Owner Review: Yes, I Bring This from K-Drama to Real Life - My Hyundai Veloster Turbo

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Basic information

Manufactured 2015, Registered 2017, Hyundai, Veloster Turbo

Reasons why I bought this car

I was driving a 2012 Proton Persona Base Line during uni days. Everything about it was great except that it lacks the basic safety features: airbags and ABD with EBD. I felt unsafe commuting in it, more so when ferrying friends and family. After working for 3 years, in 2018, I was financially ready to make a change.

Car selection process

• I had a budget of RM 100,000
• Models that I have considered include: 2018 Kia Rio, Audi TT, Mazda CX-3, Audi A5, Kia Forte Koup, Toyota 86

I first saw a Veloster in the K-Drama, City Hunter, and always thought that it is quite cool and fell in love with it. It has since become my dream car. I have been keeping an eye on it since then. I was ecstatic that Sime Darby decided to bring on both the NA and soon later the Turbo version. From many reviews, I deduced that the NA was underpowered and so it left me with an only choice, since I am a big fan of spirited drive. The 1.6 litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) four-cylinder engine produces 186 PS and 265 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. 0-100 km/h is done in 8.0 seconds while top speed is 214 km/h. It is both economical and adequate for my daily commute. Plus, it is loaded with all the bells and whistles (6 Airbags, Paddle Sifters, ABS, ESC and hill start assist, auto air con, auto headlamps, PTMS, Panoramic Sunroof).

User experience

• I have already done 30000km.

The drive is always a pleasant one. Zipping through corners is effortless due to its low center of gravity and wide stance. Sure, it has some turbo lags to it, but when it kicks in, *it kicks in*. The engine rev was subtle but distinct, just how I like. It feels extremely stable at high speed as you are cocooned in the bucket seat that wraps around your body like a glove. The stock sound system is also amazing. The 8-speakers provide a full ranged sound and balanced mix. It feels great to open up the panoramic sunroof and catch the breeze in the occasional slow late night drive.  The Veloster Turbo constantly turns heads due to its rarity and looks like nothing on the road: two doors on the passenger side, one on the driver side. The asymmetrical design makes the VT both a coupe and a hatchback. Unlike a conventional coupe, the rear seat of a VT is able to accommodate 2 adults with an easy access rear door on the left. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Value for money
• 4 years warranty period
• The way it drives 
• Unique
• Fully loaded with features

Cons

• Fuel economy at 10.3L/100km but the way I drive which is heavy footed also needs to be factored in.

• Jerking at low speed with 7 Speed dual-clutch gearbox, but I have adapted myself to it after some time.

Ratings

Total Score: 5
Performance: 5
Quality & Features: 5
Space: 4
Ride Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 3
Price & Cost: 5

Summary

In 2018, all Velosters were discontinued in Malaysia and the only place to source for them is the used car market. An all new Veloster Turbo (VT) costs about RM150k. In 2017, Sime Darby gave out huge discounts and it was sold at RM110k. I monitored the price from time to time. I spotted one from Penang which is manufactured in 2015 and registered in 2017, has 10,000km on it, and still has 4 years manufacturer warranty on it, so it's a safe bet I suppose. To my surprise, it was only called for RM7x,xxx. Without hesitating, I made an appointment with the dealer and drove from KL to Penang on that same weekend to view the car. I fell in love when I first saw the car. And you can't make this up, the plate number was exactly my birth date. Sure, it has some scratches around the body but nothing major. After a satisfying test drive, I put down my booking fees. On the way out, a few other customers came in and were looking for the same exact VT but it's too late for them. The loan process was approved quickly. After 2 weeks, I booked a flight to Penang and drove back home with my first ever car.