The Veloster Turbo isn't a true competitor for the Focus ST. Sure it has a turbo 4 cylinder engine, but it's significantly smaller and more of a warmed over Veloster than a performance version of it. No suspension components are different, just tightened up a bit. The seats aren't Recaros, they just have slightly more aggressive side and thigh bolsters (but no additional thigh support like in the Focus ST).

It's a cool looking car, but should be viewed more in line with how a V6 Camry simply provides more power than the I4 Camry, as opposed to like how the Focus ST is much more than just a slightly faster Focus.

At the end of the day Money talks and the VT is cheaper. But the ST is a much better car.

I'm cross shopping these two cars. But as others have mentioned, they are definitely different vehicles.

If cost is an issue the *base* Veloster Turbo will definitely save you some coin, and should have *similar* acceleration numbers to the ST (less hp/tq but also several hundred pounds lighter) - my guess is a 1/2-second slower to 60.

Residual value will almost certainly be better in the Hyundai, but that is based solely on the base Veloster and Focus. We won't know for sure for awhile.

Baubles and trinkets on the Veloster will be a little better standard than the Focus, and that's about where the pros stop.

Focus will be quicker, handle FAR better, and generally (I think) be MUCH more fun to drive.

Veloster is smaller, but not noticeably. Rear seat room is strikingly similar with actual people in the car. Kids fit fine in both, but tightly.

I'm going to drive the Hyundai before I order an ST, which should happen in the next few weeks when the Hyundais start showing up. But I suspect the humdrum suspension and (possible) lack of steering feel are going to push me toward the ST.

The other stumbling block for Hyundai is that a loaded (only one options package) Veloster Turbo is about the same price as an ST2 ST.

I admit I hadn't heard of the Veloster Turbo till I joined the forum. I looked at it on Hyundai.com and was thinking of it being a cheaper potential buy compared to the ST with ST3 package. After reading this thread it's clear you guys already know the differences and are making it easy to cross shop, ST for the win!

Eric, I should point out that the ST2 lacks navigation, parking rear camera, and gps navigation. How important these are is certainly up for debate, but they are differences.

Originally Posted by ATX Eric

I'm cross shopping these two cars. But as others have mentioned, they are definitely different vehicles.

If cost is an issue the *base* Veloster Turbo will definitely save you some coin, and should have *similar* acceleration numbers to the ST (less hp/tq but also several hundred pounds lighter) - my guess is a 1/2-second slower to 60.

Residual value will almost certainly be better in the Hyundai, but that is based solely on the base Veloster and Focus. We won't know for sure for awhile.

Baubles and trinkets on the Veloster will be a little better standard than the Focus, and that's about where the pros stop.

Focus will be quicker, handle FAR better, and generally (I think) be MUCH more fun to drive.

Veloster is smaller, but not noticeably. Rear seat room is strikingly similar with actual people in the car. Kids fit fine in both, but tightly.

I'm going to drive the Hyundai before I order an ST, which should happen in the next few weeks when the Hyundais start showing up. But I suspect the humdrum suspension and (possible) lack of steering feel are going to push me toward the ST.

The other stumbling block for Hyundai is that a loaded (only one options package) Veloster Turbo is about the same price as an ST2 ST.

The Veloster Turbo 0-60 has been tested at about 7.5 seconds. If the Fiesta St is built, it will be far similar performance-wise to that than the Focus.

Originally Posted by Reaper0Bot0

Eric, I should point out that the ST2 lacks navigation, parking rear camera, and gps navigation. How important these are is certainly up for debate, but they are differences.

I don't think that a rear parking camera is offered with the ST3 either.

Originally Posted by Reaper0Bot0

Eric, I should point out that the ST2 lacks navigation, parking rear camera, and gps navigation. How important these are is certainly up for debate, but they are differences.

Indeed. They are not apples to apples cars, as none truly are. And Hyundai most certainly has more bells and whistles at a lower price point (true in almost all their vehicles and a proud selling point for them). Really just a note that there isn't much in the way of savings if you opt for the loaded Hyundai. As you suggest, though, different things will be more important to different people.

Originally Posted by lug

The Veloster Turbo 0-60 has been tested at about 7.5 seconds. If the Fiesta St is built, it will be far similar performance-wise to that than the Focus.

I do not believe that even in informal testing there has been a reported 0-60 time that slow in the Turbo. And I don't believe that there have been any reliable media tests of the vehicle at all. Would love to see that information if you have it and specifically from an American media outlet regarding the North American build of the car.

As I said, I suspect that it'll be about .5 second slower to 60 than the Focus. I stand by that statement. I have no idea on the Fiesta ST specs, and simply set out to compare the two cars (ST and VT) in an objective manner. I believe I have done that.