Hyundai Veloster Fails to Improve Sales in 2021 — Is This the End?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Hyundai Veloster has seen few sales this year despite surging numbers for nearly all other vehicles industrywide. That’s surprising because some reviewers have raved about the 2021 hatchback and its handling. However, first-quarter sales figures show the Hyundai Veloster isn’t faring well.

Just how bad is the situation, and will it mark this sport compact’s demise?

The Hyundai Veloster’s sales in 2020 and 2021

In the first quarter of 2020, the Hyundai Veloster sold 2,082 SUVs, GoodCarBadCar shows. In 2021, however, sales dropped precipitously: Only 687 units sold at dealerships. 

Of the first four months of 2021, January was its worst for sales at only 193. The best was April, which saw consumers buying 322 of them. In April 2020, though, sales were up to 541, which was during the nationwide shutdown.

That’s a difference of about 40 percent. When you look at sales for both years, though, the Veloster could turn things around. In 2020, Hyundai sold approximately 2,623 Veloster units the whole year. So far, in the first quarter of 2021, dealers sold 1,009 units, a 61 percent increase over last year. 

Other Hyundai models’ sales figures

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As of this past April, the beset-selling Hyundai vehicle is the Tucson compact SUV, which sold 16,901 units, Hyundai reported. The second-biggest seller is the Elantra compact sedan, which sold 14,358 units. The Tucson doubled its sales over April 2020, when it sold 8,438. Even the Elantra almost doubled, with 7,536 units sold. 

The only Hyundai model that performed worse than the Veloster was the Nexo. But this hydrogen-powered crossover is sold only in California. Outside the Nexo, the only other poor seller for Hyundai was the Ioniq, which moved 1,364 units as of April. In that time period last year, though, it sold only 422.

For the first quarter, the Tucson sold 33,147, while the Elantra had 26,093 in sales those three months. Compare that to the first quarter of 2020, when the Tucson saw almost 10,000 fewer sales. The Elantra sold 300 more than it did last year. Hyundai’s Tucson SUV has seen steady sales for many years, experiencing only a slight drop in 2020, likely thanks to the pandemic. 

Will the Veloster return for 2022?

With sales down, the question remains whether the Veloster will see another production year. Rumors were flying in automotive circles that Hyundai would kill the Veloster after the 2021 model year and allow only the N version to survive.  

But according to Car and Driver, Hyundai has no plans to drop the Veloster from its lineup in 2022. However, it intends to offer fewer trim levels than before. As for which trims are leaving the fold, only time will tell. Hyundai hasn’t reported those plans yet.

Currently, you can purchase the Veloster 2.0, 2.0 Premium, Turbo R-Spec, Turbo, and Turbo Ultimate, along with the Veloster N model. All we know now is that the 2.0 models pack a 147 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. Turbo models have a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generating 201 hp.

The Hyundai Veloster isn’t known for huge sales numbers, but it has gained in popularity thanks to quick acceleration, sweet styling, and a fun drive. With a few tweaks, maybe Hyundai can breathe new life into this hatchback. 

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The Lifted 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Loves to Play In the Mud and Dirt

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Toyota Tacoma has been one of the best-selling mid-size trucks in automotive history and it’s no secret as to why. With its off-road capability, smooth powertrain, and unrivaled reliability, the Tacoma is an easy choice to make if you need to drive a truck every day.

But did I mention that it’s good off-road? If so, I’m only repeating it because I had the chance to take a 2021 Toyota Tacoma outfitted with the TRD lift kit off the beaten path recently. And I found out quickly how much it likes to play in the mud and dirt.

The Toyota Tacoma’s TRD lift kit is smooth on the road

2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road | Joe Santos

RELATED: Is the 2020 Toyota Tacoma Base Model Worth Buying?

After driving the lifted 2021 Toyota Tacoma Off Road around for a week on regular roads, I couldn’t help but notice just how smooth the ride is. The upgraded Bilstein monotube shocks work wonders when it comes to not only raising the ride by two inches in the front – one inch in the rear – but also making the ride stable.

Without the kit, the Tacoma feels like it rocks back and forth a lot, even at slower speeds. But with the kit, and maybe due to the lift, the feeling of the large tires going over uneven pavement and bumps felt muted in comparison. Fortunately, this smoothness translated well off-road.

Going off-road felt natural

a rear shot of the lifted 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road
2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road | Joe Santos

RELATED: Which 2020 Toyota Tacoma Trim Is Right for You?

Although a two-inch lift isn’t that much, I felt like I could go anywhere or do anything with the TRD lifted Tacoma. But it was time to put it to the real test by driving through some dirt and mud, much like many Tacoma owners probably do when they’re headed to a favorite fishing spot or campground.

