Hyundai Veloster
2012 1.6 GDi Sport 4dr
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Hyundai Veloster
2012 1.6 GDi Sport 4dr
Finding a car that genuinely stands out from the crowd can feel like a tall order. Most hatchbacks blend into the background, doing the job without ever sparking joy. But occasionally, a manufacturer decides to rip up the rulebook and create something wonderfully quirky. That is exactly what you get with a used Hyundai Veloster.
If you are looking for a practical daily driver with a sporty edge and a delightfully unusual design, you are in the right place. It is the kind of car that starts conversations at the petrol station and brings a cheeky smile to your face on a winding country road.
Whether you are hunting for an efficient runaround or a punchy weekend toy, this quirky hatchback deserves your attention. We will walk you through everything you need to know about buying a used model, helping you find the perfect match for your lifestyle and budget.
When it first hit the roads, it turned heads for one very specific reason: its doors. It features one large door on the driver's side and two smaller doors on the passenger side. This clever asymmetrical design gives you the sleek profile of a coupe alongside the practicality of a hatchback.
Beyond the quirky doors, it is a brilliant little motor. It handles well, comes packed with standard equipment, and benefits from the brand's legendary reliability. If you want something that breaks the mould without breaking the bank, a used Hyundai Veloster is a fantastic shout.
Inside, the cabin feels suitably sporty. You get deeply bolstered seats, a chunky steering wheel, and a central touchscreen that is easy to navigate. The boot space is surprisingly generous, easily swallowing a weekly shop or luggage for a weekend away. It is a car that proves you do not have to sacrifice everyday usability to drive something stylish.
The line-up kept things relatively simple in the UK. The standard model comes with a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine, available in standard or Sport trims. Sport models add larger alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and a few extra creature comforts.
If you crave more power, look out for the Turbo models. These pack a serious punch and feature aggressive styling upgrades to match. While the high-performance Hyundai Veloster n never officially made it to the UK market, the standard Turbo provides plenty of thrills for British B-roads.
Prices for a Hyundai Veloster for sale are incredibly tempting right now. Because it is a slightly niche model, it suffers from steeper depreciation than a standard used car like a Volkswagen Golf. That is brilliant news for secondhand buyers. You can pick up a well-maintained, low-mileage example for a fraction of its original price tag.
The standard 1.6-litre petrol engine delivers around 138 bhp. It is nippy around town and perfectly comfortable on the motorway. You can find these paired with a slick six-speed manual gearbox or a smooth dual-clutch Hyundai Veloster auto.
The Turbo model bumps the power output up to 183 bhp. It feels significantly livelier, transforming the car into a genuine warm hatch. The suspension is slightly firmer on the Turbo, keeping the car flat and composed through tight corners.
Behind the wheel, it feels engaging and predictable. The steering is light but accurate, making parking a breeze. While it might not have the razor-sharp handling of a dedicated sports car, it offers a great balance of comfort and fun. It is exactly what you want for the daily commute with the occasional spirited weekend drive thrown in.
When inspecting a potential purchase, always check the service history. These are reliable cars, but regular maintenance is key. Check the alloy wheels for kerb damage, as the low-profile tyres leave them vulnerable. Take it for a test drive to ensure the gearbox changes smoothly, particularly if you are testing an automatic version.
The most defining feature is undoubtedly its unique 2+1 door configuration. You get a sleek coupe profile on the driver's side and the practicality of two doors on the passenger side. This makes accessing the rear seats incredibly easy without ruining the sporty aesthetics.
Production of the standard models has ceased globally, as the brand shifted focus to their SUV and electric vehicle line-ups. However, this makes buying a used model an even more attractive proposition for those seeking a unique vehicle.
It has four doors in total. There is one large door on the driver's side, two smaller doors on the passenger side, and a practical hatchback boot lid at the rear.
The asymmetrical 3-door design (plus the boot) was created to blend the sleek, sporty styling of a coupe with the everyday convenience of a hatchback. The rear passenger door opens on the pavement side, making it safer and easier for passengers to get in and out.
Yes, they are widely considered to be very dependable cars. They share many mechanical components with other proven models in the brand's line-up, ensuring excellent build quality and longevity when properly serviced.
