CHANGES FOR 2013:
- Turbo model added (201 hp and 195 lb-ft).
- Naturally aspirated EcoShift DCT-equipped models retuned (6 less hp, 3 less lb-ft of torque) for better performance at low-to-mid rev range.
- Rear park assist sensors standard on all trims.
This radically styled coupe gets available turbo power for 2013. Good fuel economy and an easy-shifting six-speed manual are pluses, but somehow this 201-hp front-drive hatch manages to be less than the sum of its parts. You have to cane the turbo 1.6L four to find the power, the handling is erratic at the limit and the steering feel disappoints. A bargain VW GTI it is not. The Veloster works best as the base model where it expertly plays the part of an economy car from another planet. Like the exterior, the interior is aggressively sculpted and a unique third door on the passenger side gives easy access to the rear seats. Also on the menu is a twin-clutch six-speed with paddle shifters.
In Base trim, features include 1.6L GDI 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, 17-inch aloy wheels, fog lights, heated power mirrors, 7-inch touch screen audio system (AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3) with 6 speakers, air conditioning, Bluetooth phone connectivity, power locks, power windows, cloth seating, cruise control, floor mats, front map lights, heated front seats, sunvisors with vanity mirrors, iPod/USB/auxiliary input, proximity key with push button start, rear cupholders, rear view camera, multifunction steering wheel, tilt/telescopic steering, trip computer, four wheel disc brakes, chrome dual centre exhaust, airbags (front, front seat, side curtain), and rear parking assist. Base trim can be equipped with a 6-speed EcoShift dual clutch transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
Tech Package trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, panoramic sunroof, 115V power outlet, 7-inch touch screen navigation system with 8 speakers, alloy pedals, cloth/leather combination seats, high gloss black interior accents, and leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob. Tech Package comes standard with 6-speed manual but can be equipped with 6-speed DCT automatic.
Turbo trim features include 1.6L turbocharged GDI (T-GDI) 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, 18-inch Turbo alloy wheels, automatic headlights, fog lights, ground effects, heated power mirrors, LED tail lights, mirror-mounted turn signals, panoramic sunroof, projector headlights with LED accents, Turbo front and rear fascias, 450-watt audio with 7 speakers, 7-inch touch screen with navigation, air conditioning, alloy pedals, Bluetooth phone connectivity, power locks, cruise control, floor mats, driver's seat power lumbar support, heated front seats, high gloss black interior accents, iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs, leather seating, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel and gear shift knob, power windows, proximity key with push button start, rear view camera, Supervision Cluster, tilt/telescopic steering, trip computer, four wheel disc brakes, chrome dual centre exhaust, keyless entry and alarm, rear parking assist, and airbags (front, front seat, side curtain). A traditional automatic can be equipped.
Turbo with Matte Paint adds blue interior trim accents and matte exterior paint.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
