What we're driving: Hyundai Veloster This car gives me an Eighties feeling - in a good way. It's partly the crude, semi-retro styling, with exaggerated wheel arches, bulging headlights, and more scoops, creases and vents than one car needs. And an ugly interior, which Hyundai still can't get right to please European tastes. But mainly, this car feels old-fashioned because it's so simple to drive. Every reaction from the car is what you expect. There's nothing tricky about the major controls; the entire thing flatters average driving skills. The chassis turns into corners neatly, with sharp reactions to steering inputs. The suspension is supple, the manual gearstick slots cleanly and the brakes are smoothly progressive. The only disappointment is the acceleration from the 138bhp/123lb ft, 1.6-litre engine: it feels flat and sluggish until 3,000rpm, when there's a step-change in power, and again at 4,000rpm. The silver of our test car isn't a good look on this fussy model - lime green is a much better proposition. Then there's the unnecessary door thing... one on the driver's side and two on the nearside. The rear door's handle is hidden in the C-pillar, so it doesn't detract from the sporty coupé image, but adds an element of practicality (easier access to the rear seats). That being the case, why not put a matching rear door on the other side? It's not going to dull the looks, more's the pity. In a colour that masks some of the unnecessary styling, and considering the five-year warranty and assistance package, I'd take this over a VW Golf. It's aimed, of course, at the Scirocco, which is a better car but is also another £2k for a slower 1.4 base model. Hyundai Veloster 1.6 GDi Price: £17,995