Last August Hyundai introduced the second-generation Veloster Sports Coupe – perhaps the most quirky car in its line-up – a striking car in some respects and clever in many ways – with two doors on the kerb side and one long door on the drivers side – marrying the style of a coupe and the functionality of a hatchback. The latest series comes in a non-turbo 2.0-litre manual and automatic and in two 1.6-litre turbo manual and auto variants – standard and turbo premium. Late last year I drove the 2.0-litre entry manual at $29,490 and frankly it was a total disappointment – far from a sporty car. I recently stepped up to the 1.6 turbo premium 7-speed dual clutch automatic at $41,990 and came away with nothing but praise.

In this latest Veloster series Hyundai has added a suite of active safety elements called SmartSense, added a new multi-link rear suspension and added comfort and convenience features on the turbo premium like ventilated and heated front seats, wireless phone charging, leather trim, a heads up instrument display, a full width glass sunroof and 18-inch machined alloy wheels. But it’s the driving characteristics that make this model an impressive sports coupe. It feels competent in all it does – on a winding road a very satisfying driving package that begs to be pushed hard. I found little to criticize – the styling perhaps a little divisive but nevertheless very sporty in nature.

I’m David Berthon

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