Why Did Nobody Buy The Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE? It's Bonkers, And Brilliant!

In this video, we are looking at the bananas Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE. With only a couple hundred of these ever sold in the UK, it was a sales disaster. Other markets really loved it, so why did it fail here - is it that bad?
#Hyundai #Veloster #Turbo
Want to see your car on the channel? Email me on [e-mail]
************************************************************************
Looking to buy a new or used car? HOLMESDALE FINANCE can help!
My channel partner Holmesdale Finance specialises in finance solution for new and used prestige, sports and performance cars - including MODERN CLASSIC policies and many more. You might be surprised at what they can do, so speak to them to find out more. Their website is www.holmesdalef...
***********************************************************************
Looking for a new stereo or multi channel system for your home?
Speak to James Dean at DB Hifi for the best deal on the best equipment around.
www.dbhifi.co.uk
***********************************************************************************
Want More JayEmm? Become a channel member for access to exclusive content!
/ @jayemmoncars

[@fatfreddyscoat7564]

At least they did it right and had the two doors on the pavement side so the kids can get out onto the pavement safely unlike the Mini where they opened into the road as they couldn’t be arsed to redo the car for the right hand drive market.

[@mrdaviddennis3790]

But thas the funny thing mini is British but I'm guessing being owned by bmw cause that

[@seanh5648]

Bit like my wife’s Citroen C5 aircross. Couldn’t be arsed to move the fuse box. So the glove box is tiny! Not a huge issue as there is a lot of storage. It’s still lazy though.

[@williamjohnson6517]

I've got one! Black 2015 Turbo in America now from the UK . I call mine WINSTON 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿. This little car is SERIOUSLY underrated. It will do the clock . Small / lightweight 201 bhp it's like a little go cart.And it has taken out 😏quite a few American cars with like twice the horsepower of this. They don't like it up them Captain Mainwaring.🤣😎

[@real_elgee5402]

@@mrdaviddennis3790 mini is German now 😂

[@jamesfranko5098]

@@williamjohnson6517 how much did you pay for yours? Did you get it used?

[@LuckyDogProductions]

I had a 2012 and now a 2016 STICK SHIFT. What a hoot! The Veloster is the Porsche 944, VW Corrodo, 2011 Scirocco I could never afford..... and it isn't GERMAN so it does not need a $1000 repair every month. 45 Miles per Gallon is fun too

[@johang7498]

So glad you reviewed this odd-looking, but highly interesting car. A few years ago, I sometimes saw them and its styling guaranteed you did notice them. With its Audi-like grille, the turbo-version did look better than the regular veloster.

[@Edd90k_]

reason they didn't sell is simple badge snobbery. Brits are slowly coming to terms with the fact that koreans make good cars that are more reliable and better equiped than their beloved german brands.

[@emiliospowerballer1441]

Koreans/Japanese cars are not better equipped than the European ones. European cars offer more power, more luxury, better performance, more comfort and even better fuel economy. What Koreans did was smart; offer less powered cars as most European roads can't handle extreme speeds unless you live next to the Autobahn. Koreans offer more fun cars with just enough power to put a smile on your face. Where am i supposed to unleash 421 bhp with an A45 AMG S, if the autobahn is 2000 kms away? They aren't really expensive, while they are quite affordable to live with, unlike German cars

[@Edd90k_]

@@emiliospowerballer1441 every german car is option on option even for basic old things. You still see new bmws running halogen lights! it's a joke. Japanese and koreans do it much better, my old 2008 lexus is250 had more kit than my mates new bmw! japanese and koreans are beating germans hands down, people won't admit it as they continue financing their bone stock white mercs for £600/month thinking they're baller. It's a bit sad and funny at the same time.

