'16 Veloster R Spec
The car was initially delivered with a battery with a dead/dying cell which was replaced under warranty after requiring 2 assisted jump starts -also covered by warranty. After this inauspicious start, the car has performed flawlessly. To be honest, I had always had reservations about the build quality of Korean autos based on the reputation of initial efforts decades earlier. Now, after 15 months of ownership, I have absolutely no such apprehensions. Indeed, I have recommended Hyundai's to friends shopping for new vehicles. Specifics about the R Spec:
1. The best single feature of the car is the B&M sport shifter. Shifts are crisp and positive, absolutely no slop or vagueness. An absolute pleasure to use. This combined with...
2. The torque of the turbo (at relatively low RPM's) makes "rowing" you own gears so very easy. Anyone apprehensive of manual transmissions should know that this vehicle is the ideal choice to learn manual shifting.
3. Ride quality is relatively stiff to the uninitiated, but totally in line with a performance vehicle. This may be in part due to the wide low profile tires in addition to the suspension set up.
4. Despite it's exterior dimensions (size) it is exceptionally comfortable and roomy for the front two occupants.
5. Bolstering in the front two bucket seats, surprisingly, combine the two (usually disparate) qualities of comfort and great lateral support. Note: and I am a relatively large person.
6. Acceleration and the visceral feeling of the turbo kicking in never ceases to bring a smile on my face. For geezers old enough to remember, it's like feeling the secondary barrels (of a 4 barrel carburetor on a strong V-8 engine) opening up on hard acceleration.
7. The only single fault I have on the car is the lack of a spare tire. The car only comes with a flat fixing kit. The car should at least come equipped with a "space saving" compact spare--which runs an additional $350-$400 with the compact tire actually installed on the compact rim. With this omission, I'm considering refitting the car with self sealing or run flat tires.
8. The purchase process I experienced was painless and pleasant. I have nothing but positive comments about my dealership. Overall, a very happy camper.
Note: Hyundai was offering a $4,000 discount on 2016 Velosters the last 4 months of 2016 when I made my purchase. With the announcement this week (Jan. 15, 2018) of the newly redesigned 2019 Veloster, look for similar significant discounts on 2017 Velosters.
If you can take advantage of such a discount, your purchase will be a fantastic bargain on a 201 horsepower turbo sporty car.
Recommended
Verified Owner
