Quick Drive: Hyundai Veloster N w/Performance Package

Photo by Doug Berger

Hyundai revamped its funky Veloster for 2019. It maintained much of the said funkiness from the previous model while offering up new style and new features. We always enjoyed the Veloster Turbos we've driven, as reviewed in the past. When the latest generation was announced, we were told a high-performance model was going to come out in its new N lineup. I got to drive the Veloster N with the Performance Package, and must say that it's at the top of the hot hatch game.

Subcompact Surprise: 2019 Hyundai Veloster

Photo courtesy of Exploring Elements

Well looky here: Hyundai has debuted the all-new 2019 Veloster at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. OK, that's not really that much of a surprise. However, the promise of a 275 hp Veloster is. Let's see what Hyundai has in store for the little hatchback.

Review: 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec

Back in 2012, we drove the then-new 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo and touted its avant garde looks, better-than-expected fuel economy, and gusty power. Fast forward to 2016, and Hyundai still offers the boosted hatchback in a few trim levels, including this R-Spec variant, which is the least expensive way to get into the turbocharged Hyundai. This is the model buyers will want who don’t need all the extras goodies that might be found on the standard Veloster Turbo or Veloster Turbo Rally Edition models. In other words, if you just want a more basic Veloster Turbo, this is the one to get.

SEMA Show 2012: Assessing the small car quotient

It's only seven days until the SEMA Show—the world's largest bastion of customized automobiles in the world. It's the who's who of the automotive aftermarket. This will be my seventh consecutive year at the show, and just as excited as I ever was.

Review: 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo: Adding some much needed grunt to a unique compact

The Veloster Turbo now has enough power to match its sporty looks. Photo by Curtis Reesor.

The Hyundai Veloster is a very interesting vehicle to say the least, and it looks like nothing else on the market, for sure. It’s got three doors: one on the driver’s side, like a coupe, and two on the passenger’s side, like a sedan. It’s got a very usable backseat, too and a good amount of cargo space. It looks sporty, futuristic, and avant garde. It’s definitely unique.

Unfortunately, the standard 1.6-liter engine—the same as found in the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio—doesn’t match up to Veloster’s sporting looks. Frugal? Yes. Fast? Not so much. However, Hyundai also offers the Veloster with a turbocharger for 2013. It’s still powered by a direct-injected 1.6 liter mill, but the turbo brings power up to 201 hp, which is 36 horses more than the non-turbo 1.6. The turbo mill also cranks out 72 ft/lbs. more torque. And while it’s not the most refined sounding engine in the world, it does generate ample power under foot.

Handling is the Veloster Turbo's forte. The ride is stiff, but not uncomfortable. Photo by Curtis Reesor.

Our Boston Red Veloster Turbo came with the six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual shifting ability. No complaints about the transmission, really. It was perfectly adequate. There is a wee bit of turbo lag with this engine, but things moved pretty rapidly, even with the automatic, as the Veloster provided gusty mid-range power. As mentioned, however, it wasn’t the most refined turbo-four I’ve driven, and I would’ve loved to have had a bit more exhaust note coming from the super-cool twin-tip exhaust pipes.

For me, the car’s highlight was its handling, which was better than expected. Turn-in was good and cornering was flat and controlled. It’s a pleasure to drive enthusiastically in the corners. The ride is a bit stiff, but it is a sporty car. It certainly cruises easily enough on the highway, too and is comfortable enough on longer trips. Again, I just wish it had a bit more exhaust note.

Speaking of exhaust, I love the exhaust treatment on the Veloster Turbo. I’m a sucker for center-exit pipes, and Hyundai executed this design perfectly. It definitely looks like it means business from the back. The rest of the vehicle looks equally sporty. The Turbo model gets a bigger grille than the non-turbo, a different front cowl, fog lights, and side skirts. This Turbo model also rides on 18” wheels and tires. At first glance, I really liked the wheels, but over time, I didn’t particularly care for the chrome treatment on the spokes. They reminded me of some sort of cheesy throwing star from a sci-fi movie or something. These wheels, like the rest of the car, is a take-it-or-leave-it style. It isn’t for everyone.