[@GadgetMart]

@@emiliospowerballer1441 German cars are also over complicated and unreliable as a result. My next car will probably be a Hyundai

[@emiliospowerballer1441]

@@Edd90k_ that would depend on the car and the option. Either way, Germans have better interiors and better performance overall. You get some of everything, and while its true that Germans love to play with options like Audi, the Audi is packed with advanced technology that improves performance and handling. My 150PS Golf has a rear independent suspension, like do you ever see that, even as an option, on a Yaris? No. German cars are built for performance, comfort and luxury, but especially performance. A C250d is faster than most Japanese and Korean cars combined while blend in leather. Why would you care if the camera for parking is not available as standard. Japanese cars have a lot of extras too, and some actually blow my mind, like chrome logo on a Yaris. Compare the GR Yaris to an Audi S3 to see the difference. You see where the extra money is going and its not even a comparison.

[@emiliospowerballer1441]

@@GadgetMart I disagree. All cars are reliable, it all depends on how they are looked after and driven. No brand is more reliable than another. Toyota had thousands of recalls, and so did Honda, Lexus and Mercedes.

[@shept.7736]

It’s funny to hear you call this rare! Over in the USA I see these fairly often.

[@anvil9263]

I think theres about 2000 in total left in the UK thats both turbo and non turbo, crazy figures

[@elisorrells5314]

@@anvil9263 to here that kind of figure for any modern Hyundai is nuts

[@2010ngojo]

2nd gen are rare as they are being discontinued after only a few years being out.

[@seanh5648]

I seen my first one, when I visited California. It was yellow and looked really cool.

[@nappen8855]

Same here! I actually own a 2015 r-spec and love it. It's weird how different markets work.

[@O000hShiny]

This made me miss my turbo V even more now, awesome little car, ours never missed a beat over the 3 yrs 140k kms I owned it. We had no dramas chucking the family of 4 in it and head off on a road trip of some 1000ks over a long weekend here in Oz.

[@MeakerSE]

I just wanted to thank Jay for being a true gent on the day and for producing a great video. I really enjoyed the experience.

[@Reznor_Meeks]

this video was just released a few minutes ago, how come your comment is *4 weeks old?*

[@MeakerSE]

@@Reznor_Meeks Videos can be uploaded privately and I got a sneak peak of it as it's my car before it got put into the cycle for release.

[@brianiswrong]

Thankyou for sharing your car with us 👍

[@djmandrick]

Back in the time where everyone still thought Hyundais were shit. I have a 1st gen i30D from 2009, never gone wrong, never broken down, as a 45mile commuter everyday, still love it (also own ST150 and now an EP3). Boot can easily contain a large greyhound and the large plush bed such a spoilt animal requires.

[@mrkazman]

I think the general wisdom is that Korean car makes were dogshit in the 2000's. You may have bought right when they were coming good, as it were. Or perhaps blanket statements about entire nation's car engineering over the course of a decade is too broad of a statement to ever be completely correct.

[@jaysmartin]

Everything should be measured in large greyhounds :)

[@djmandrick]

@@jaysmartin I agree!

[@lgz2006]

I also wanted to mention about *Hyundai Tiburon GT V6* it's a predecessor to this car, and it's a great sports car from the Korean as well!!

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

👍

[@MeakerSE]

They were known as the Hyundai coupe here, the V6 version died a death here as when new regs came in it got the highest tax bracket due to emissions and became much more expensive to run.

[@lgz2006]

@@MeakerSE At least it's the same engine from the Hyundai Santa Fe or Tuscon

[@stichupman]

@@MeakerSE that and the fact they are utterly gutless 2.7 v6 with about 170bhp is extremely poor.

[@richardharrold9736]

@@stichupman yeah, the BMW M54B22 made that much power from almost half a litre (well, 485cc) less displacement at that time, and it's far from highly-strung.

[@simonk337]

It's the doors, they're just weird 😬 looks like a Mégane from the back.

[@resnonverba137]

Agreed on both counts.

[@mr.makichoot1376]

The veloster wishes it was a megane

[@Randomadventurelife]

The car is beautiful 😍

[@jeffallinson8089]

I had never even heard of the Veloster Turbo SE so I was instantly curious about this car and I have to say I really like it. It looks striking, sounds great, its practical and for a hot car cheap to run. How these wern't a runaway success here in the UK makes no sense.

[@robstaples6649]

Always liked these as odd ball field alternatives to Focus STs and Golfs. They're as rare as rocking horse 💩 in the UK so good ones are still a little pricey but I guess that means they won't get riced to death for the moment. Great video as always.

