When the Hyundai Veloster arrived at the end of 2011, it was a quirky hatchback with sporting aspirations that would pit it against class favorites, like the VW GTI and Civic Si. Now Hyundai has introduced the all-new second-generation Veloster, which keeps the quirky layout of the original, but also feels a bit more grown up than the original.
While the original Veloster wanted to play in the same league as the top dogs, it failed to fully match their performance potential. The original Veloster didn’t quite pack the same level of fun that you get with a VW GTI, thanks to its disappointing acceleration and less than ideal suspension. Now Hyundai has completely revamped the 2019 Veloster. If you loved the funky layout of the original with its two doors on the passenger side, you’ll be happy that Hyundai hasn’t changed that. Of course a rear door on the driver’s side would be nice, but its asymmetrical doors are what makes the Veloster different.
Its overall shape may be similar to the original, but for its second generation, the 2019 Veloster has a sleeker exterior, that not only looks more refined, but also sportier. Under the skin, Hyundai also made some big changes to the suspension thanks to larger anti roll bars, a multilink independent rear suspension and some other suspension tweaks to help it hug the road better. The steering has also been tightened up to help the Veloster excel on those twisty back roads.
Under the hood the 2019 Veloster is powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft. of torque, but if you want more fun, check the box for the Veloster Turbo with its turbocharged 1.6L engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. The 2.0L can be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine gets a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The 2.0L is rated at 25/33 mpg with the six-speed manual and 27/34 mpg with the six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged 1.6L is rated at 26/33 mpg with the manual and 28/34 mpg with the dual-clutch transmission.
If you want even more power and fun, Hyundai has also created the high-performance Veloster N, which packs up to 275 horsepower.
Hyundai dropped off a Veloster Turbo Ultimate with the dual-clutch transmission. Around town the turbocharged engine packs a punch and makes the Veloster more fun than the last generation. With a 0-60 mph time in the low six-second range, the Veloster Turbo can keep up with the Civic Si and VW GTI. It’s dual-clutch transmission is ok in most situations, but it could shift a bit faster.
While the steering is now a bit quicker than the last Veloster, there are still some moments where it still can feel a bit vague.
Inside the 2010 Veloster feels a class above the last generation. The interior styling feels sportier than before too with its driver focused dashboard and body hugging front seats. An optional 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, head up display and 8-speaker Infinity audio system make the Veloster feel more luxurious than before. There are still a bit more hard plastic bits than we’d like, but overall the interior now has a more classy feel than the last Veloster.
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster is a fun, practical hot hatch that comes in thousands cheaper than the GTI. It’s fun on the back roads, while its quirky asymmetrical doors make getting in the back easier than the Civic Si coupe.
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster starts at $18,500, while the Veloster Turbo R-Spec starts at $22,900.