No need to spend fortunes To afford a unique car of its kind. A kind of original cutfull of interesting details, such as a two -part rear window and asymmetrical opening. This coupe is the Hyundai Veloster. Announced by a concept in 2007, the HND-3 Veloster, it symbolizes the desire for its manufacturer of rejuvenate your image. Only, its priority target is not Europe but North American youthcars of cars at quirky lookand it was launched in January 2011 at the Detroit Motor Show.
Well -greetedit is based on the PB platform of the Kia-Hyundai group, dedicated to its models of the B segment, like the Rio or the i20. A simple base So: Transverse motor traction and torsion rear axle. Under the hood, it is first of all a 1.6 L ATMO with direct injection delivering 140 hp that is proposed, a block sufficiently powerful to allow the Veloster to Pass 200 km/h. In the USA, Korean is sold at less than $ 20,000, but what about France?
It was marketed there the same year, at a slightly higher rate: € 22,930 (€ 28,500 current according to INSEE) finishing Intuition. This remains interesting, especially since it includes ESP, air conditioning, cruise control, alloy rims of 17, recoil radar, electric windows and retro … At an additional € 2,990, the Sensation In particular, add the rear view camera, the 18 rims, the mixed-leather-to-toe upholstery, the Bluetooh. Finally, the Premium In addition to leather and GPS in particular, for € 27,490. All completed with 5 year warranty specific to the brand.
In 2012, the Hyundai was equipped with a DCT-6 dual clutch boxand is available in Turbo. Supercharged, the 1.6 l climbs 186 ch (for 265 nm of torque available from 1,500 rpm), which multiplies performance. Thus, the maximum speed flies at 214 km/h, the 0 to 100 km/h being now in 8.1 s. Rolling trains s’affermissentmanagement benefits from a new configuration, the brakes grow (large 300 mm discs at the front) and a kit carrosserie specific settles.
More The price remains reasonableat € 27,500, knowing that the equipment is that of the premium version. In addition, the other variants have lowered their pricing claimsthe threshold now stands at € 20,990. For what ? Because too shifted for the French public, the Veloster does not sell well at all. And the turbo, tried not bad enough Faced with sharper competition (VW Scirocco 2.0 TSI in mind, without forgetting the Renault Mégane Coupé GT), does not change the business.
In 2015, the Veloster was seen slightly restyledafter losing its atmospheric variants in 2013. The turbo remains at 186 hp, but adopted the double clutch box (with a 7e report), however, however. Stagnant sales (6 copies sold during the first half of 2016…), the Veloster disappears from the import program in September 2016, while it will continue her career Until 2018 on other markets.
How much does it cost?
Little prized new, Veloster is rare but retains its amateurs. So that his rating is not that low. Indeed, it is necessary to count € 5,500 for a beautiful copy ATMO which totals around 180,000 km. At € 6,500, the mileage passes under 150,000 km, and at € 7,500, cars are accessed about 100,000 km, or even a little less. The turbo cost about € 2,000 additional.
Which version to choose?
The Turbo is much more interesting, if we have the means. In 1.6 atmo, the owners favor the double clutch.
Les versions collector
Again, it will first be the Turboa fortiori if it has the rare optional matt paint.
What to watch?
The big advantage of the Veloster, at least in France, was its 5 year warranty, unlimited mileage. It has made it possible to eliminate all possible troubles, so that the copies currently in circulation seem reliable. The presence of a distribution chain Simplifies maintenance, even if it will be verified that it does not emit suspicious noise after 100,000 km.
Minor troubles manifest themselves on a number of copies, such as the Box opening button becoming inoperative, dysfunctions of the multimedia system (necessary reprogramming), defective air conditioning buttons, sunroof damage or even Cardan screw defective. In addition, a reminder took place for Rear brake calipers. Around 100,000 km, it is often necessary to change the coils.
On the US forums, we see some cases of engine breakage On the turbo versions, but the conditions of use are very different there (much more difficult climate, petrol of lower quality). Favor The examples duly followedespecially since specific spare parts are not cheap.
On the road
Due to its proportions, the Hyundai Veloster fits curiosity passers -by. We understand them, because the line, low, wide and particular seems very successful. The interior is more standard (including by its materials) but we are well installed. Obviously, at the back, there is a lack of roof guard, but the leg space is not ridiculous. At the front, we enjoy a Impeccable driving positionthe seat ensuring very correct comfort.
The engine sounds nicebut under 4,000 rpm, it remains atoneso that the covers are soft. Fortunately, The box command is very pleasant, so we do not hesitate to use it, which allows you to get the 140 hp where they are: at high speed. It braille, but It takes almost 7,000 rpmand we advance. Not too bad, the car hanging 202 km/h gps (on the German highway, it goes without saying). Dynamically, we are impressed by the capacity of the management to do not return any information.
Too bad, because the chassis proving Well balanced and safewe could have had a little fun. For its part, the suspension turns out to be well amortized, preserving a completely decent comfortwhile in normal use, the Veloster swallows less than 7 l/100 km. In short, a lodge and reasonable coupé, certainly More interesting to look than to drivebut, at present, it’s less than ever a defect …
L’alternative Youngtimer
Hyundai Coupé FX 2.0 (1996 – 2002)
Casually, it’s been over thirty years that Hyundai is present on the French market. He has been offering there since the start of the coupes, the FX being the 2e. This one does not lack attraction, by its very line bio-design And divide, as well as his chassis, developed with Porsche. Under the hood is a 2.0 L 16 valves Developing 139 hp, which takes it to 203 km/h.
Interesting, especially since the road behavior is largely up to par. Several variants are proposed, including the Luxury with leather, air conditioning and ABS. Despite everything, the FX coupé will sell little in France, where its coat of arms has no image. THE Unhappy restyling From 1999 will of course not change the situation, and the Hyundai will disappear in 2002. From € 4,000 in very good condition.
Hyundai Veloster 1.6 GDI (2011), the technical sheet
- Engine: 4 -cylinder online, 1,591 cc
- Food: Direct injection
- Suspension: mcpherson legs, helical springs, anti -roll bar (AV); torsion axle, helical springs, anti -roll bar (AR)
- Transmission: manual or double clutch box, traction
- Power: 140 hp at 6,300 rpm
- Couple: 167 Nm at 4,850 rpm
- Poids : 1 286 kg
- Maximum speed: 201 km/h (manufacturer data)
- 0 to 100 km/h: 9.7 seconds (manufacturer data)
> To find a Hyundai Veloster, go to the central website.
