Hyundai offers the choice of three power plants for the Veloster. A naturally aspirated 2.0L 4-cylinder engine produces 147 horsepower on the Base and Premium trims while a turbocharged 1.6L 4-cylinder engine pushes 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The top of the line N model uses a 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder making 250 horsepower, while optioning the Performance Package on the N will boost horsepower to 275. Base, Turbo R-Spec and N models come with a 6-speed manual, while a 6-speed automatic is available on non-N models.
Combined fuel economy for the base 2.0L model is 28 mpg with the 6-speed manual gearbox, 30 mpg with the automatic. Turbo models are capable of 29 mpg combined with the manual and 30 mpg with the 7-speed automatic, while the N models are rated at 25 mpg in combined city and highway driving with their 6-speed manual transmissions.
The 2020 Veloster is available in seven trim levels, 2.0 Base, 2.0 Premium, Turbo R-Spec, Turbo, Turbo Ultimate, N and N Performance Package. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility comes with all models, as well as 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, dual charging USB ports, power windows and door locks, cruise control a 7-inch infotainment screen, Forward Collision avoidance Assist, Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines and a wireless charging pad for your phone of choice.
Stepping into a Premium model Veloster includes 18-inch alloy wheels, an Infinity premium 8-speaker audio with subwoofer, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, Blind spot Collision Warning, a 6-way adjustable driver's seat and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel.
In addition to the 1.6L turbo, the Eco features upgraded front and rear fascias, integrated turn indicators in the side mirrors and LED daytime running lights with halogen fog lights. Inside, there's a power driver's seat with power lumbar support.
Turbo R-Spec equipped vehicles are more performance orientated. To accompany its 1.6L turbo engine, the 6-speed manual transmission includes a B&M short shifter, unique sport tuned suspension, steering and even trim-specific dual exhaust. LED head- and tail-lights also come standard.
Meanwhile Turbo models are similarly equipped but with more comfort-orientated with options like a 7-speed Dual Clutch transmission with paddle shifters, special combination leather seats with cloth inserts that are unique to the Turbo model giving it its own sense of unique styling. Occupants are treated to automatic temperature control with auto defogging, power lumbar adjust for the driver, exterior mirror mounted turn signal indicators, and heated seats.
The Turbo Ultimate comes standard with a leather interior with powered passenger seat, an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with premium 8-speaker audio, dual automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, Smart Cruise Control, Forward collision Avoidance, and a heads-up display.
N models come generously equipped as well, though they have a much stronger emphasis on performance features such as electronically controlled suspension, projector beam LED headlights and standard 18-inch wheels. The Performance Package adds 25 extra horsepower as well as a limited slip differential, which will massively aid grip when coming out of slower corners.
Standard safety features across the Veloster range include a tire pressure monitor, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and a host of front, rear and side airbags.
Even Base models benefit from such upscale safety features as forward-collision avoidance with automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, and automatic headlights. Premium and up models get blind-spot collision warning as well as rear cross-traffic collision warning. A Drive Attention Warning system is standard on all models, monitoring you're driving and alerting you when it's time to take a break.
Unique 3-door Styling
Available Turbocharged Engine
Excellent Cargo Capacity
Great Value
Improved Driving Dynamics
After its introduction last year, the Veloster carries over into 2020 relatively unchanged. A blind spot collision system with rear cross traffic alert is now standard on the Turbo R spec and above, while wireless charging now comes on all Turbo cars. In addition, exterior features that were optionally painted flat black, such as the grille and front fascia accents will now be painted gloss black instead for 2020.
The Veloster lands somewhere between compacts and hot hatches such as the Mazda3 and the larger Volkswagen Golf, MINI Cooper and Volkswagen Beetle. The Veloster stands out by offering cavernous interior space for both cargo and passengers. Efficiency too, will attract buyers, particularly with the sprightly 1.6L turbo, which manages sub-6 second 0-60 mph acceleration times as well as excellent fuel economy, achieving over 30 mpg on the highway in Turbo trim.
