Hyundai Veloster coupé

Coupé looks - hatchback performance

Headline performance numbers are par for the course for a 1.6-litre hatchback rather than a performance car, with a top speed of 123mph and the 0-62 sprint covered in 10.3 seconds. Another problem for the more adventurous driver is the electrically-assisted power steering, which is a bit lifeless.

Though based on the new i30 platform, the Veloster has to make do with a torsion beam rear axle rather than the multi-link set up used in the i30. But despite the cut-price suspension, the chassis isn’t all that bad.

Shades of the Citroën DS in the front detail

On the open road, the Veloster stays flat through the corners, suffers little in the way of understeer and the ride is composed if not up to Scirocco standards on undulating surfaces when things can get a bit floaty at speed.

Of course, since most Velosters will be bought for their looks that is all a bit irrelevant. As a means of getting between points A and B, the refined engine and semi-automatic double-clutch flappy paddle gearbox in my DCT test car work well together and it’s very quiet at motorway speeds.

Performance doesn't quite match the sporty looks

On paper, a 1.6-litre Veloster should return 44.1mpg and emit 145g/km of CO2 in the process. During my week with it, I averaged 37.2mpg.

If you want to better those numbers, there is a Blue Drive option that adds stop/start and low rolling resistance tyres to the package. This improves economy by 4.4mpg and reduces emissions by 11g/km while only adding £350 to the purchase price.

Buy for the look

Hop inside and it’s hard not to be rather impressed by the Veloster’s interior. Dominating proceedings and the centre console is a 7in touchscreen through which you control the satnav, Bluetooth and audio systems.