2013 Hyundai Veloster Boosts MPG, Adds Turbocharged Engine

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster returns for its sophomore year with fairly minor changes. The biggest change addresses outcries of inferior performance by adding a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the vehicle lineup. Base models have also been tweaked to improve fuel efficiency. Keep reading to find out what's new on the 2013 Hyundai Veloster and review specs, pricing and features.

Styling: 2013 Hyundai Veloster

Overall, the Veloster is a sporty and stylish hatchback that gives shoppers on a budget an opportunity to stand out from the crowd. However, the vehicle veers a bit from convention when it comes to exterior design – a fact that may be off-putting to some car shoppers. Most notably, is the unique three-door design that gives the car the look of a two-door hatchback on one side, and a four-door sedan on the other.    Inside, the vehicle is fairly sparsely decorated in an effort to keep the price point low. Four passengers can fit in the vehicle, though backseat riders may yearn for a little extra room. A youthful vibe resonates throughout, and a good list of standard convenience features is available. In terms of cargo, the Veloster manages a pretty decent 15.5 cubic feet of trunk space.   View more 2013 Hyundai Veloster photos

Performance: 2013 Hyundai Veloster

The Veloster's base 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine returns for the 2013 model year. Output comes in at 138 horsepower and 132 lb-ft. of torque. Paired to a six-speed manual transmission, drivers can expect to earn 28 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway (32 mpg combined). A six-speed automated manual transmission is also available. Tweaks to the automated transmission deliver improved fuel figures over last year (29 mpg in the city, 40 mpg highway, 33 mpg combined).    With a zero-to-60 mph speed of around 9.5 seconds, the Veloster's base engine may leave some car shoppers wanting more. To accommodate these people, Hyundai introduces a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that boosts performance to 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque. This lifts zero-to-60 mph time down to below eight seconds. Fuel efficiency for a Veloster Turbo with manual transmission is listed at 26 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway (30 mpg combined).    Review full 2013 Hyundai Veloster specifications

Safety: 2013 Hyundai Veloster

Standard safety features on the 2013 Veloster include antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and Hyundai BlueLink. BlueLink is a bundled safety package that includes automatic crash detection, available roadside assistance, remote door unlock, stolen vehicle tracking and vehicle alarm notification.

Pricing and Features: 2013 Hyundai Veloster

Initial asking price for the 2013 Veloster is listed at $17,450. For that price, you'll get 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, rear spoiler, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, height-adjustable driver's seat, Bluetooth, 7-inch touchscreen display, six-speaker stereo, CD player, satellite radio, auxiliary input and USB/iPod connectivity.    An available Style package adds larger wheels, chrome grille, foglights, sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette seating and an 8-speaker stereo. A Tech package is also available that includes rear parking sensors, rearview camera, navigation, automatic headlights, keyless ignition and 115-volt outlet.   Similar features packages are available for the Hyundai Veloster Turbo. With the quicker engine, pricing starts at $21,950.   Find a 2013 Hyundai Veloster dealer near you