I drove the Tacoma TRD up north to the Boulder, Colo., area to see what it could do. On the way up there, I was greeted by some twisty two-lane roads with a little bit of incline, but the Tacoma handled it all very well. Its 278-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine made quick work of any inclines, thanks to it having plenty of low-end grunt, however, the six-speed automatic transmission did have to hunt for gears upon accelerating out of the turns.

The lifted 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road in a puddle
2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road | Joe Santos

That didn’t really matter when I finally hit the dirt, though. I found a nice off-road area filled with puddles, dips, and bumps and I played around it all like a child at a recess. When putting it in either four-high or two-wheel drive and the truck never even came close to getting stuck. I threw the truck into every puddle I could find and went up every incline and no matter what, it seemed like my trusty Tacoma was begging for more.

There weren’t any high rock features to really test out the higher ride height, but I can attest to the fact that it will clear almost anything you drive over in your everyday life.

Does the lift kit need to be higher?

The specs of the TRD lift kit might not be enough for the avid off-road enthusiast, but if you’re only looking to drive on some dirt roads and a few hills, it should suffice just fine. Considering it was a bit of pain to get in and out of the lifted Tacoma, I wouldn’t recommend going any higher if you plan to daily drive it.

But if you have a good place to fling the truck around in the dirt, mud, or even the snow, the TRD lift kit – as well as the Toyota Tacoma – will handle its own just fine.

A side shot of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road with the TRD lift kit
2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road | Joe Santos

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Ford Bronco Sport vs. Subaru Forester: More Capable SUV?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

While the comparison might not be obvious at a glance, it is there. The Ford Bronco has been one of the more anticipated releases from this year. The Ford Bronco isn’t out yet, but the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport has been out and about on roads. Though the Subaru Forester might not be the first opponent that comes to mind, the vehicles share some similarities.

Is the Ford Bronco Sport a good car?

Edmunds gave the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport a 7.6 out of 10 for the expert rating. In the rankings with other small SUVs, the Sport came in at number 10. The starting MSRP is listed at $26,820 for the base model. That increases in price as the specs change, with the top-of-the-line First Edition MSRP coming in at $38,500.

One of the noted features was that the Bronco Sport is more capable than other small SUVs. It is also good for weekend adventures, but the day-to-day stuff, too. If you order it from the factory, Buyers can customize the Sport in various ways. It is also more affordable than the regular Bronco.

The Bronco lacks in cargo space and fuel economy, though. The back row is a bit cramped, and the seat makes for less cargo area. But one thing it does well? The cargo area has power outlets, hooks, and storage bins for most upper-level trims.

The Sport gets an EPA-estimated 23 miles per gallon combined with the 2.0L engine and 26 miles per gallon with the 1.5L engine.

Is a Subaru Forester a good car?

The Subaru Forester is ready for adventure but is better equipped than the Ford Bronco Sport? | Zhe Ji/Getty Images

RELATED: Is the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Better Than the Subaru Crosstrek?

Edmunds gave the 2021 Subaru Forester a similar rating of 7.8 out of 10. On the list of small SUVs, the Forester came in at number five. Subaru lists the base MSRP at $24,795. The top-of-the-line Touring edition starts at $34,895.

The Forester has a large following, and for a good reason. It has a ton of cargo space and even has roof rails that allow room for extra stuff on top. It also gets an EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway. That is about 29 miles per gallon combined.

The Forester is not the flashiest or sportiest car out there, but many potential buyers aren’t looking for that anyway.

Who pulls out ahead off-road?

RELATED: Is the Ford Bronco a Reliable SUV for 2021?

Both the Forester and the Bronco Sport have strengths, on and off-road. It depends on which piece of that equation is more important when choosing between the two. Since both SUVs are all-wheel-drive, that is covered.

Edmunds notes that the Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims are comfortable on the streets. The Badlands and First Edition are better equipped for off-road but still have comfortable features.

The Forester, however, seems to have a solid mix of comfort and off-road capabilities across all trim levels. Edmunds notes that the Forester has an advantage out of the gate because of that. Each model has all-wheel-drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and the optional X-Mode traction mode.

With the Bronco Sport, the base trims are a bit less capable. Buyers can add features and upgrades, or the top-level trim can fix that. But if the plan is to go from the dealership to the dirt, the Base trim might leave you wanting more.

However, the top-level trims are more capable than the Forester once you are there. Upgraded suspension, high ground clearance, and a rear differential make off-roading easy.

This is where the decision comes down to the buyer. The Forester is a solid value and does everything drivers might need for casual off-roading and everyday life. The Bronco Sport is going to turn more heads and offer flashy features. The cost is higher, but more seasoned off-roaders might appreciate the extra features offered.

