback and suspension feel, all of which are justified griped echoed by other reviewers. What's the problem?

[@WtZuck]

He looks GIANT next to that car.

[@wolfslife21]

when its coming out in the US.. whats the cost?

[@cantcatchm3m5]

@KSG I'm guessing Farah and the TST crew were just sharing footage. They do some work for G4's AOTS too

[@ivonattofelix]

HYUNDAI VELOSTER. Um automovel, completo visual moderno sem igual. Elegancia, presença, em qualquer lugar.

[@LazyPanda10]

I can only imagine the sales if they put genesis 2.0t in these.

[@Spicypapayas]

Yeah, too many reviews focus on speed when people shopping for cheap cars need something reliable and with enough power to merge on the freeway w/o getting killed. Will is last? Is it a pile of junk? Does it get good mpg's? How much space is there? Can you see out the back? There are millions of crappy drivers out there and the more they can see the better. Theres a lot to buying car besides 0-60. A lot of these reviews are as helpful as a 119hp mazda truck going up a hill.

[@waderx]

I just couldn't get my rear end around/in the one I tried about a year ago. I love the concept, however.

[@GearheadENG]

I recently ran across the Veloster Turo. I can't lie, I think it looks really good. It's not your standard economy car. 38mpg, 200hp, 195lb/ft of torque, nicely equipped, for a $22k price tag. I keep reading comments that it's a copy of the F86/BRZ. Someone obviously doesn't know much about cars. The F86 is a RWD sport coupe with a 2.0 NA boxer engine. The Veloster is a practical, gas sipping commuter car with some edge. You aren't going to tear up an autocross with it on the weekends.

[@TerryFilming]

Not only that, the Veloster has been in Korea before the FR-S was officially released.

[@arnoldinshorts]

i feel like most auto critics want to hate this car so much... now that said i will admit that i have bought a base model Veloster. And like any car it has it's flaws but most of them just don't matter, i completely disagree with him about the steering feel it has tons and it is not that light either, i owned a 2006 Mazda RX-8 Shinka edition, so i know what a car is supposed to handle and feel like. other than the minor noisy ride and lack of power, i absolutely love my car.

[@NORAD37849]

Thank you for your information. Many sorry, I was wrong. Mitsubishi GDI engine has resigned since 2007.

[@tantoun]

thank you sir ...

[@Saytheodd]

When I went to go test drive the 138h one a few days ago.. I put it in sport mode and floored it and it put me back in the seat. Much quicker than a civic or a fiat 500. And I drive a 05' civic. My civic has a lot more torque available lower in the Rpm's but once you get the RPM's up in the veloster its much more exciting.

[@EsotericHashira]

took the words right out of my mouth.

[@echofro]

I hope they but that turbo engine in the Elantra GT I hear that thing is good to drive

[@mongrelmind1]

How could anyone take this guys opinion seriously? He mad a decision to wear his sideburns like that. His out-dated aviators and shirt/jeans combo prove that this guy has terrible taste. It would be easier to appreciate his review if he was actually blind.

[@jimmylai7969]

Judging credibility by looks is something women usually do.

[@anand123456789]

They should put the 2.0T too!

[@cantcatchm3m5]

@1:09 TST/ Drive's Matt Farah- Can't wait to watch his review

[@Almighty_cornholio]

Will own eventually

[@AbrahamVelarde]

LINK?

[@Rangerfull3]

It's seems to have replaced the 2012 (under) 2.0t Genesis Coupes in the horsepower department, but it makes some since that they would leave the limited slip diff, suspension, and sports tires to the 2013 Genesis Coupes..

[@AlgerroMartinFReyes]

I like Hyundai Veloster Turbo car. YES.

[@Carsandgamesdude]

i would totally get the turbo model if i wanted a Veloster but with more power

[@Carlit0Tit0]

Putting AWD in itself would reduce the MPG. Because the car will use more power therefore using more gas. But if you don't put in the AWD it would have massive torque steer. Either way, the mpg would drop if you were to put an engine like that into this car. But I do agree a fourth door wouldn't hurt.

