10 Things You Need To Know About The 2013 Hyundai Veloster

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster subcompact hatchback has been on the market for a year now, and it continues to draw considerable attention from value-focused buyers looking for something out of the ordinary that doesn't sacrifice fuel efficiency or practicality.  The introduction of a new turbocharged model also helps the Hyundai Veloster to deliver on the promise of performance that its aggressive styling would seem to promise, and this fresh version of the car injects some adrenaline into the Hyundai small vehicle lineup alongside other recent additions like the Elantra Coupe and Elantra GT.

Let's take a closer look at 10 things you need to know about the 2013 Hyundai Veloster.

01. The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Offers A Unusual Hatchback Design

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster looks like a fairly standard hatchback when viewed in profile from either the left or the right side.  After having seen one side and then the other, however, it becomes clear that there's something strange afoot with the subcompact Hyundai.  The driver's half of the hatchback features a single, elongated door while the passenger side enjoys two standard-sized doors, making the vehicle either a three-door or four-door design (depending on whether you count the cargo opening or not).  The reason the Veloster features this lopsided layout is to make it easier for those riding along with the driver to get into the back seat while preserving the more streamlined look of a two-door hatch for the person doing the piloting.

02. The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Features An Efficient Four-Cylinder Base Model

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster comes standard with a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that has been tuned to provide 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque.  This unit's impressive output despite its small displacement is in part due to the decision to equip the car with direct fuel injection technology, an investment that also pays off when it comes to fuel mileage.  The Hyundai Veloster's 1.6-liter mill is rated at a competitive 28-mpg in stop and go driving and 37-mpg on the highway, which places it near the leading edge when it comes to similarly-priced subcompact hatchbacks.

03. The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Comes In A New Turbo Trim

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo introduces a much more robust version of the direct injection four-cylinder engine found in the most affordable version of the car.  The twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-liter motor found under the hood of the Veloster Turbo pushes out a hefty 201 horses and 195 lb-ft of torque, which puts the car in the same conversation as larger, performance-oriented models like the Honda Civic Si.  The Veloster Turbo is also relatively fuel efficient given its power production, checking in at 24-mpg around town and 35-mpg during highway cruising.

04. The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Provides More Than A Power Boost

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo comes with a number of other tweaks aside from its heavy-breathing engine.  A more aggressive front end treatment includes a wider grille and a spoiler, while the rear shows off LED taillights and dual exhaust tips.  Steering is amped up for the Turbo model, and the car also offers the ability to order a 'flat gray' paint job, which gives the hatchback even more of a custom look.  Buyer beware, however - the Veloster Turbo's special paint is paired with an extensive owner's manual composed almost exclusively of do's and don’t's when it comes to caring for the finish.

05. The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Is Available With Traditional And Modern Transmission Options

Most buyers will be content to order the 2013 Hyundai Veloster with the standard six-speed manual transmission, which comes with both the naturally-aspirated and turbocharged versions of its 1.6-liter engine.  The affordable hatchback also makes available a high-tech option for those who are interested in lightning-fast shifts combined with the convenience of an automatic.  The Veloster's six-speed 'DCT' transmission is an automated manual unit that makes use of dual clutches in order to allow for either manual control or computer control over gear changes.  Dual-clutch designs have only recently begun to penetrate the less expensive regions of the auto industry, with Hyundai signing on as an early adopter.

06. The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Comes With Extensive Amount Of Equipment

All versions of the 2013 Hyundai Veloster are outfitted with power windows and door locks, cruise control, keyless entry, the Bluelink telematics system, a CD player that offers a touchscreen for accessing satellite radio and Pandora radio features, an iPod interface, Bluetooth connectivity, and air conditioning.  This helps to make the car one of the best values on the market.  Stepping up to the Turbo trim introduces heated leather seats, a keyless ignition, fog lights, an upgraded stereo system, 18-inch rims, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.  This is on top of the Turbo's previously-discussed styling differences.

07. The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Can Be Ordered With Several Options Packages

For those who want to improve on the comfort and convenience features available with the 2013 Hyundai Veloster, two options packages are available.  The Style package includes a sunroof, imitation leather upholstery, 18-inch rims, unique trim inside and outside the vehicle, a louder stereo, and metal-look pedals.  The Tech package is only available to those who have already ordered the Style package, and it installs parking assistance, a rearview camera, keyless entry and ignition, a navigation system, and a different set of 18-inch rims.  Veloster Turbo buyers aren't left out of the package game, with the Ultimate package including a mix of content found in both the Style and Tech packages.

08. The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Offers A Split Driving Personality

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster is notable for the very different character displayed by its two models.  While the entry-level Hyundai Veloster might look like a rough-riding, sporty hatchback, in reality it is quite docile around town and prioritizes fuel mileage and comfort over all-out performance.  The Veloster Turbo, on the other hand, is a much more focused version of the car that delivers significantly enhanced acceleration.  Available summer rubber that can be wrapped around its 18-inch rims also enhances the subcompact's handling, and larger front brakes and a growling exhaust complete the more raucous package that is the Turbo trim level.

08. The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Offers A Split Driving Personality

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster features dual forward airbags (one for the driver and one for the front passenger), side impact airbags that are mounted to the front seats, and side curtain airbags that deploy front and rear in order to prevent head injuries in the event of a serious collision.  Electronic stability control is standard with the Hyundai Veloster, as is traction control, and the Korean automaker also provides the BlueLink feature free of charge.  BlueLink is capable of automatically getting in touch with emergency personnel should the vehicle be involved in an accident, and it can also remotely unlock the Veloster's doors or track the hatchback if it is stolen.

10. The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Stands Out In A Crowded Market

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster is certainly a unique entry in the inexpensive hatchback segment.  Based on its styling alone - and its three-door layout - there are really no other vehicles quite like it at its price point.  The introduction of the Veloster Turbo also ensures that the subcompact Hyundai will now be considered alongside luminaries like the MINI Cooper S, which is rarefied air for an automaker traditionally known for producing cars that built their reputation on providing value, not performance.  The Veloster Turbo is by far the most entertaining small Hyundai to drive, and it indicates that the brand is willing to take risks in order to draw attention to its new models.