What Happened to the Veloster?
Over the years, the Veloster earned a reputation among car enthusiasts for the thrill it brought to the open road. With its sporty design, powerful engine, and innovative technologies, it turned heads and won hearts – becoming a beloved feature of the Hyundai lineup. Despite its discontinuation, its spirit lives on in the other Hyundai performance models. It leaves some wondering, what happened to the Veloster?
After an 11-year journey, the Hyundai Veloster bade its final goodbye post the 2022 model year. This was the end of the road for a car that was nothing short of an automotive eccentric, thanks to its distinctive three-door design - one door on the driver's side and a duo on the passenger's side. What set the Veloster apart was not just its design but also its commendable performance, cementing its reputation as an affordable hot hatch.
Despite earning accolades for its dynamic handling and robust engine, the Veloster faced headwinds in sales. Its peak was back in 2013, with a little over 20,000 units finding homes in the US. As time progressed, those numbers dwindled, with annual sales dipping below 10,000 units in its final years. Hyundai attributed the Veloster's phase-out to its declining sales, the rise of other performance-centric models like the Elantra and Kona, and a strategic pivot toward the ever-growing popularity of SUVs and crossovers.
While the hot hatch market segment isn't vast, Hyundai was not devoid of offerings. The shift might have taken a toll on driving aficionados who fancied the Veloster, but market trends showed a clear tilt towards SUVs and crossovers, a domain where Hyundai didn’t lag.
And while the demise of the Veloster signals the end of an era, it also hints at a promising future. Hyundai's shift of focus towards SUVs and crossovers isn’t without a good reason. Their decision is based on market trends favoring these models over hot hatches. To meet and exceed customer preferences, Hyundai is capitalizing on this trend with new offerings.
One thing Hyundai enthusiasts can look forward to is the array of performance models that are presented in the brand's portfolio. While these may not feature the same iconic three-door design of the Veloster, they nonetheless encapsulate the essence of Hyundai's dedication to dynamic and exciting driving experiences.
Can I Still Buy a Veloster?
Now, the question arises, can you still buy a Hyundai Veloster?
Given the vehicle's discontinuation, its availability largely depends on dealer inventory. As the vehicle is no longer being made, you will not be able to find new Velosters. However, you might be able to find a used Veloster on the lot at Hyundai dealerships, including here at Rob Green Hyundai. You can quickly look up the availability in our used vehicles section. Our dedicated team members here at Rob Green Hyundai can help you locate a Veloster if it’s available or guide you towards other models that best suit your needs and preferences.
If you are looking for a used Veloster, it may actually be a golden opportunity. The discontinuation of the model might lead to some great deals on used Velosters. So, keep an eye out in our vehicles for sale under $25k department. Buying a used Veloster can be a great way to get a unique and fun-to-drive car at a reduced price. Plus, Hyundai vehicles are known for their reliability and long lifespan, so a used Veloster could serve you well for many years to come.
Of course, we recognize the Veloster wasn't everyone's cup of tea. Its unique three-door design was a definite standout feature, but some found it impractical. If you are one of those searching for something a little more conventional, fear not. Hyundai offers a wide range of vehicles to suit all tastes and needs. Even within the performance category, Hyundai has other great options, such as the aforementioned Elantra N and Kona N.
Though the Veloster may be saying goodbye to the production line, that doesn't mean you should discount it if you're in the market for something sporty yet practical. But if the Veloster isn't available or just not right for you, rest assured, you have a plethora of other Hyundai options to choose from. Whether you're interested in a compact sedan, a sporty hatchback, or a versatile SUV, you're sure to find something you love in the Hyundai lineup.
What are good alternatives to the Veloster?
If you're saddened by the discontinuation of the Hyundai Veloster, worry not! Hyundai has plenty of alternatives that offer comparable performance, features, and design elements. One not only fitting but also an exciting alternative is the Hyundai Kona, a subcompact SUV that incorporates style and functionality.
The Hyundai Kona comes as a compelling crossover in the Hyundai family and a suitable replacement for the Veloster. It comes loaded with many of the perks that made the Veloster a hit, yet brings additional benefits of both functional and aesthetic nature. It is available in multiple trims and color options to cater to varying tastes, ensuring that no potential customer feels left out. The Kona matches and surpasses the Veloster's performance level, matching the Veloster's fun-to-drive nature with more comfort and versatility.
Where the Veloster was a nimble hot hatch, the Kona is agile, light on its feet, and exhibits admirable handling characteristics, giving you the feeling of a small sedan rather than a crossover SUV. It brings an expansive feature-set and strong engine options, making it a strong alternative to the Veloster's zippy performance.
While the Veloster was known for its distinctive three-door design, the Kona offers a two-box design indicative of a traditional SUV but with a more modern and youthful appeal. With a contemporary, adventurous exterior design and a tech-rich interior, the Kona matches the Veloster's uniqueness with its own uniqueness.
In terms of interiors, the Kona brings a well-dressed cabin, accommodating enough for the segment size. It's well-suited for people who are looking for additional space compared to the Veloster, without missing out on the fun-to-drive aspect.
You can explore our selection of used Konas to see the variety of options available to you. While you're at it, don't miss out on learning about the 2022 Hyundai Kona, which showcases the latest and the best Hyundai has to offer in this segment.
While the discontinuation of the Veloster may be a disappointment to fans of the hot hatch, Hyundai's extensive lineup doesn't leave you without alternatives. The Hyundai Kona, with its robust performance, striking design, and added functionality, is a considerable option. It does an excellent job blending the spirited driving dynamics of a hatchback with the practicality and versatility of an SUV, proving itself as a standout alternative.
