2019 Hyundai Veloster Review

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster is fully redesigned. Hyundai made a variety of subtle changes to improve it compared to the first-generation Veloster, yet the car's signature design element continues to be its unique door configuration. Instead of being just another compact two-door hatchback, the Veloster has a single driver-side door and two passenger-side doors. That extra door makes carrying a third, or even fourth, passenger a piece of cake because there's no need for the contortions a typical passenger must go through in order to get into the rear seat of a coupe.

Power from either of the two mainstream available engines won't win any horsepower awards, but the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (201 hp, 195 lb-ft) is plenty sporty for this lightweight car. The new base engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, produces 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. It's enough to get the Veloster moving, but that's about it.

There is, however, an added performance variant this year: the 2019 Veloster N. The N is similar to the Turbo R-Spec, but the N moniker speaks to loftier ambitions: racetrack durability in a car you drive every day. The transformation involves the usual upgrades — more power, firmer suspension, stickier tires and bigger brakes. The N's turbo 2.0-liter engine cranks out 250 hp, or 275 hp when equipped with the optional Performance pack.

On the technology side, the new Veloster gets lane keeping assist, forward collision mitigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment. Some optional equipment on higher-trim vehicles include an 8-inch infotainment display, an Infinity eight-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, and wireless charging pad.

Overall, the 2019 Veloster fills a niche as a sporty and usable hatchback with good in-car technology and usability. Compared to the last Veloster, it's a more cohesive and comfortable car that performs better. Other compact hatchbacks, such as the Honda Civic and the Kia Forte5, feature more interior volume with similar levels of handling. But nothing else on the road offers the Veloster's unique three-door configuration.

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster is a three-door hatchback that seats four people. It is available in six trims. The base 2.0 model is well-equipped on tech features, while the next-up 2.0 Premium adds some luxury features. Both are powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four (147 hp, 132 lb-ft). The next three trims are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four (201 hp, 195 lb-ft).

The Turbo R-Spec adds performance features while keeping it simple. The Turbo adds safety and luxury features, while the Turbo Ultimate combines the best from both and adds even more luxury amenities. Headlining the lineup is the Veloster N with its upgraded engine and performance parts.

The 2.0 model is the only Veloster variant that rides on 17-inch wheels. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but it can be optioned with a six-speed automatic. Since the 2.0 is the base car, all its features are standard on every other variant. These features include safety features such as a forward collision mitigation system, lane keeping assist and a rearview camera. The 7-inch infotainment system features standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, two USB ports and a six-speaker sound system.

Premium models add 18-inch wheels and come with the six-speed automatic transmission as standard. Also standard is additional safety equipment such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. In addition, standard luxury equipment includes a sunroof, automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a proximity entry system with push-button start. The infotainment system gets a boost as well thanks to an 8-inch display, Hyundai's Blue Link connected services, a standard wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker Infinity audio system with satellite radio.

The Turbo R-Spec is our favorite of the line. It has the turbocharged engine, a standard six-speed manual transmission (the automatic isn't offered here), summer performance tires and a sport-tuned suspension. R-Spec equipment includes much of what you get with the 2.0 with bits of Premium intermixed throughout, such as the infotainment system, Blue Link connectivity, and the proximity entry system and push-button start. R-Spec specific items include LED headlights with high-beam assist, LED taillights and its own cloth seat design.

For the Veloster Turbo, Hyundai essentially takes the Premium and adds the turbocharged engine, the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and special interior trim. The Turbo Ultimate reverts back to a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the dual-clutch transmission as an option. It also comes with some luxury equipment, such as leather seating surfaces, a head-up display and a built-in navigation system. Also included is additional safety equipment encompassing a forward collision mitigation system that features pedestrian detection, automatic wipers, and adaptive cruise control for automatic transmission-equipped cars.

For the N, Hyundai drops in a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine good for 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a six-speed manual transmission, a reinforced body structure, N-specific suspension tuning with adaptive dampers, performance brakes, 18-inch wheels with stickier tires, a rear wing, special red accents and sport front seats. An optional Performance package for the N adds a limited-slip front differential, a variable exhaust, 19-inch wheels, even bigger brakes and an extra 25 hp.