[@zehn916]

Remember The Hyundai Scoupe? Maybe Hyundai should look to it for road feel and handling. ("Lotus tuned" suspension)

[@chicago2370]

dont know why people are bitching about it his review. it was a good review

[@ChimpTV]

Barely even classifies as a review, good job.

[@nigelmccure6640]

I'm actually really happy that I can definitely buy it on the used car market very cheap because I just actually can definitely get it for like seven to eight grand or more or maybe sometimes even a little bit less than that here in Canada people so heck ya I want to get one of those things but with a six speed manual only because I just actually really badly want to modify the hell out of the dam thing actually

[@CamaroAmx]

i remember when Hyundia first hit US shores. it was basicaly a slightly better Yugo with borrowed Chrysler engines that Chrysler didn't want. they have inmproved over the years, a little bit.

[@iglooman117]

Heyy people that are complaining about him not giving you numbers on hp. He says the original is 138, and with 50%. Now basic math here watch out. 138x.5=69 so, 138+69=about 207 horse

[@Rally4Life1982]

I wonder if it has a terrible "loose" feeling in the gearbox like most Hyundais and Kias I've driven? ;)

[@c11121987]

I actually agree with him tho... I also felt the steering a bit lack of response. It feels like the steering wheel is not connected to the road...

[@mjharo72]

I love it!!! Hyundai is moving forward!!!

[@turbochoochoo]

I think it looks great

[@TrevorEditor]

That grill is just over kill haha

[@PkzVids]

Is the steering really that bad? I love the styling and extra features. The engine is great. Sexy car.

[@rr3873]

If they put the genesis 3.8 liter in the veloster this car will be one of the best hatchbacks in the market love hyundai i have a tuscani and i love to drive the 2.8l is very fun to drive

[@s.tnguyen4468]

@Tomas Molinari agreed.

[@greebuh]

They are all probably at a test where they invite people from most of the car review sites and mags to come out and test the cars for a day or two.

[@LandonInman]

Exactly how many times had you subscribed before you stopped?

[@scootfd3s]

everyone on car and driver can learn a ton from Jay Leno.

[@MikeW259]

Yes it is. That Ninja Turtle shaped cranium is definitely his. Matt is apparently a freelance tester...Just like Chris Harris.

[@anand123456789]

If the base model can do 0-60 in 8.5 sec, that ain't that bad, esp for 138HP. 6.5 seconds is actually darn quick for such a cheap car.

[@crashbomber]

it can be annoying for passengers in the back, but they get over it pretty quickly.

[@ae8686]

did anyone notice Matt Farah driving the black one.

[@ast0nmart1n1]

Like for Matt Farrah drive the car around the "autocross" course.

[@sirikronic]

the veloster is a sexy car with its mean look. they make the car seem like its horrible but its really not.

[@Omega5O]

Beautiful ca!

[@leoachilles]

I love this car and probably will get one, I am successive enough, don't need a badge to look better.

[@Carlit0Tit0]

Because it's a coupe. The driver side has a bigger door while the passenger side gets two doors. You get the best of both worlds. Also, this car is not meant to be the fastest thing on the road. It has high gas mileage for a reason, which is one of it's main selling features. Putting a 274 hp engine in it would greatly reduce the MPG. This car is great the way it is, it's not the fastest but also definitely not the slowest. Not bad for a little gas sipper.

[@JamesRussoMillas]

idk why i just like this car

[@MichaelMacosa]

You guys must a lot of fun at parties.

[@idothings100]

Matt Farah works for C&D?

[@arks1337]

why is matt farah driving the veloster at 2:53?! anyways, the review was kind of dull. now i dont even know what horsepower it makes. i have to check what hp the base model has to add 50 percent. wtf? what about the transmission, how does it feel? how fast is it? 0-60? so many questions..

