Jeremy Clarkson reviews the Hyundai Veloster
03-23-2012, 08:01 AM
#1
Jeremy Clarkson reviews the Hyundai Veloster
http://www.topgear.com/uk/jeremy-cla...rch-2012-03-22
I think he likes it.
The brochure talks about ‘sporty acceleration' and a ‘true racing driver experience', but that's like calling me slim and handsome. It's b*ll*cks. This is one of the dreariest cars I've ever driven.
The styling doesn't work at all. It's silly. And because of the split rear screen, you can't see what's behind you. Don't get me started on the doors, either. No, actually, do get me started. What were they thinking of? I realise that a child can't get out into the traffic, and that's nice, but when you're in a car park, or at home, having to shuffle over the seats to get out is a bloody nuisance.
But what the company doesn't understand is that when you make a car that's supposed to be interesting, it needs to be interesting.
It needs to make a sporty noise, or look good, or corner well. It needs to have a feel, a certain unquantifiable something that sets it apart from the herd. An invisible beckoning finger. A come-hither look in its headlights. It needs to feel like it was made by an enthusiast, someone who likes cars, someone who understands the mechanics of James's sausage. Because, if it doesn't, what you end up with is a Veloster. An accountant in a clown suit.
It needs to make a sporty noise, or look good, or corner well. It needs to have a feel, a certain unquantifiable something that sets it apart from the herd. An invisible beckoning finger. A come-hither look in its headlights. It needs to feel like it was made by an enthusiast, someone who likes cars, someone who understands the mechanics of James's sausage. Because, if it doesn't, what you end up with is a Veloster. An accountant in a clown suit.
03-23-2012, 08:58 AM
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The world would be a very boring place if we all agreed
In the case of the Veloster, I hold Jeremy's opinion just as high as I do JonBoy's
I'm looking forward to being an owner of the Turbo model in 2014
In the case of the Veloster, I hold Jeremy's opinion just as high as I do JonBoy's
I'm looking forward to being an owner of the Turbo model in 2014
03-23-2012, 09:06 AM
#3
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03-23-2012, 09:08 AM
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03-23-2012, 09:25 AM
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The Veloster is basically a styled-up econo car. Coming from a guy who turns his nose up at anything less than an Audi, are we really surprised that he didn't like it?
03-23-2012, 09:26 AM
#6
Good luck in your dream that this car will fulfil your hatchback fantasy. It's already universally panned for its handling and now you're going to add way more power and expect it to somehow be a dream come true? Yeah right!
03-23-2012, 09:27 AM
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03-23-2012, 09:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Triple-H' timestamp='1332521918' post='21537152
The world would be a very boring place if we all agreed
In the case of the Veloster, I hold Jeremy's opinion just as high as I do JonBoy's
I'm looking forward to being an owner of the Turbo model in 2014
In the case of the Veloster, I hold Jeremy's opinion just as high as I do JonBoy's
I'm looking forward to being an owner of the Turbo model in 2014
Good luck in your dream that this car will fulfil your hatchback fantasy. It's already universally panned for its handling and now you're going to add way more power and expect it to somehow be a dream come true? Yeah right!
03-23-2012, 09:41 AM
#9
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Originally Posted by deepbluejh' timestamp='1332523548' post='21537241
The Veloster is basically a styled-up econo car. Coming from a guy who turns his nose up at anything less than an Audi, are we really surprised that he didn't like it?
haha
He basically derailed this car for being "boring" (like an econocar) while having styling he didn't like. He didn't elaborate on the handling AT ALL other than to state it didn't handle well. I'm sure if there were anything in particular about the handling he didn't like, you would have heard about it.
He went on and on about how slow it was, but hardly mentioned the handling at all, which leads me to believe it really wasn't all that bad.
But it's the drive that's worse, because there is not a single thing that leaps out and holds your attention. The engine is an engine. The gearbox is a gearbox. The steering is electric, but not in a good way, and the touchscreen ‘media centre' mentioned in the brochure is a radio.
03-23-2012, 09:47 AM
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I enjoyed the article, mainly because it was in Clarkson style and different from a normal review. It doesn't bother me that he doesn't go into specifics on each major point of the driving experience. I get his point when he basically says "It's trying to be sporty and doesn't do anything sporty." I'm guessing it's like the usual situation of an econo-company trying to create a sporty small car - missing the quick responsiveness in all areas, like throttle response, steering, suspension, braking.
Of course, if you want one and/or really want to argue the specifics of the points with someone, go drive one yourself.