2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo: Halo Hatchback Brings Performance and Value [Review]

OVERVIEW

Hyundai introduced its unique Veloster hatchback in 2012. The Hyundai Veloster was and still is a three-door asymmetrical design with a single door on the driver’s side and two doors on the passenger side. It was designed to be a “gateway halo” or entry-level vehicle for the brand. The fresh design for the 2019 Hyundai Veloster is the result of a collaborative effort by Hyundai designers from South Korea and the U.S. Design Center in California. The latest iteration Veloster showcases a comprehensive redesign of both the exterior and interior, along with powertrain enhancements and a host of new and improved infotainment and connectivity features.

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster comes with Hyundai’s new bolder signature hexagonal mesh grille; LED headlight accents and black “A”-pillars that tend to simulate a motorcycle visor. Hyundai’s “Fluidic” sculptured lines join athletic, as well as pronounced wheel arches fore and aft. There are also body-color door handles and mirrors, as well as wraparound headlights and available 18-inch alloy wheels. These all add to the unusual coupe’s sporty exterior image. Piano black accents complement the front-end look with red-accented lower intakes. Trim levels include a 2.0-liter manual transmission model starting at $18,500. Stepping up, there’s also an automatic version, as well as a Premium model. In the Veloster Turbo stable is: an R-Spec model with a six-speed manual or 7-speed DCT model. Finally, there’s the Ultimate model, with a starting price of $28,150.

DESIGN

The Veloster’s new shape is focused on dynamic, muscular performance, exhibiting enhanced proportions and volume. Wheel arches and fenders are more pronounced, and the cowl and “A” pillars are positioned further aft, connecting the hood and belt lines. The lowered roofline arches gracefully aft to an integrated spoiler lip set inboard of the wraparound tail lamps. The rear also features a blacked out diffuser with centered dual chrome tip round exhaust outlets. A backup camera and backup warning sensors are optionally available. The Turbo version features the same wheelbase as the regular Veloster but is 1.2-inches longer and 0.6-inches wider. The Grille and front fascia are Turbo specific.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

Moving into the cabin, the interior design continues to draw its inspiration from sport motorcycles, with the dynamic center fascia taken from the tank, the air vent design drawn from mechanically styled, wide mufflers, while the floor console delivers a sporty and sleek profile. Additionally, there’s a multimedia touchscreen and stylish, silver-colored grab handles and other trim accents. A proximity key with push-button start is available as is body color and black combination seating, which requires manual adjustment.

Innovative storage abounds with front map pockets with bottle holders, overhead sunglass storage, front and rear cup holders with storage consoles, a dual-tiered armrest storage box, front seatback storage pockets and front and rear armrest storage pockets. There are two levels of audio systems as well, with Gracenote technology and Pandora. A spacious 15.5 cubic-feet of cargo space resides beneath the hatch.

PERFORMANCE

Powering the 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll, intercooled turbocharger. The transversely-mounted mill produces 201 horsepower along with 195 lb-ft of torque. Energy is geared to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed EcoShift DCT automatic.

The ride quality is compliant, even with 18-inch wheels and tires, and the handling characteristics are sporty indeed. The power that’s put out by
the 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged motor is decidedly more than adequate, and should satisfy those with the need for more speed. The Turbo is obviously superior to the non-turbo. The only negative issue encountered was the rear seat access and room for tall individuals acrobatic ingress and egress is required.

TFLCAR’S TAKE

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Ultimate represents an incredible value in a compact vehicle that is not only innovative, but displays an extremely, (even if somewhat radical) appeal in its appearance, especially from the rear and side views. It comes with an impressive inventory of standard features and technology, while offering an impressive array of option packaging that provides enhancements for personalization desires and requirements.

In the final scheme of things, this 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo is a most impressive compact vehicle that’s sure to fill the bill for those seeking a sporty, yet economic, compact and technologically innovative vehicle, and its price is really reasonable considering the content level. The Turbo model definitely ups the ante in the performance department with sport-tuned steering and suspension.

My test 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo was in Ultimate trim and came with an Ultra Black metallic exterior finish and a Gray interior with Red accents. The base sticker starts off at $28,150. The final price isn’t that much higher at $29,160, as it factors in the carpeted floor mats and destination charge.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Ultimate

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