[@User76575]

This is totally bonkers I have 16’ Veloster turbo and had no idea this was ever sold in the uk!(I previously lived there) Great review and happy new year !

[@fudganuld]

Never seen a Turbo...Always liked the look of them though...

[@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049]

U can't be in America because they're everywhere

[@davebarron5939]

Here in the US, they do come "recommended" as it were. I have personally only seen two in the wild, but I like the (outside the box) door configuration. As always great job, Cheers!

[@tonywoodham3760]

Enjoyed your input, currently looking at one and wanted your opinion, looking forward to taking it out for some fun. Thank You.

[@darrylwebb3625]

I never knew we got a warm Veloster in the UK, yet such a funky little car. Shame it didn't sell, it looks like fun.

[@justinmisiuda48]

When I went car shopping, it took me nearly an hour to realize I was looking at the same car in the photos due to there doors. I probably wouldn’t be owning a veloster turbo today if I wasn’t having so much difficulty looking for the right car.

[@MetalHead1904]

I love these. They are so rare in the uk

[@zzhughesd]

2+1 door coupe with a boot Turbo. Beautiful

[@chrisphillips6393]

I have one of these in White . Was not expecting to see you review this, no one seems to know about it. I get people constantly asking me "what the hell is it?" Its a good little car without being particularly outstanding to drive, still looks great though, has aged quite well tbh. But yeah, here in the UK these sold terribly. Combination of poor marketing from Hyundai and badge snobbery.

[@Matt-go7ss]

It depends what colour you see em in. A bloke near me has a yellow one and it looks great

[@global_nomad.]

saw one of these out on the road today and thought...mmmm...thats a nice option..

[@93455Driver]

Veloster N is a right bundle of fun, sounds awesome.

[@davey6680]

I am much pleased with your review! I previously owned the 1st gen 2012 Veloster NA with the DSG it was a great car that would have been a great comparo with the car in this vid. Mine had a $900 AUD aftermarket steering wheel and a $1200 catback exhaust, sounded so nice and loud and it was painted in a very bright Yellow with Black racing stripes (like Bumblebee) a very attention grabber and was a great car i loved it but it was time to upgrade and so i dont have it no more but shame u couldnt have tested mine, also a bit hard considering im in Australia where they were in abundance! We love them here

[@aussiefurbymogwaifan6621]

Australians loved velosters?? I thought they were not sold here (like how I thought the sidekick/hiptop wasn’t sold here in the great land down under), but apparently after spotting 4 of these 3 door things over the last 2 to 3 days. Someone even said that they have a “bubble butt” when a black beloster was parked a couple of cars from their 24 i30 nline sedan - oh the irony! But what do you mean by abundance, but say that aussies love them??

[@argonautsuk]

Good evening from Manchester. I think programs like top gear should be made accountable.

[@aussiefurbymogwaifan6621]

Why??

[@tradingcardboss]

Is it not time for a Jay Score ?

[@daviddunville2293]

Another very enjoyable and honest video,great little car keep them coming mate👍🏻

[@Wardance76]

I own one In Australia. Love the car . About to sell it.

[@axe2grind772]

It’s a small, relatively inexpensive turbo with a manual……sounds exactly like what folks in the UK drive and the opposite of what most Americans like yet they’re everywhere here and didn’t sell over there. Makes no sense

[@pangolin83]

It's the crazy doors. If they committed to either a 5 or 3 door then it would've sold much better

[@donaldw6049]

Great Review, as Always. Here in the States, see them often. Loved the 3 door design from the beginning. Maybe I’m a little out of Square too

[@pinut187]

It actually is a four door car.

[@JohnAdrenochrome]

This Hyundai is positively commonplace compared to mine! I have a low-mileage (57k) 1998 Hyundai Coupe F2 (2.0) which Hyundai produced as a limited edition to celebrate their entry into the F2 category of the World Rally Championship that year. The chassis was tweaked by Porsche and it's a lot lighter than the later early 2000's Hyundai Coupes. It's a bit of a garage queen... I have to preserve it as it's now rarer than a 430 Scuderia on British roads!

