Filed under:
Budget,
Performance,
Hatchback,
Hyundai,
Long-Term Garage
Although I went on the Portland launch of the regular-strength
Veloster back in late 2011, my time in the Turbo model was previously limited to one very brief commuting experience, so I was glad to get some time in our long-term matte gray model this month. In a way, I lucked out, grabbing the key fob to our
Hyundai just as the weather in mid-Michigan finally acknowledged spring's existence. The temperature change afforded us the chance to swap out the all-season Kumho Solus KH25 rubber that it arrived with in January for its optional ($1,200) Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (215/40ZR18), an almost absurdly major-league, high-dollar set of shoes for what is actually only a hottish hatch.
You might have expected the Veloster Turbo to slide under the radar in such high-performance and shouty company, but the truth is it was a little magnet for attention.
With the new footwear freshly installed, I made a beeline for South Bend, Indiana for the start of this year's
One Lap of America, an event I've been staffing for well over a decade. I rolled into the Tire Rack headquarters' expansive parking lot,
parking the VT alongside the competitors, whose vehicles appeared "cunningly disguised as racecars," covered with all manner of sponsorship stickers and graphics. You might have expected the Veloster Turbo to slide under the radar in such high-performance and shouty company, but the truth is it was a little magnet for attention.
Most of the One Lappers I spoke with had seen standard Velosters before from a distance or at auto shows, but none of them had firsthand experience with them, let alone with the Turbo. While not everyone loved its looks, a good number truly did, and several asked if the car's matte finish was a wrap - all were impressed to learn that it wasn't. They were also pretty blown away by the inclusion of Michelin Pilots on a car of this price and mission, and everyone appreciated that it had a six-speed manual and a "real" third door. At least a couple of drivers pronounced it a "great kid's **** and vowed to have a look at it for their own progeny after the weeklong rally. As much as I enjoy the car, it was frankly a warmer reaction than I had anticipated amidst a crowd of hardcore car guys and gals.
Continue reading 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo: May 2013
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo: May 2013 originally appeared on
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