2017 Hyundai Veloster Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What’s New for 2017
There aren't a ton of changes from the 2016 model. Some of the changes are important ones. The 2016 model had less-than stellar safety scores from Institute for Highway Safety. Hyundai made numerous changes and added features to make the vehicle more safe. The IFHS gives the 2017 model a 5/5 star rating.
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster also gets a new trim package. The Value Edition comes with the standard 1.6-liter engine. It still offers many of the same features of the Turbo version, making it a good economical choice for anyone with a tight budget.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Hyundai Veloster – The Pros
1. Nice Interior Fit And Finish
All of the interior panels, dashboard, displays and upholstery are of excellent quality. The fit, finish and stitching are great for a car in this class and price range. The seats and ergonomics are spot on as well. There is a ton of pouches, cubbyholes and other storage areas. All are nicely designed and well crafted.
2. An Impressive List Of Standard Features
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster has four different trims. The Base model, the Value Edition, Turbo and Turbo R Spec. The Turbo R Spec is the choice for driving enthusiasts who need a sporty feel and great performance.
The base model is an excellent choice for an economical car. Fortunately, it still comes loaded with standard features. Hyundai's Blue Link system is on all versions. Remote-keyless entry, a 6-speaker sound system with a 7 in. display, leather-wrapped steering wheels and Bluetooth integration are just a few of the highlights.
3. Wide Variety Of Exterior And Interior Colors
Most vehicles have a number of color options, but the 2017 Hyundai Veloster choices stand out. The colors are vibrant and bright. You can choose standard colors such as black, white or gray, or bold with bright yellow, orange or red.
The Veloster is all about style and visually standing out from the crowd. The interior-color choices are equally as impressive. there are numerous options such as red and contrasting trims. Hyundai lists street bikes as an inspiration for their designs. It shows with the color choices and body style.
4. Good safety Features
A driver's blind-spot mirror and 4-wheel disc, ABS brakes come standard for all trims. Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control and a Traction Control System are all included. It also features a rear-view camera, 6 airbags and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
5. Unique Body Style With 3 Doors
This category is where the 2017 Hyundai Veloster really stands out. One of the negatives of a compact vehicle is how difficult it can be to get in and out of the rear seats. Hyundai alleviates this problem by adding a third door. There's one large door on the driver's side, two doors on the passenger side and a hatchback.
6. Hyundai's Own Blue Link System
This is Hyundai's proprietary system that links your Smart Phone to a number of features. You can use your phone to remotely start your engine, lock and unlock the doors. If you're Veloster is stolen, the Blue Link System can even aid law enforcement in the recovery of your car.
7. Plenty Of Comfortable Cabin Space
The front seats are very comfortable with a lot of head and elbow room. The seats are very ergonomic and comfortable as well. Comfortable space is not something often associated with a compact car. Hyundai does a good job here so you'll never feel cramped while driving.
8. Can Be Converted For Good Cargo Space
The hatchback already provides decent storage space that is easily accessed. There is also a number of storage spots within the vehicle. When this fails to meet your needs, you simply need to put down the back seats. Converting the Veloster for more cargo space is fast and easy. It then provides plenty of space for groceries or whatever else you need to haul around.
9. A Solid Infotainment System
The infotainment system features an intuitive, easy-to-use interface. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and HD Radio have all been added as standard features this year. Everything can be controlled through the large, easy-to-read touchscreen.
10. Turbo Engine Model Has Good Performance
The turbo model of the 2017 Hyundai Veloster can reach 60 mph in 7 seconds or less. The 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine puts out 201 hp with 195 lb-ft of torque. It still manages to get good fuel economy with this sportier engine. It's rated at 32 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city with the turbo engine and dual-clutch transmission.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Hyundai Veloster – The Cons
1. Base Engine Has Sluggish Performance
The base engine has good fuel economy, but feels a bit sluggish. Acceleration is not very good for such a small, light vehicle. This can be avoided by selecting the turbo models, but that will increase the cost of the car.
2. Low Roof And Cramped Back Seats
The low roof makes getting in and out of the car a bit cumbersome. Reaching the backseats is easier than many other compacts, but it's still pretty cramped back there once you're inside.
3. Not A Very Smooth Ride
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster is not the smoothest ride in the world of compact cars. The ride can get downright bumpy.
How It Stacks Up To The Competition
One of the top competitors for the 2017 Hyundai Veloster is the 2017 Ford Focus hatchback. The base model of the Ford is a bit cheaper, but not by much. The Ford also has a larger engine, but the Veloster Turbo R-Spec model still outperforms it. The Veloster has a much more aggressive, sports-car style, but this may or may not suit your own personal tastes.
The Scion tC is also comparable in price and function. It has a more conservative body style which may appeal more to some buyers. The turbo models of the Hyundai outperform this competitor as well. If performance is what you want, then the Hyundai wins out most of the time.
Conclusion
If you want something unique and sporty in a compact car, then the 2017 Hyundai Veloster is hard to beat. The sharp style, good performance and value make it an easy recommendation.