[@tochjo772]

caranddriver is like " fox" of car magazine lool

[@Trickdone507]

the reviewer looks like john travolta lol

[@SGBassplayer]

Don't say a dual clutch gearbox can't handle the power of a turbocharged (200hp) engine when Mitsubishi has offered one on a turbocharged engine rated at almost 100hp more than this one since 2008 with their Evo X MR. Hyundai might not be able to develop one for this car that will keep it priced in the range they're shooting for, but to say this engine is too powerful for a twin clutch transmission simply isn't true.

[@Carlit0Tit0]

"Other than to show off and look dumb"? You know, more power isn't necessarily meant for people who want to race.

[@palebeachbum]

Yes, it's got 3 doors. Am I the only one who remembers the late '90's Saturn SC with the unique little 3rd door? It was suicide style. I prefer that to this. I also think that car was better looking.

[@TVinmyEye]

The only thing this car desperately needs is a four wheel independent suspension, after that i might consider getting one

[@herbertking8463]

i love mine

[@jakeamiare9269]

Herbert King hey do you still have it ? If so around how much mileage do they topically last ?

[@youremostwelcome]

Matt Farrah was in there!

[@bbcoachSupermanBR]

The Veloster Turbo is the only version I'd even consider. When you factor in that the car is essentially a re-skinned Hyundai Accent there's no way I'd pay thousands more for the look of the car..especially since it rides so harsh that it's just not fun and the Accent would make more sense. The Turbos extra features plus the power make it more desirable and the backseat is actually roomy for sub-5'11" people...the hatch has a surprising amount of space too...but for 1 person the BRZ or GTI win

[@manfromnantucket9544]

Still got more doors than my car. I like it

[@robink7591]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I guess. Maybe this guy likes the old-school look of the Cooper, or the uninspired and recycled look of the GTI and Mazda3. Apparently there is no accounting for taste. I think the Veloster Turbo looks great!

[@MrChevybaja]

Matt Farah at 1:09

[@mwstrick]

The elantra, sonata, & the veloster all have sluggish steering. I have test driven all three because I am considering buying one but I wish they would fix the loose feeling in the steering everything else is a good value for the money.

[@2ndengr]

Oh finally somebody said it..

[@Noelfuga300]

I don't mind being weird at all!!!....getting one...& maybe grow my sideburns too!

[@natedoggxl]

All Hyundai needs to do now is flair out the finders a little more...add beefier tires and rims..all wheel drive and the 348hp V6 engine from the Genesis coupe and you'd have a real winner: The Veloster R-Spec Turbo. : )

[@reycuerdos]

Agreed. The drive did not match up to the looks. It does sound and feel hollow from inside too.

[@Dbear326]

Yes the FRS is a better handling car, it was purpose built to be. I'd argue with you over the quality but I won't because I've driven both cars (doubt you have) and you're probably a FRS fanboy. It's not the same money, because to get the FRS with the same standard equipment that comes on the Veloster you're talking about spending $4k more. Even base prices are almost $3k different.

[@conorkeane2932]

What a boring review. uuuughhh

[@nursultantulyakbaycats]

I think it looks rather good, everyone keeps telling me they find it disgusting, maybe they are biased against Korean cars?

[@DoctorNumber46]

Putting 274HP in a FWD car would also create tons of torque steer.

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

i dont think its weird. Different doesnt equate to weird. It's fresh in my opinion. I wouldn't necessarily buy one...at all but you get my drift.

[@JordsterMovies]

Why would I choose one of these over a GTi, MS3, Focus ST or even a Civic Si? It has a "spunky" appearance but it's price is edging towards 3 much more refined, better driving FWD performance cars. I guess it has it's interesting appearance, which is bound to attract some, but I can't shake the fact that there are quite a few better cars that are just marginally more money.