What most people will agree on, however, is the car’s interior. It is impressively styled and has a great combination of sporty and comfortable. This Turbo model had leather, an impressive sound system, Blue Link service, and trip computer. It’s quite futuristic, too, and has a big, wonderful moonroof. And although much of the interior features forward styling, it still remained mostly intuitive. Plus, there’s tech aplenty, too. From all the Blue Link connectivity you’d ever want, to a big touchscreen LCD display, a reverse camera, and the list goes on. On top of it, the back seat is actually usable, and there’s enough cargo space for a couple of smaller suitcases. It’s a modern, techie wonderland inside the Veloster—a very good place to spend time, even if you’re in the back seats. Our only noteworthy concerns were the silver-painted interior grab/door handles that might scratch over time, and exterior visibility is below average.

Although the car is mostly positive, the sum of the parts still isn’t as exciting as one might hope. Plus, at more than $26,000, you’re now smack-dab into Volkswagen GTI territory, which is at the top of the heap with regards to driving dynamics and upscale feel. It’s also a competitor with the MINI Cooper S, the Civic Si, and perhaps even the Fiat 500 Abarth. Compared to this Korean make, the others offer perhaps a bit more driving dynamics, but you will likely pay more to maintain the Euros; and the Civic doesn’t have a turbo (although it makes the same amount of power and has a limited slip differential). One thing the Veloster does have, however, is fuel economy. With the automatic, this car is rated at 25 city and 34 highway (29 combined) on regular gasoline—something none of the above rivals can do.

The Veloster Turbo has a unique shape, but it works. I love the center-exit exhaust treatment. Photo by Curtis Reesor.

I think buyers shopping for a sporty front-drive coupe or hatchback will probably be sold on Velosters looks first, then impressed by the tech and interior, then like the power, with the fuel economy being the cherry on top. Its competition might reel in the more passionate driving enthusiasts, however. The Veloster is a good car on the verge of a great car. With a bit more exhaust note and power it could likely become excellent.

Photos by Curtis Reesor

In the driveway: 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo A/T

This week's review car is the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo. The non-turbo Veloster makes 138 hp. The Turbo makes 201—a healthy boost (pun intended). Our review model is mated to the six-speed automatic, but power is still quite good. There is some turbo lag, but the car is much more entertaining compared to the normally aspirated 1.6-liter mill, which is also found in the Accent and Kia Rio.

I really like the car's looks, and love, love, love the twin tail pipes. It's a sharp little number. I'm, not sure I dig the dark chrome inserts in the 19" wheels, but so be it. Handling is good, and the car feels tossable in the corners. It also has a great stereo and the interior looks really neat. Is it worth the $26,320? We'll find out. Stay tuned.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo actually priced at $21,950 (plus $775)

We (and every other car blog) announced yesterday that the upcoming Hyundai Veloster Turbo would start under $20K. Well, we were wrong (as was every other car blog). In all actuality, Hyundai says the Veloster Turbo will cost $21,950 to start, plus $775 freight, so your base price will actually be $22,725.

Even at that price the Veloster will be on par with other vehicles that produce 200 hp and drive the front wheels.

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo priced under $20,000

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster is powered by the same 1.6-liter engine that's found in the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio. This gasoline-direct-injection mill performs adequately and gets admirable mileage. However, it isn't exactly "fast." The Veloster Turbo, which will be here as a 2013 model year, will make 201 horsepower through the front wheels, and be priced under $20,000 according to Edmunds Inside Line. It will likely also be "fast." Although buyers will likely be hard pressed to actually find a sub-$20K Veloster, pricing will  be in the low-to-mid $20K range.

The Veloster will take on turbocharged rivals from Fiat, Ford, Chevrolet, VW, and a host of other hot hatchbacks in the A-, B-, and C-segments. The current Veloster is selling very well, and I can only assume one packing a turbo and quite a few more horsepower will likely be a hard-to-get car.

Apparently the Veloster will NOT cost under $20K, and the link above is now borked. Need an explanation? See The Truth About Cars.