Hyundai's new foray into the relatively small market of sleek coupes was revealed last year with its new bold statement, the three-door Veloster.

The most exciting model to come from Hyundai since the Genesis, it retains the front end looks and comes with some trick new features. But how does it compare to the solid, reverred rivals and does it feel as good as it looks? We spent a few days with the 1.6 GDi to find out.

Outside, the Veloster has the sporty looks to match the name. From the front, it's a squat design that sits wide and could almost be mistaken for a Nissan 370Z. Almost. The large headlights protrude out of the wings and the body hollows out beneath them to make the car look meaner. The rear incorporates a twin chrome central exhaust with buggish looks and deep curves.



Inside, the focus is on the driver. The 7" touch screen media centre is easy to use and responds to even the lightest prods. The free-standing door handles are also a nice touch and the centre console is smartly presented with piano-black buttons. I loved the telescopic, illuminated instrument binnacle with lunar eclipse-style backlights. Generally, the interior has a premium feel with the small exception of the flimsy temperature dial.

The 1.6 direct-injection engine is mated to a 6 speed dual clutch system with paddle shifts. 0-62 is achieved in a leisurely 10.3 seconds and the Veloster will top out at 124mph. The new turbo version is due this year and is likely to give the Vauxhall Astra GTC a run for its money, but these figures are slower than the competition.

One of my favourite features on the car is the semi-auto box. In Drive mode, automatic gear changes are seamless and almost unnoticeable until you kickdown. Sport mode is a bit harsher, but the paddles respond in an instant and you can rev the eager engine round to 6300 rpm. The engine is certainly urgent and willing. Just don't expect a rewarding howl.

From low speeds, there's enough shove to keep you entertained, but a lack of torque is evident in higher gear changes as the car slouches. Around town, I preferred Sport mode as I could change into a higher gear earlier on.



For a relatively small capacity engine, I expected better than 145g/km emissions figures and £130 in road tax each year is not insignificant. Fuel economy wasn't great either – I managed a 36.8mpg average with combined driving compared to the claimed 44.1mpg figure, but even sedate driving with the Eco button on failed to up the economy.

Luckily, the Veloster can really hold its own on the road. When pushed hard through a corner, it stays flat and refuses to understeer. The brakes are sharp and at full throttle in Sport mode, paddle shifting is great fun. The chassis is firm but comfortable and the suspension absorbs big potholes and bumps with ease.

Front seats emblazoned with 'Veloster' badges hug your body and remain comfortable even after long journeys. It is a nice place to sit.

The driver focus of this sports coupe continues into the back. The body has three-doors instead of two and it's a novel way of creating the illusion of space without ruining the lines of the car. However, it fails to add much to the cramped rear and it took some effort to clamber in and out of the door even though I'm only 5'9.



In fact, the rear of the cabin spoils the inside of the car. The seats look good but you sit very upright and the sloping roofline meant my scalp was touching the headliner. The back is only really suitable for children. Still, the attractive glass roof panel will go some way to keeping them entertained.

The Veloster we tested was £19,690. It comes with a high level of standard equipment including climate control, LED daytime running lights and reversing sensors but the media pack with sat-nav and cruise control are options well worth considering.

Overall then, this car is a brave and successful attempt at enticing buyers towards the Korean brand and away from rivals such as the Volkswagen Scirocco and the Vauxhall Astra GTC, especially when it can offer a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free roadside assistance and annual health checks.

It feels great to drive and can mix smooth and sporty very well. It looks unique and refreshing too. However for the price, it offers little in the way of fuel economy. This will no doubt be an acceptable sacrifice in the turbo version, but for the small engine, I was left wanting more.