The 2013 Veloster, a Hyundai sporty coupe for younger customer

Hyundai launched The 2013 Veloster as a sporty coupe, for younger customer, and projected as sports car. Inside the Veloster's cabin is spacious and airy from the front seat, the back seats are designed just for small kids--or not for big person--with extremely limited headroom. Back seats are best folded down, where the seat backs form a flat cargo surface; the hatch opens wide, although there's a high liftover at the back.

All The 2013 Veloster Model use a 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine bigger than Accent, with additional a turbocharged engine type for more power. The latter develops 201 horsepower and features a few styling improvement to mark it out from its lesser sibling. A six-speed manual model is standard, but Hyundai also offers a brand-new Dual Clutch (DCT) automated manual model transmission.

Official MPG figures have been the subject of much debate in recent months. The 2012-2013 Veloster is one of several Hyundai and Kia vehicles found to have overstated fuel-economy numbers. The EPA has tested both 2012 and 2013 types, and lowered its gas-mileage ratings accordingly. The most efficient type is the base 1.6-liter with the dual-clutch auto gearbox. This achieves 28 mpg city and 37 highway, for a combined rating of 31 mpg. The manual model gets the same combined rating, but while its highway rating is also the same, the city number is a slightly lower 27 mpg. The best mileage achieved by the turbo type comes from the manual model gearbox, which is rated at 28 mpg combined.

None of those figures match the 40 mpg highway about which Hyundai boasted before the EPA ratings debacle. Nor do they match the 37-mpg combined rating (36 mpg city, 39 highway) of the Veloster's nearest rival--the equally striking 2013 Honda CR-Z two-seat hybrid coupe.

Matching its sporty looks, the Veloster's handling is good. Very good, in fact. The coupe displays impressive grip and poise, though its steering could use better weighting and more road feel and the engine is sorely lacking in low-rpm torque—which some might consider a more serious issue. Provided you keep the revs up, the Veloster shows off its perkier personality.

Equipment levels are usefully high. Standard items include a 7-inch touch-screen interface, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, built-in Gracenote display technology, and a USB port to connect and access iPod media via voice controls. XM NavWeather and other data services are included with a premium sound system, as are a rearview camera and backup warning system, and navigation, push-button start, and a 110-Volt outlet are included if you get a fully loaded Tech Package Veloster. Even then, non-turbo Veloster with almost every option totals less than $23,000.

The less fuel-efficient Veloster Turbo carries a higher base price--more than $22,000--and brings with it with a raft of added standard equipment. It includes heated front seats, leather upholstery, a 450-watt sound system, and BlueLink, Hyundai's mobile-app and connectivity suite, which enables audio streaming and voice control over some systems.

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