[@rickc2102]

From the right angles I'd swear there was a cephalopod influence on the design team.

[@mesco8200]

Just drive it it's a hyundai coupe, do like them but rare doesn't make them any better

[@JohnAdrenochrome]

@@mesco8200 I know but I feel obligated to preserve one in it's standard form for posterity :-) Numbers of the F2 have fallen from original 1200 to about 20 ! If they so much as sniff a drop of rain the rust starts...

[@fx8726]

Watching this a little late. But turning off traction control makes a big difference. If you want to go further you can turn stability control off as well. Love my Veloster Turbo and will keep it for as long as she lives

[@thatguydillan6360]

I like it but the door situation just is a big no for me. Still a cool little car

[@rickc2102]

Hyoon. Dai. Two syllables, each containing a dipthong. Nothing but love.

[@pangolin83]

You ain't hearing anyone in the UK say it that way

[@simonjohnson3641]

I think we need to see you driving an i20N next James, if anyone can sort you out a drive in one

[@iSteveGWT]

Great looking car, has lots of nice touches added by the owner.

[@GregoryTKint]

Maybe you should consider doing a "reasonable dad car" series also?

[@mrhawk1924]

My 16 Verloster Turbo on my channel / We love these cars in the US of A

[@ryanjones5594]

Looks very good. Interior is predictably naff and seems crazy to need to rebuild the top end for that sort of power

[@Matkovic99]

Here in the US we got the Elantra Sport and the Veloster (Turbo/R-Spec), both outfitted with the same powertrain. The Elantra (basically the i30 fastback) is a very roomy sedan with what I think, a far superior interior and ride with an actual multilink rear suspension. However on the weight side the Elantra and the i30 fastback are about 300 ought pounds 150kilos heavier. Btw what tires was he running? 230hp is gonna be pretty crazy for that thing and putting all it's power down for how light it is.

[@MeakerSE]

225/40/r18 Michelin primacy 4 all around.

[@Matkovic99]

@@MeakerSE Thats what Im looking to put on my Elantra lol, how do you like em so far?

[@MeakerSE]

@@Matkovic99 good crusing tyres. A little less of an edge compared to the PS4 but longer wear life and a bit quieter. You can get PS4S in this size too which could be interesting.

[@waynereynolds3232]

Hey JayEmm, is it just me, or does the rear of the Veloster look like the rear of the Astra GTC? Great video, BTW.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

There's a resemblance

[@MeakerSE]

@@JayEmmOnCars From what people have been commenting the closest resemblance is the megane from 2010 but with much more aggressive wheel arches and different light internals.

[@wwilll]

The exhaust note reminds me of an E type.

[@pkgum6910]

Why? Perhaps because, when lulled into a "false sense of speed" (previous 2 set's of traffic lights) and the 2 lane road becomes a single lane in about 250 to 300 meters after the 3rd set of traffic lights, the Turbo Veloster couldn't haul in a standard, 13 year old, (non-turbo), six cylinder, Ford Falcon XR6 and was relegated to 2nd.

[@sensationalfailure]

The driver gets the big door, yes. But more importantly, the rear passengers always get the curbside.

[@USIGNLOOFID]

Good video and a really interesting car.

[@magicMUSHROOMSSS]

I'm one of the few that still have one 👍🏼

[@mercuripietro6888]

in canada the 1.6 turbo had 201hp and 195 torque very smoth not much lag and pepi

[@vyathaen]

Review a Hyundai Coupe SIII 2.0 please

[@nielskjr5432]

I've heard that the '12 and the 13 model are to be avoided.

[@plxton]

Never seen one in person, I do quite like them though.

[@Official_MikeyT]

The Veloster commercial where the woman get nailed by the pickup truck is still the best car commercial ever.

[@acfsambo4996]

Australia didn't get the Veloster N. And has been cancelled here recently

[@67tomcat]

Unfortunately, Hyundai has recently killed off most Veloster models for the USA. Fortunately, the Veloster N is still being offered going forward.