In the final decision, Edmunds chose the Forester as the “better buy,” but that might not be the case for everyone.

The post Ford Bronco Sport vs. Subaru Forester: More Capable SUV? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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Ralliart Returns as Mitsubishi Rediscovers Racing

by Gabrielle DeSantis

While the redesigned 2022 Outlander is a significant step forward, Mitsubishi’s cars haven’t been doing well critically as of late. It’s been one of the lowest scorers in Consumer Reports’ testing, partially due to cars like the Mirage. And while the Eclipse Cross isn’t bad per se, the decision to put a beloved performance nameplate on a crossover stung many enthusiasts. However, there are signs that the Japanese automaker is returning to racing. Chief among them is the news that Mitsubishi is reviving Ralliart.

Ralliart used to be the Mitsubishi equivalent of Toyota’s TRD and Nissan’s NISMO divisions

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition | Mitsubishi

Car enthusiasts, especially rallying fans, have no doubt heard of the iconic Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. But that’s not the only performance vehicle Mitsubishi released, even ignoring tuner favorites like the Eclipse and the 3000GT. There was also the Pajero Evolution, one of the most successful Paris-Dakar racers ever. And helping support these endeavors was the Ralliart division.

Ralliart used to be the in-house racing and performance parts division for Mitsubishi, Forbes explains. Essentially, it was Mitsubishi’s version of the Toyota TRD and the Nissan NISMO divisions. Ralliart not only helped prepare Mitsubishi race cars but also sold parts to the public. And, just like TRD and NISMO, its name also appeared on several road cars.

An orange 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart parked by a hedge-lined lawn
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart | Mitsubishi

Arguably the best-remembered model is the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, which stood in-between the base Lancer and the Evo, MotorTrend reports. Introduced in the US in 2004, the Lancer Ralliart wasn’t quite as powerful as the Evo, nor did it have all of the latter model’s upgraded components. But it still had several upgrades over the base car.

For example, the 2009 Lancer Ralliart doesn’t have Evo-spec suspension components or active differentials. But it does have upgraded shocks and an AWD system with two mechanical limited-slip differentials, Car and Driver reports. And it’s more powerful than the base Lancer. Plus, even in hatchback Sportback form, Recaro seats were optional, Car and Driver reports.

A dark-bred 2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart by a white-fence-lined lawn and forest
2007 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart | Mitsubishi

But the Mitsubishi Lancer wasn’t the only car to get the Ralliart treatment. There was also a Galant Ralliart, with more power, sportier suspension, grippier tires, larger brakes, and a trim-specific rear anti-roll bar. And while it was automatic-only, Car and Driver found it to be “a surprisingly athletic mid-size sedan.”

It’s been shuttered for years, but Mitsubishi Ralliart is making a comeback

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Sadly, Mitsubishi closed the Ralliart division in 2010, Automotive News reports. And while Lancer Ralliart sales continued for a few years, the trim was dropped after 2015. Since then, the name hasn’t appeared on any new Mitsubishi cars.

However, that might be changing shortly. Earlier this month, Mitsubishi held its annual earnings call and presented its annual financial report. And besides information like revenue and dividends, the presentation also included a snapshot of the company’s future plans. Those plans include the return of the Ralliart brand, Autocar reports.

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Initially, Ralliart will supply branded parts to owners of “existing Mitsubishi models,” The Drive reports. However, it will also serve as Mitsubishi’s reengagement with the world of racing and “realization of Mitsubishi Motors-ness.” And the financial presentation includes outlines of two models that, in all likelihood, will be new Ralliart models.

Based on their appearance and Mitsubishi’s current lineup, they’ll likely be crossovers or SUVs, Autoblog muses. But considering the following 90s Mitsubishi SUVs and vans have been garnering lately, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. And if Ralliart can bring back an off-road-rally edge, it would undoubtedly give the Eclipse Cross some genuine performance cred.

Will it come to the US, though?

All that being said, it’s unclear how the relaunched Mitsubishi Ralliart division will approach its motorsports return. The company’s financial presentation includes imagery of an L200 pickup truck sliding through sand, which suggests off-roading and/or rallying. But Mitsubishi hasn’t commented officially on the matter.

RELATED: Consumer Reports Names the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage the Slowest Car on the Market

Mitsubishi also hasn’t confirmed if the relaunched Ralliart brand will make its way to the US. As Road & Track points out, the name isn’t well known here. Even before Mitsubishi shuttered it, its US dealers didn’t sell Ralliart parts, AN notes. But considering NISMO, TRD, STI, as well as M and AMG, are still going, there’s some incentive for a Ralliart US presence.

So, fingers crossed, you could see a Mitsubishi Outlander Ralliart at a future Rebelle Rally or Baja 1000.

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