2019 Hyundai Veloster Review: Turbocharged Thrills on a Budget

Introduction: A Hot Hatch with a Twist

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster proves that driving excitement doesn’t need to come with a luxury price tag. This three-door hatchback reinvents quirky design and spirited performance for budget-conscious enthusiasts. Starting under $20,000 and topping around $24,000 in its most refined trims, the Veloster offers a compelling blend of fun, functionality, and flair. At MotorVero, we dissect what makes the Veloster stand out in a crowded segment.

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Unique Three-Door Design: A Conversation Starter

The Veloster’s asymmetrical door layout — one on the driver’s side and two on the passenger — isn’t just eye-catching, it’s functional. It eases rear-seat access while maintaining the visual dynamics of a sporty coupe. This nonconformist approach helps the Veloster distinguish itself from its more conventional rivals like the Honda Civic Hatchback and Mazda3.

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Powertrain Performance: Turbocharged Fun

Opt for the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (standard on R-Spec and Ultimate trims), and you unlock 201 horsepower paired with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Acceleration is brisk, and throttle response is immediate, making the Veloster feel agile and responsive even during daily commutes. The standard 147-hp engine is adequate but pales compared to the turbo variant.

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Transmission Choices: Manual or Dual-Clutch

• Six-Speed Manual (R-Spec): Crisp, precise, and driver-focused. Short throws and a forgiving clutch make it engaging for enthusiasts.
• Dual-Clutch Automatic (Ultimate): Smooth shifts and responsive performance, with only minor hesitation in stop-and-go traffic.

Both transmissions suit different driver profiles — one for purists, the other for tech-forward urbanites.

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Ride and Handling: Balanced and Engaging

The Veloster delivers nimble handling with a nicely weighted steering system and minimal body roll. Suspension tuning strikes a balance between firmness and comfort, especially impressive in the sportier trims. Its dynamic capabilities rival those of the Mini Cooper S and VW Golf GTI — albeit at a more accessible price point.

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Interior Quality and Comfort

The Veloster's cabin feels thoughtfully designed with quality materials. Front seats offer good lateral support, and the R-Spec features playful cloth inserts with contrast stitching. In the Ultimate trim, leather surfaces and tech upgrades elevate the interior ambiance.

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Rear-Seat Usability and Space

Though rear headroom is slightly cramped due to the sloped roofline, legroom is surprisingly generous. The third door simplifies rear access, an innovation appreciated by passengers. However, rear visibility and claustrophobia-inducing windows remain trade-offs of the design.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The standard 7-inch and available 8-inch touchscreens come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering seamless smartphone integration. The UI is intuitive, responsive, and fast, enhancing driver interaction without distraction.

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Safety Ratings and Features

Despite its playful nature, the 2019 Veloster doesn’t skimp on safety. It earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Available features include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind-Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
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Fuel Efficiency

The Veloster returns respectable fuel economy, with the turbo models achieving an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The base engine is slightly more efficient but lacks the thrill of the turbo.