2017 Hyundai Veloster: A Stylish and Sporty Compact
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster is a distinctive compact car that aims to blend sporty styling with practicality. With its unconventional three-door design, the Veloster stands out from the crowd, offering a unique proposition for buyers seeking something a little different. This overview will delve into its key features, ownership expectations, potential considerations, and a final summary to help you understand what the 2017 Veloster brings to the table.
Highlights
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Engine Options: The 2017 Veloster offered two primary engine choices:
- 1.6L GDI 4-Cylinder Engine: This is the standard engine found in most Veloster models. It delivers a respectable 132 horsepower and 119 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for daily commuting and city driving. It's paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual shift control.
- 1.6L Turbo GDI 4-Cylinder Engine (Veloster Turbo): For those seeking more spirited performance, the Veloster Turbo boasts a potent 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. This powerhouse generates a more engaging 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering a significant boost in acceleration and overall driving dynamics. It's available with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed EcoShift Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), providing quicker shifts and a sportier feel.
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Safety Features: Hyundai equipped the 2017 Veloster with a commendable suite of safety features, focusing on both active and passive protection:
- Advanced Airbag System: This includes front, side-impact, and side-curtain airbags designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC actively monitors and helps correct potential skidding or loss of traction during cornering or evasive maneuvers, enhancing vehicle stability.
- Traction Control System (TCS): TCS helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration, particularly on slippery surfaces, ensuring a more controlled start.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): ABS prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Brake Assist (BA): BA detects emergency braking situations and applies maximum braking force, potentially reducing stopping distances.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): TPMS alerts the driver if any of the tires are significantly under-inflated, promoting optimal tire performance and safety.
- Optional Features: Higher trims or optional packages could include features like a rearview camera for easier parking and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) for enhanced awareness of vehicles in blind spots and approaching from the sides when reversing.
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Trim Level Summary: The 2017 Veloster was offered in several well-defined trims, each building upon the last:
- Veloster: The base model, offering essential features and the standard 1.6L engine.
- Veloster Value Edition: Adds popular features like alloy wheels, a touch-screen audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a rearview camera.
- Veloster Turbo R-Spec: A more performance-oriented trim that comes exclusively with the manual transmission and features sport-tuned suspension and a more aggressive exterior styling.
- Veloster Turbo: Offers the turbocharged engine with a broader range of comfort and convenience features, including a larger touch-screen, premium audio, and available leather seating.
- Veloster Turbo Rally Edition: A special edition with unique interior and exterior styling cues, often including a sportier suspension setup.
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Other Notable Aspects:
- Unique Three-Door Design: The Veloster's signature asymmetrical door layout is its most defining characteristic. The driver's side has a traditional single door, while the passenger side features two smaller doors for easier access to the rear seats. This offers a blend of coupe-like styling with unexpected practicality.
- Cargo Flexibility: Despite its sporty appearance, the Veloster offers a decent amount of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, making it surprisingly versatile for carrying groceries or smaller items.
- Interior Design: The cabin is generally well-designed with a driver-focused cockpit. The materials are decent for the segment, and higher trims offer a more premium feel.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Hyundai Veloster typically translates to a straightforward and enjoyable ownership experience. Hyundai vehicles are generally known for their reliability, and the Veloster is no exception.
- Maintenance: Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements, will be on par with other compact cars in its class. Following the recommended maintenance schedule outlined in the owner's manual is key to ensuring longevity and optimal performance. Parts are generally readily available, and most mechanics are familiar with Hyundai vehicles.
- Insurance: Insurance costs will vary based on factors such as your age, driving record, location, and the specific trim level you choose. Given its sporty appeal and available turbocharged engine, insurance premiums for the Veloster Turbo might be slightly higher than for the base model. It's always advisable to get insurance quotes from multiple providers to find the best coverage at a competitive price.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Veloster offers many positives, there are a few aspects potential buyers should be aware of:
- Rear Seat Space: While the three-door design offers rear-seat access, the rear seating area can feel a bit cramped, especially for adults on longer journeys. The sloping roofline also contributes to limited rear headroom.
- Ride Comfort: The Veloster, particularly the Turbo models with their sportier suspension tuning, can have a firmer ride than some competitors. While this contributes to its engaging driving dynamics, it might be noticeable on rougher road surfaces.
- Visibility: The unique styling, particularly the thick C-pillars and the rearward slant of the side windows, can create some blind spots. Relying on mirrors and available driver-assistance features is recommended.
- Engine Noise: While the standard 1.6L is smooth, some drivers might find the turbocharged engine a bit vocal under hard acceleration. This can be a subjective point, with some appreciating the sporty growl and others finding it intrusive.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster is a compelling choice for buyers seeking a compact car that prioritizes style and a touch of sportiness without sacrificing everyday usability. Its distinctive three-door design sets it apart, while the available turbocharged engine provides genuinely engaging performance. With Hyundai's reputation for reliability and a good array of standard and available features, the Veloster offers a well-rounded package. While rear seat space and ride comfort might be minor considerations for some, its overall appeal as a stylish, fun-to-drive, and practical compact car remains strong.
