Hyundai’s redesigned Veloster hatchback is a great choice for buyers who want a less expensive car that’s quick and fun to drive. This little speedster also comes with a dose of practicality, including a unique three-door configuration, which makes getting into the tight rear seat a bit easier.
The driving experience lives up to the promise made by the car’s aggressive styling. The 201-horsepower turbo four-cylinder engine in our tested, mid-level R-Spec trim responds almost instantly when the driver presses on the gas pedal, producing hearty levels of power. The six-speed manual transmission (the only gearbox available in the sporty R-Spec we tested) is a joy to use, thanks to its crisp and precise action. The clutch pedal is light and linear, making this an easy car to drive, even for people less skilled with a stick-shift. Fuel economy was a decent 29 mpg overall with the manual.