Hyundai's quirky 3-door sports hatchback is redesigned for 2019. Exterior dimensions change little, but the new Veloster gets freshened interior and exterior styling, a stiffer structure, new suspension, new base engine, and additional convenience and safety features. The Veloster seats four and is offered only with front-wheel drive. Competitors include the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, MINI Cooper, and Volkswagen Beetle. It is mechanically similar to the Hyundai Elantra GT.
Veloster is offered in five trim levels: 2.0 Base, 2.0 Premium, Turbo R-Spec, Turbo, and Turbo Ultimate. Prices start at $17,500 for the 2.0 Base and climb to $26,650 on the Turbo Ultimate. 2.0 Base and Premium are powered by a 147-hosrepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. This engine replaces a 1.6-liter four. Turbo models get a 201-hosrepower 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that was available in the previous model. The 2.0-liter four comes with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The Turbo four comes with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Safety and convenience features include forward-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, Hyundai's Blue Link infotainment system with support for Android Auto and Apple Car Play, head-up display, and a Qi wireless charging pad. Later in the model year, Hyundai plans to add an ultra-sport model called the Veloster N, which was introduced at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show.
Veloster's new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is a vast improvement over the previous-generation's normally-aspirated 1.6-liter four. It provides better acceleration from a stop and stronger passing response. That said, with a 0-60 MPH time of about 9 seconds it's not going to win many stoplight grand prix. The base engine is smooth and docile in traffic.
Things get interesting when you step up to the Turbo trims. A carry over engine, the 1.6-liter turbocharged four provides stout performance in the 2900-pound Veloster. It revs willingly and remains smooth throughout the powerband. When prodded it will accelerate the Veloster from 0-60 MPH in about 7 seconds. The engine mates well to the slick shifting manual found in the R-Spec, but the automatic in higher trim levels isn't as smooth as some competitors dual-clutch transmissions. This is most obvious when gently accelerating away from stoplights or when coming to a stop.
EPA estimates for the Veloster turbo 4-cylinder/automatic combo are 28 MPG city, 34 MPG highway, and 30 MPG overall. Those numbers compare well to direct competitors like the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Golf GTI. While some competitive vehicles require premium-grade fuel, Hyundai says the Veloster Turbo runs fine on regular-grade gas.
In routine driving expect the Veloster Turbo to average close to the 30 MPG combined EPA rating. It's easy to top that number if you maintain a light throttle foot and throw in a bit of highway cruising. Keep in mind, though, that "boy-racing" will drop the fuel economy number into the low 20s.
Hyundai completely reworked Veloster's suspension in the 2019 redesign. The outgoing models twist-bean rear axle has been replaced with a fully independent setup and the steering rack has been moved closer to the wheel centerline. In addition, new lower control arms and aluminum bits help reduce unspring weight. All told, the changes transform Veloster from a sports coupe also-ran into a fun-to-drive hot hatch that's within shouting distance of stalwarts like the Golf GTI and Civic Si.
In Turbo trim, Veloster provides a good balance of road holding and ride quality. Certainly, there's plenty of road feel but at an appropriate amount for a sporty coupe/hatchback. With a sharper turn in and more composure over badly broken roads, the suspension improvements will certainly please enthusiasts. The ride can grow choppy at times, but for the most part there is good impact absorption with little bouncing and bobbing. The brakes have good stopping power and an easy-to-modulate pedal.
Interior noise levels are on the high side, even though you can turn down the exhaust note on Turbo models. There's just too much road/tire noise thanks to the summer tires. That's another thing, Turbo owners that live in the Chicago area will want to get a set of snow tires as the OEM tires aren't rated for winter driving.
Inside, Veloster gets a significant refresh, boasting both material and functional upgrades. As you might expect the interior sports a driver-focused cockpit with more than a few pieces of flair and brightwork. Still, the design puts two large dials behind the steering wheel, a large display screen atop the center console, and traditional controls for the climate system.
The front seats on the Turbo model are extremely firm and highly contoured. Because of this they may note be to everyone's liking. Still, there's good head and leg room for large adults. Back seats are for decoration only -- unless you move the front seats well forward. The odd three-door setup returns and continues to make sense for Veloster buyers but does mean that the driver door is a bit longer than some 4-door competitors and can create entry/exit challenges in tight parking conditions. Thanks to large rear pillars and a slit-like rear window, visibility is typically constricted for sporty coupes.
Cargo space grows to nearly 20 cubic feet, helping the Veloster stay competitive with others in the class. The rear seats fold to increase cargo space as well. Interior storage isn't the greatest with only a smallish center console bin, tiny map pockets and a single open bit below the climate controls.
The 2019 Veloster doubles down on Hyundai's interpretation of the modern sporty coupe. The unusual 3-door design has plusses and minuses, but certainly gives the Veloster some additional utility. The wholesale makeover addresses nearly all of the older model's shortcomings and makes the Turbo models a very appealing option for those so inclined.
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