2012 HYUNDAI VELOSTER

2012 HYUNDAI VELOSTER

SLEEK HATCHBACK TURNS HEADS, BUT SLOWLY

By Barry Spyker, McClatchy Newspapers

A parking-lot security guard smiled and nodded approvingly. Others glued their eyes to the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, watching it all the way down the street.

Truth is, the Veloster is the boldest-looking and most stylish compact hatchback to come along in many years. Featuring one primary oddity – three doors, not two or four – the Veloster has attitude and it grabbed me the moment I saw it.

On the driver side, a coupe-like door; the other side has two sedan-like doors. That's where the rear-seaters will want to enter but, with a center cupholder-setup dividing the rear seat, it's not the easiest of slide-overs. Also, six-footers may grumble about headroom. But it's still cool.

Based on the Elantra, though no one will really notice, the Veloster is the new guy in the hatchback neighborhood. It arguably is the sharpest looking of the bunch, is definitely not the fastest, but may offer the best bang for the buck with a host of standard amenities.

It is sleek, even racy, from the profile. The front end is aggressive-looking, and its rear spoiler and dual, trapezoidal exhausts will garner attention, too. Front and rear overhangs are short and the optional 18-inch wheels will draw even more gawks.

So one might expect its aggressive look to be matched with aggressive performance. Well, Houston, we have a bit of a problem.

The Veloster screams (or was it just me?) for some turbo aid. Fortunately, I learned, one is expected next year.

Meanwhile, the 1.6-liter, inline four-banger falls short on the sprint. It's not awful – the dang Veloster only weighs 2,600 pounds – and direct injection helps the cause. But the 138-hp motor will not please the driving enthusiasts, the folks who like to get on it. Zero to 60 takes nearly 9 seconds.

But, surprisingly, Veloster is more about economy. Cruising the highway at a reasonable speed can get you 28 mpg around town and up to 40 mpg on the highway.

Regulating the speed is done by two smooth-performing systems: a six-speed manual that offers tight, short throws or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic that comes with shift paddles on the wheel so you can take more control.

And Veloster becomes much more fun when you hit the twisty roads. While steering was not as crisp as a cracker, Veloster handles the curves with good finesse. Body roll is minimal, aided by anti-roll bars and gas-charged shocks.

While its punch fails to live up to its racy looks, Veloster's interior hits the mark nicely.

Two-toned seats are well bolstered to hold you in, but not annoyingly so. And the cushioning is comfortable even for a longer haul. Plenty of headroom and legroom up front; leg room is sufficient in the rear but, as aforementioned, the sloping rear roof line may crowd the taller guys.

A deep trunk provides 15-plus cubic feet of space. Pull down the 60-40 rear seats and you can more than double that to 35 cubic feet.

The dashboard instruments are conveniently situated. A 7-inch touch screen displays audio controls and optional back-up camera, and its graphics are sharp and bright. On it you'll see Hyundai's new BlueLink telematics system, which offers navigation, messaging and even location sharing through Facebook.

Visibility from within is good, not obstructed, but the rear-hatch glass distorts the view somewhat. Give it a C-plus.

A panoramic sunroof is available to brighten the cabin.

Veloster comes in just one trim, but it's nicely appointed. All standard: 17-inch wheels, AC, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, full power seats and accessories, six-speaker sound system with CD player, Bluetooth and USB iPod connectivity.

Then you can option it out in two packages: Style and Tech. Style provides, well, style: chrome grille, fog lights, panoramic sunroof and 18-inch wheels. Tech package gets a nav system, rear-view camera and parking sensors.

Standard safety features include ABS, traction and stability control, front-seat side air bags and full-length side-curtain air bags.

With startlingly good looks, impressive mileage and price (starting around 18 grand), the Veloster has plenty going for it. Truly, I liked it.

To love it, let's see more spring in its step; Bring on that turbo.

___

2012 HYUNDAI VELOSTER:

_Base price, including destination: $18,060

_Price as tested: $22,200 (with Style and Tech packages)