Versus the competition: The Veloster’s nimble moves and unique styling give it a performance flair that makes many competitors seem dull by comparison.
The second-generation Hyundai Veloster retains the kind of quirky design cues that helped set its predecessor apart, things like three conventional doors — one on the driver’s side and two on the passenger side — and a raked roofline. With this redesign, however, Hyundai has brought that offbeat sense of style into the cabin.
The 2019 Veloster starts at $19,385, including an $885 destination charge. We tested two versions of the car: a top-of-the-line Ultimate trim level and an R-Spec trim priced at $29,160 and $23,785, respectively. Both trims had the optional 201-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine instead of the standard 147-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The Ultimate had an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the R-Spec had a six-speed manual with a B&M Racing shifter.
Is It Fun to Drive?
The modern-day Mini Cooper has been a standard-bearer for driving fun, and the 2019 Veloster imitates many of its characteristics — if not to such an extreme. Like the turbocharged engine of the Cooper S, the Veloster’s turbo four-cylinder is strong enough to give it some zip in the city as well as passing power on the highway. Ride quality is another similarity with the Mini: The Veloster’s firm suspension keeps body motions in check, but it doesn’t result in a harsh ride. (Compared with base-engine Velosters, turbo-engine versions get thicker front and rear stabilizer bars.) The Veloster’s steering, meanwhile, isn’t as heavy as the Mini’s, but it does feel natural with appropriate weighting and is one of the most dramatic improvements over the previous Veloster.
You feel the low roofline even more when you’re in the two-person backseat, where the black headliner and small side windows contribute to the claustrophobia. It’s unfortunate because backseat comfort for adults is otherwise acceptable, with decent legroom and seat comfort.
Though the Veloster has its share of budget-oriented interior trim like hard plastic on the dashboard and doors, the design and available colors keep the interior from looking cheap. The one aspect of the cabin that looks a little low-grade is the shiny plastic on the upper portion of the doors, but all the other hard plastic trim has an upscale, low-gloss finish.
The exterior’s asymmetric styling is reflected in the cabin — especially in the Ultimate trim, which gets a contrasting-color theme: The driver’s side is finished in dark-gray trim while the passenger side has light-gray plastic.
Both Velosters we tested had the optional 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system (a 7-inch touchscreen is standard). Hyundai’s touchscreen interface is very easy to use, with intuitive menus and quick screen response; it’s right up there with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Uconnect system. Built-in navigation is optional for the 8-inch screen, but all Velosters have standard Apple CarPlay and Android Autoconnectivity to easily bring your smartphone’s navigation capability to the dashboard screen.
Is It Versatile?
In Hyundai’s quest to give the Veloster a unique, sporty look, it sacrificed a lot of the utility hatchbacks normally offer. The low roofline and small liftgate result in a small opening to the 19.9-cubic-foot cargo area, and you must first clear a high rear lip when loading luggage. The standard 60/40-split backseat folds flat, but there’s a small ledge between the cargo floor and folded seat.
Value in Its Class
The Veloster is a fun-to-drive small car that doesn’t look like everything else on the block, and it also has a lot of technology features — even in its base form. But if you’re looking for traditional hatchback utility, look elsewhere; the Veloster lives like a coupe.
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