Introduction
In 2012, Hyundai introduced a car that immediately captured the attention of drivers seeking a blend of sporty performance, stylish design, and practicality. The Hyundai Veloster, with its unique three-door layout and vibrant design, quickly carved out a niche in the compact car market. Offering a fresh take on the hatchback concept, the 2012 Veloster stood out for its sporty flair, technology features, and affordability.
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Model Year | 2012 |
| Body Style | Compact Hatchback |
| Engine Options | 1.6L 4-Cylinder, 138 horsepower, 123 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmission Options | 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | 28 MPG city / 40 MPG highway (manual) |
| Trim Levels | Base, Tech Package, Veloster Turbo |
| Cargo Space | 15.5 cubic feet (with rear seats up) |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Safety Features | 6 airbags, ABS, traction control, stability control |
| Infotainment | 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB, SiriusXM radio |
| Warranty | 5-year/60,000-mile basic, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain |
| Starting Price | Around $17,000 |
| Performance (0-60 MPH) | 8.4 seconds |
| Dimensions | Length: 166.1 inches, Width: 70.5 inches, Height: 56.9 inches |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 inches |
2012 Hyundai Veloster
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster marked a significant departure from the traditional hatchback designs that typically prioritized functionality over form. Hyundai made a bold move by designing a car that not only delivered solid performance but also showcased an eye-catching, asymmetrical design. With a coupe-like silhouette, the Veloster was positioned as a compact, affordable sports car for a new generation of drivers.
Exterior Design and Styling
One of the most distinct features of the 2012 Veloster is its exterior design. The car sported a unique three-door configuration: a traditional driver’s side door, a rear passenger door on the right side, and a larger hatchback rear door for access to the trunk. This asymmetrical design made the Veloster stand out from other vehicles in its class. The sleek profile, aggressive stance, and low-slung design added a sporty touch, giving the Veloster a distinctive and modern look.
The front of the car featured Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille, flanked by sharp, angular headlights. The lower front bumper also incorporated a bold air intake, further emphasizing the Veloster’s athletic vibe. Available in several vibrant colors, the 2012 Veloster had the kind of styling that appealed to drivers looking for something that was both practical and fun.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque. While not a performance powerhouse, the Veloster’s engine was more than capable of providing spirited performance, especially when paired with its lightweight build. This made it an enjoyable car to drive, with responsive handling and an engaging driving experience, particularly in city environments.
The Veloster was offered with a choice of either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission, in particular, gave driving enthusiasts more control and enhanced the car’s sporty character. The Veloster also boasted impressive fuel economy for its time, with the manual version achieving an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it an economical choice for those looking to save on fuel costs.
Interior and Technology
Inside the 2012 Veloster, Hyundai focused on delivering a comfortable and tech-savvy cabin. The interior design was modern and youthful, with high-quality materials and a driver-centric layout. One of the standout features of the Veloster’s cabin was the presence of a high-tech, touch-screen infotainment system, which was an impressive feature for a car in its price range. The 7-inch display offered access to features like Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and a navigation system on higher trims.
The Veloster’s seating was designed to accommodate four passengers comfortably, with the rear seats being more suitable for smaller adults or children due to limited legroom. The asymmetrical design of the car also meant that the rear passenger-side door provided easier access to the rear seats, which was a thoughtful touch, especially in tight parking spaces.
In terms of cargo space, the Veloster was a practical option for those needing storage. The rear seats could be folded down to increase the trunk’s capacity, and the hatchback design made it easier to load and unload larger items.
Safety Features
Safety was a priority in the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, as it came equipped with a range of standard and available safety features. Standard safety equipment included front, side, and curtain-side airbags, as well as anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control. The Veloster also offered optional features like rear parking sensors and a rearview camera to help with visibility when reversing.
The Veloster performed well in crash tests, receiving solid scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This made it a reliable choice for those concerned with safety.
Driving Experience and Handling
When it came to driving dynamics, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster delivered a balanced and fun-to-drive experience. The lightweight build, coupled with its nimble handling, made the Veloster feel agile on the road. Its steering was responsive, giving drivers a connected feeling to the road. The suspension was tuned to offer a balance between comfort and sportiness, allowing the car to soak up most bumps while still maintaining a solid connection to the road during spirited driving.
The Veloster was a car that felt fun to drive on both twisty backroads and in everyday city traffic. Its small footprint, paired with its lively engine, made it a car that was quick to respond to inputs from the driver, giving it a sense of engagement that many compact cars lacked.
Pricing and Value
One of the key selling points of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster was its affordability. The base model started at a competitive price point, which made it an attractive option for buyers looking for a sporty and stylish vehicle without breaking the bank. The Veloster provided a good amount of features and technology for the price, including the high-tech infotainment system, making it a solid value for those on a budget.
Conclusion
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster remains an intriguing option in the compact car segment. Its bold design, sporty performance, and tech-savvy interior made it a standout choice for young drivers and those seeking a car with a unique personality. While it wasn’t the most powerful vehicle in its class, the Veloster made up for it with its fun-to-drive nature, stylish looks, and practicality.
Whether you were looking for a car that stood out from the crowd or simply wanted a fun hatchback that combined performance and affordability, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster proved to be a worthy contender in the automotive market. It successfully blended the everyday usability of a hatchback with the exciting energy of a sports car, offering something that was both functional and fun.
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FAQs
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster features a unique three-door design. It has one traditional driver’s side door, one rear passenger door on the right side, and a large hatchback rear door for accessing the trunk.
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster delivers impressive fuel efficiency. The manual transmission version has an EPA rating of 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The automatic transmission offers slightly better mileage with an EPA rating of 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.
Yes, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster offers an optional navigation system on higher trims. The system features a 7-inch touch-screen display, which also integrates with Bluetooth and satellite radio.
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster seats four passengers. The front seats offer good comfort, while the rear seats are more suited for smaller adults or children due to limited legroom. The rear passenger-side door makes it easier to access the back seats.