[@koolkat969]

Quite an interesting quirky car. A neighbour had one in yellow and I think that colour suits it the best. If the owner is reading, I would like to know what insurance coy you use. That's a reasonable amount you pay with mods declared. Some insurance coys won't even insure with aftermarket mods.

[@MeakerSE]

A specialist called sky insurance ( they changed their name to safely insured just recently)

[@koolkat969]

@@MeakerSE You're a gent! Thanks for the info as I'm looking for a new insurer for my slightly tweaked Integra Type R DC2. Very much appreciated sir! 👍

[@MeakerSE]

@@koolkat969 It can take a bit longer to get them on the phone but are really helpful when you are going through it all.

[@koolkat969]

@@MeakerSE No worries. I've just given them a follow on fb also and seen tons of modified cars on their page. Thank you so much.

[@jamesdonovan2423]

@@MeakerSE are you on the forums? Might be looking to go the same route with a 13 se engine. Moving it over to a non turbo orange NAV, and I think the donor has rod knock. Forged might be my best route, although I'll try and do the flywheel and stage 3 clutch before it gets built into the car. Any leads on suppliers would be great.

[@AdamLeask]

The reason they never sold very well in the NZ market was purely price driven. I looked at one in 2015/2016 and ended up buying a new Fiesta ST (factory tuned) for $18,000 less than a Veloster Turbo. I have no doubts the Veloster is a cool looking car, but the Ford was a known quantity that was always going to have decent resale values due to enthusiastic blue oval fanatics.

[@icekitty400]

Future classic? 🤔

[@waynemangan9925]

torsion beam rear end was this Velo's weakness.

[@YouOnlyIiveTwice]

You should try to get your hands on the DC5 Type R.

[@bobagosto6441]

That Turbo at 0:03 wow

[@andrewpattie358]

Really like the the way the car looks in fact the way most hyundai cars look but that's where it ends the interior is just crap I looked at the 130n fastback grate looks but inside it's no good for me and the same with the civic type r its no better these cars r not for 18 year olds anymore their for people 30+ and with that u expect more then just a great driving car 🤷‍♂️

[@tomthompson7400]

but they do look good , bit like that mad renault wind jammer or windy pop , or what ever it was called ,,, free wind ?

[@CJ-ui4tg]

Still waiting for this car in the Philippines

[@techtoth1]

Love it. Corageous. Had I the money it'd be in my yard.

[@mayuravirus6134]

1 door for the driver and 2 door on the safe side as what their banned commercial says

[@littleredcurious5044]

Alittle matte paint and it would be called “toothless”

[@JakobusVdL]

Wow, Insurance in the UK is expensive. I have fully Comp on a Mk5 GTi, all mods declared, for less than half that - in New Zealand

[@phil8437]

Hi, Yes insurance here in the UK is expensive along with the cost of cars compare to New Zealand and Australia. Price of a new Toyota Yaris in New Zealand is about 31k New Zealand dollars and equivalent spec car in the UK is 46k New Zealand dollars!

[@JakobusVdL]

Cheers@@phil8437 , its only recently that the price of new cars in NZ has been comparable to those in the UK. But I think your second hand cars are still way cheaper than in the UK. In NZ insurance isn't compulsory, I wonder if that is a factor in why the insurance here is cheaper?

[@JohnAgustinScuderia458595]

James: Hyundai Veloster Turbo SE? It's Bonkers, And Brilliant! Me in the Philippines: You guys had a Turbo?

[@MeakerSE]

Saudi Arabia only got the Nav as well I think. Twin scroll for the win :)

[@SuperLloyd84]

This car makes me irrationally angry. I know it's asymmetrical and I can never fix it.

[@MeakerSE]

😆

[@Big_Yin]

Probably didn't sell well because the i30 turbo was better value overall.

[@Randomadventurelife]

Thousands of them are on the road plenty of people bought them. It's just in the last couple years the N is the more appealing car.

[@MeakerSE]

Not in the UK.

