2013 Hyundai Veloster vs. Its Competition
What’s this?
30 Days Of 2013 Ram 1500: Photo Gallery
Our month with the 2013 Ram 1500 is about half over, so it's time to switch gears. The Ram's been... Read More
- #5LEADERBOARD RANK
- 5163ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 111COMMENTS POSTED
An unconventional attitude sets the Hyundai Veloster apart from its competition, most of which toe the heritage line.
We like how the MINI Clubman and VW Beetle have evolved with turbo power of their own; we doubt the Clubman's added utility, but it still behaves like a Cooper, and has endless custom options on order.
The Beetle's better rear suspension and turbo four upgrade the whole driving experience, and so does Fender sound, though we wish the extra sound deadening still would show up for duty.
The Volvo C30 costs thousands more, yet its purpose (and market position) overlaps somewhat with that of the Veloster; the C30 is quicker, but the Veloster feels comparatively leaner and more nimble—and it's more versatile.
The Honda CR-Z is also a rival to the Veloster; despite having a mild-hybrid system, the CR-Z isn't that much more fuel-efficient.
The Veloster feels closer to a sports car, with a balanced, surefooted handling feel, while having a more spacious interior and better long-distance comfort.
Finally, the Scion tC is probably the Veloster's most direct competitor; the Hyundai has a far more spacious, comfortable interior, with more usable cargo space and versatility.
The Scion, meanwhile, has a far more torquey engine and feels stronger off the line, but it pays the price with fuel economy numbers that are nearly 10 mpg lower on the highway.
 2013 Hyundai VelosterGet FREE Price Quote |  2013 Volkswagen BeetleGet FREE Price Quote |  2013 Volvo C30Get FREE Price Quote |  2013 Scion tCGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Honda CR-ZGet FREE Price Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | ||||
| Meta Rating | ||||
The 2013 Hyundai Veloster dances the line between sporty coupe and sports car with features, fuel economy, impressive handling, and newfound turbo power. | The 2013 Beetle Turbo and TDI rightfully stir some excitement, especially with new convertible variants offered, but the base model's still a bit boring. | The 2013 Volvo C30 still has a stunning design, inside and out, but its performance and practicality can easily be beat. | Not quite fast, and not quite nimble, the latest Scion tC is on its way to developing an interesting personality. | The 2012 Honda CR-Z is the only hybrid sports coupe, but that's not quite enough for us. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $17,600 | $19,995 | $25,500 | $18,725 | $19,695 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 24 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 31 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I5 | Turbocharged Gas I5 | Gas I4 | Gas/Electric I4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Compact Cars | Subcompact car | Compact Car | Compact Car | Two Seaters |
| Style Name | ||||
| 3dr Coupe Man w/Black Int | 2dr Man 2.5L | 2dr Coupe Man | 2dr HB Man (Natl) | 3dr Man |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 2 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| 3 | 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Coupe | Coupe | Coupe | 3 Door Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Transmission | ||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
More From High Gear Media
