
With its unique three-door-coupe configuration, combined with a wide-opening hatch, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster has a layout that breaks out from small, sporty coupe convention.
Compared to the Scion tC, which 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 torquier 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.
The Veloster has a power-to-weight ratio that's better than any of these rivals; yet its engine lacks low-rpm torque, which means it isn't necessarily going to feel the strongest.
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.
And finally, 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.
We also expect the upcoming Mini Coupe, arriving later in the year, to be a rival to the Veloster—although its price tag will be thousands higher—while others might want to consider the (also pricier) Mini Clubman.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster starts with niche appeal, but its impressive handling and strong, high-value feature set should play well to the mainstream. |
The 2012 Honda CR-Z is the only hybrid sports coupe, but that's not quite enough for us. |
The 2012 Volvo C30 has top-notch safety and style; but it's not as racy as it looks and not any more practical than it looks. |
If you're looking for style with a dash of sport and a handful of practicality, the MINI Cooper Coupe is a great choice. |
The 2012 Scion tC is starting to develop an interesting personality, though it's still not very fast or exceptionally nimble. |
MSRP From | ||||
$17,300 | $19,695 | $24,950 | $19,500 | $18,575 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
27 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 31 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas I4 | Gas/Electric I4 | Turbocharged Gas I5 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
EPA Class | ||||
- TBD - | Two Seaters | Compact | Minicompact | Compact Car |
Style Name | ||||
3-Door Coupe Manual w/Black Int | 3-Door Manual | 2-Door Coupe Manual | 2-Door Coupe | 2-Door HB Manual (GS) |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
3 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
3 Door Coupe | Hatchback | 2 Door Coupe | Coupe | 3 Door Hatchback |
Transmission | ||||
Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2012 Hyundai Veloster vs. 2012 Honda CR-Z | 2012 Hyundai Veloster vs. 2012 Volvo C30 | 2012 Hyundai Veloster vs. 2012 MINI Cooper | 2012 Hyundai Veloster vs. 2012 Scion tC |