[@mihailhidler5400]

Because they yet have to discover your favorite piece of twisty back reud

[@Fee.1]

Your usual route was closed off WHY??? What’s happened??? Is it okay? I’m very fond of that route

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Turns out they were fixing some unbelievably bad potholes

[@Fee.1]

@@JayEmmOnCars oh dear road skin cancer 😫😫😫 I hope it does okay in surgery 🥺

[@eze8970]

@@JayEmmOnCars You wore the road out 😂

[@VladoT]

The rear is Vauxhall Corsa 😀

[@porleg]

Love your vids

[@billyp337]

Did the sound from the car come from the original. Or was the sound from the exhaust made by the adaptions done by the owner ?

[@MeakerSE]

The original sound is super quiet.

[@conny4973]

Had a 2019 turbo. That dual clutch was awesome. New N is even better with the 8 speed wet. Loved it. Also, god, no one calls it a hi-yun-day. Lol

[@mikev6046]

It's a South Korean's take on the Corrado G60.

[@ignignxkt]

Speaking from experience. Its super cramped for the passenger (they get less width space than driver), is super uncomfortable, is unreliable and has a poor resale value.

[@ichigozanghetsu]

They sold terribly because they look weird being so assymetrical. Like the nissan cube with it's weird wrap around back quarter window.

[@davidbest1]

I don’t think the wrap around window was the biggest issue for the Cube🤣

[@craigauty6756]

I thought it would be far more reliable than a mk5 gti

[@allanmcareavey9106]

Should take a look at mine. If you want something different 😂

[@raff_spriggles_tfn5910]

Now I kinda want one

[@wollywotsit]

Will never buy a Hyundai again after the service I got (or didn’t get) from Richmond Hyundai, truly terrible

[@MeakerSE]

I still go back to Johnson's Hyundai in cov, have always treated me well.

[@mrwick7961]

looks like a megane at the bk and sounds similar to lol

[@Birmingham_racing]

My neighbour has one I don't like him so I've never asked him anything about it lol

[@Dazza2292]

Very strange, the interior of this one is totally different centre console, gauges and wheel to my Mrs one of the exact same year/model, hers is white Edit just watched again and noticed the dash etc was swapped. Stupid me😂

[@MeakerSE]

It does make a big difference to the overall look.

[@Dazza2292]

@@MeakerSE for sure it does, brings it right upto date

[@madmatt5661]

Hyundais are very good cars but most people in the uk like to buy a badge

[@bilaltariq7819]

Built bottom end to withstand 230hp? Don't think I've ever heard anything like that in my life🤣🤣

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The engine is capable of more, the clutch I believe is the current weak point

[@MeakerSE]

@@JayEmmOnCars It slips if I give it the beans in sixth on the motorway as it is. Definitely the next thing on my shopping list.

[@SA-zoom1]

Let me think... THE DOORS.

[@stevensarson482]

Rear - Mazda?

[@mr.makichoot1376]

Heaps of them in Australia, usually driven by young girls with custom pink number plates like B4RBI3

[@niteblaster1]

The rear of it looks like a Corsa

[@camilstoenescu]

Cool car.

[@mercuripietro6888]

you could get one for a steal if you buy a used one

[@STORMBREAKER_250]

I really don’t like the Veloster. It’s not a particularly attractive car, and there are better options with better performance for the same price.

[@jamp12008]

If it was a lassie in a nightclub I'd approach it and say this. "I might no be the best lookin guy on the dancefloor but I'm the only guy talkin to you" 🤣

[@jplay0426]

The manual was just bad.. at least in the US. Really bad wheel hop, door setup, slow…

[@MeakerSE]

Wheel hop was fixed with strategic bushing changes, it's a fair bit faster now.

[@terrygoshawk]

The door idea only works if you never drive abroad, as your passengers in the back will have to get out into the road as soon as you get across the channel, stupid idea

[@JayEmmOnCars]

This is not a very large issue

[@terrygoshawk]

@@JayEmmOnCars it's a useless idea and possibly amongst the reasons it never really took off, you can't tell me that they were popular, and just seems a bit too try hard for no real benefit, just my opinion 🤷‍♂️

[@wpjohn91]

3 doors just look weird