Many quirky cars have found their way onto the market. While some of these vehicles make us scratch our heads, there are a select few avant-garde creations that grow on us and become regulars on the road.
Hyundai’s Veloster is one of these models. The Veloster is a hatchback by any other name, one that truly straddles the boundaries in a variety of ways.
When it comes to the 2019 Hyundai Veloster, there’s much more to this funky fun-mobile than meets the eye. From the left it looks to be a 2-door hatchback, but do a double-take on the right side and you’ll see an extra door. Are you Team Veloster?
Performance Specifications
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster can be purchased in the following colors:
- Thunder Gray
- Racing Red
- Sonic Silver
- Chalk White
- Ultra Black
- Sunset Orange
The 2019 Veloster is only available as a front-wheel drive vehicle. However, consumers can choose from either a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine capable of 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, or a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder capable of 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Both powerplants mate with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.
Entertainment and Safety Features
Consumers can choose from the following trim levels on their new 2019 Hyundai Veloster:
- The base 2.0 model is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission from the factory. This Veloster rides on 17-inch wheels with cloth seating, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a 6-speaker sound system. Driving modes include Normal, Sport, and Smart. Rearview cameras are also standard on base 2.0 and all other 2019 Veloster models.
- It’s only on the 2.0 Premium models that buyers start receiving some great upgrades. Though still equipped with a 6-speed manual standard, the 2.0 Premium trim introduces 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, heated front leather-and-cloth seats, push button start, and keyless entry. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and an Infinity audio system with 8 speakers rounds out this trim level’s interior features. Safety upgrades—from this level on—include blind-spot collision warning and rear cross-traffic collision warning.
- TURBO R-SPEC models are up next, beginning the turbocharged Veloster trio. Equipped with sport-tuned steering, this model also includes LED headlights and taillights and unique cloth seating.
- Choose the TURBO model for the 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. If you want full leather seating and a black two-tone roof, however, you’ll have to spring for the TURBO Ultimate model, which caps the list of available trims on the 2019 Hyundai Veloster.
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster has not yet been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, Consumer Reports emphasizes every model comes equipped with “forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, as well as lane-keeping assist and a driver monitor that watches for signs of distraction and fatigue.”
With a sticker price ranging from $16,000-$24,000, the 2019 Hyundai Veloster is a relatively affordable option for most potential buyers. Those looking for a sportier option should keep their eye out for the Veloster N, which is rumored to debut its 275-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder soon. We’re guessing that with the demise of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the second-generation Veloster will be stepping up its game to go piston-to-piston with the likes of Nissan’s NISMO and other sport-driven competitors’ trims.
Fuel Efficiency
Kelley Blue Book reports the following numbers for the 2019 Veloster’s fuel efficiency ratings. Beginning with the 1.6-liter powerplant, consumers can expect to see 28 city and 34 highway EPA-estimated MPG for automatic transmissions and 26 city and 33 highway MPG for manual transmissions. Ratings for the 2.0-liter engine fare about the same, with 27 city and 34 highway MPG for automatic transmissions and 25 city and 33 highway for manual transmissions.
U.S. News categorized the Veloster’s fuel efficiency ratings as “below-average.” To compare, consider that the 2019 Honda Civic coupe, when equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with a continuously-variable transmission, ranks in at 31 city and 40 highway MPG. The 2019 Nissan Sentra, when powered by 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder paired with an automatic transmission, achieves 27 city and 33 highway MPG. While the Sentra performs alongside the Veloster, it’s easy to see that with the Civic, there are more fuel-efficient cars on the market—for a similar low price.
How the 2019 Hyundai Veloster Compares
Reviews are mixed when it comes to the 2019 Hyundai Veloster. For example, Edmunds experts recommend the TURBO R-SPEC model. And judging from the Edmunds experts’ preference of the manual over the automatic, we’d say it’s worth shifting your own gears, too. And U.S. News appreciated the 2019 Veloster’s attention to detail when it comes to handling and the amount of cargo space available.
In terms of competition, the Veloster contends with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf and GTI, the Honda Civic Si, the MINI Cooper pack, Honda’s Fit, and Toyota’s Yaris. You might even consider the VW Beetle and FIAT 500 as well.
Pros
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Manual transmission available
- Affordable style and power
Cons
- Manual seat adjustments
- No hybrid model available
- Fuel efficiency trails competition
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster is definitely worth checking out. Even if you only take it for a test drive, give it a go! Hyundai is certainly stepping up their game and the Veloster is only one of the many models they offer customers of all walks of life.