07-15-2014, 08:37 AM
If you saw my other thread about the gf's Echo, you may know we were facing the near certain chance of having her car written off after a, fairly minor, front end accident.
Well, I fought the good fight and after four or five rounds of negotiation, I'm pretty happy with what I was able to get out of the insurance company (50% over what they consider an Echo to be worth).
So the search began for a replacement and in the end, we decided to pass my Focus down to her for the local commute and get a new car for me to use on the Mississauga run.
The FoFo ST was a strong contender (and a blast to drive) but the gorgeous Recaro's, while great for a track day, really knocked the car out of the running. Neither of us are small individuals and the bolsters were just a little too much for daily/road trip use.
Another one that was high on the list and got knocked out due partially to seating but mostly to the lack of a back seat/storage space was the Scion FR-S.
The winner (don't hit me) was one that we just stumbled on. A couple years ago I seriously considered trading the Focus on a Genesis Coupe but as with the FR-S didn't like the lack of space/seating. We stopped in at Hyundai to look at the Genesis again and check out the current Elantra GT (didn't like it). That's when I was reminded that they had released a turbo version of the slow-as-molasses Veloster. I have to say, for the price point, it hit the 200hp mark, actually felt torquey, has a decent back seat (with a wacky third door), and lots of trunk space. It also fit the gf's want for a smaller car. Most importantly, it's a blast too drive, plenty of oomph, handles beautifully flat, and has all the infotainment features I was looking for.
So please allow me to introduce the new ginger in the family, my red-headed step child, a 2014 Vitamin-C Veloster Turbo(Sorry for the poor lighting - I'll get a better shot after the next wash)
Never thought I'd own a Hyundai ... but here I am.
One more moment of silence for a fallen soldier (and at this angle, it still looks great!)
-George
Well, I fought the good fight and after four or five rounds of negotiation, I'm pretty happy with what I was able to get out of the insurance company (50% over what they consider an Echo to be worth).
So the search began for a replacement and in the end, we decided to pass my Focus down to her for the local commute and get a new car for me to use on the Mississauga run.
The FoFo ST was a strong contender (and a blast to drive) but the gorgeous Recaro's, while great for a track day, really knocked the car out of the running. Neither of us are small individuals and the bolsters were just a little too much for daily/road trip use.
Another one that was high on the list and got knocked out due partially to seating but mostly to the lack of a back seat/storage space was the Scion FR-S.
The winner (don't hit me) was one that we just stumbled on. A couple years ago I seriously considered trading the Focus on a Genesis Coupe but as with the FR-S didn't like the lack of space/seating. We stopped in at Hyundai to look at the Genesis again and check out the current Elantra GT (didn't like it). That's when I was reminded that they had released a turbo version of the slow-as-molasses Veloster. I have to say, for the price point, it hit the 200hp mark, actually felt torquey, has a decent back seat (with a wacky third door), and lots of trunk space. It also fit the gf's want for a smaller car. Most importantly, it's a blast too drive, plenty of oomph, handles beautifully flat, and has all the infotainment features I was looking for.
So please allow me to introduce the new ginger in the family, my red-headed step child, a 2014 Vitamin-C Veloster Turbo(Sorry for the poor lighting - I'll get a better shot after the next wash)
Never thought I'd own a Hyundai ... but here I am.
One more moment of silence for a fallen soldier (and at this angle, it still looks great!)
-George