And finally, there’s the fact that the Veloster rides on an ageing platform. After trying out Hyundai’s new uber-solid chassis structure in the 2016 Tucson, the Veloster made me realize how quickly the brand has evolved in just 5 years.
Even with Hyundai’s efforts to sharpen up the handling with the Rally Edition, the Veloster still rides on the same platform as the last generation Elantra; one that was never intended to underpin a sports car. This means that the Veloster frustratingly flexes and quibbles undesirably over the slightest cracks and bumps with occasional squeaks and rattles resonating throughout the cabin.
All this Extra Hardware at No Extra Cost
One of the greatest news about the 2016 Hyundai Veloster Rally Edition is that all this extra performance hardware comes at no extra cost over the standard Veloster Turbo.
At $27, 199, the Rally Edition is not only less expensive than a Golf GTI, it also comes with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a backup camera.
Lest not forget that bitchin’ matte blue paint job.
Truth be told, for an enthusiast, there is a lot to like about this car, and there’s not much missing to make it truly shine. But I have to admit, I really wanted the Veloster to be a true underdog alternative to the Golf GTI; a genuine driver’s car, and a throwback to the iconic Honda CR-X. The Veloster Rally Edition is a fun little tuner car alright, but a true hot hatch it is not.
That being said, kudos to Hyundai for attempting to take on the front-wheel drive sport compact car segment; this is an aggressive market filled with well-defined players – such as the Ford Fiesta ST, which happens to be uncomfortably close to the Veloster in terms of price.
Perhaps all the Veloster needs is Hyundai’s new superstructure and a limited-slip differential for it to become a true GTI slayer.
Clavey’s Corner is located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Prices and trim levels discussed in this article reflect the Canadian car market.
Special thanks: Hyundai Canada
Photo credit: Appearance
Contact the author: william@claveyscorner.com