2019 Hyundai Veloster drives to Hollywood with Marvel’s Ant-Man

2019 Hyundai Veloster

3-Door Sports Coupe

Written by Marco Carvajal

Photographs by Marco Carvajal

Fans of the Sport Compact Coupe Veloster didn’t get a 2018 model, the last model until now was the 2017 model, part of the first generation design. Now Hyundai re-invented the Veloster with new trims, a new design and size, creating the all new 2019 Veloster. This original modern compact coupe Veloster is coming soon during 2018 to the large network of more than 800 Hyundai dealers through the United States. Now fans of Ant-Man and the Veloster can merge in a fast roller coaster of emotions as the Veloster makes its Hollywood debut in the new movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp”.

The Veloster is fun to drive, it has an original asymmetrical design with a hidden 3rd door on the passenger side.

I recently flew to the fast-growing downtown Austin, Texas, as a guest for the Hyundai Veloster Media Introduction. As I test drive a few different models of the new Veloster and Veloster Turbo, through the center and suburbs of Austin, I am able to enjoy the cool compact design, the humming sound of the engine and the interesting original new design of this sport coupe.

For many Hyundai-Veloster fans this is a unique car, almost like a movie star that they will follow through different models and releases. But for most..the Veloster is unknown, it is one of Hyundai’s best kept secrets, that is about to be revealed.  For all those people who still don’t know the Veloster…it is definitely worth visiting a Hyundai dealer to test-drive and discover this cool car.

What type of car is the Veloster? Is it similar to other cars?

If we try to compare the Veloster to other models, some of the cars that would come to our mind are the Mini Cooper, the Volkswagen Beetle, the Fiat 500, and some other compact cars with their own original personality. The Veloster is very different from those models but it has some similar characteristics and provides a similar feel for the driver and passengers.   I think that if you drive the Veloster you will either love it or hate it, but I hope that most will love it. There is a lot to like on the new Veloster, especially as you understand its strong originality. Hyundai designers and engineers have been able to create a unique sports compact coupe car that is completely different from any other Hyundai car.

The Veloster is perfect for the city, for small streets and compact parking lots. Easy to drive, easy to maneuver and easy to park. It can save a lot of space in your garage or on the street. Ideal for big cities where space is limited. However even if is very compact and small, somehow it doesn’t feel small inside, and it has a reasonable good size cargo area in the trunk.  As you enter the Veloster you will feel enough space in the front and back. The third door on the back in the passenger side helps to save space when entering and leaving the back of the car.

In South Korea, the Veloster is marketed under the name Hyundai Premium Youth Lab, a brand with focus on a young generation of drivers.

Veloster Turbocharged

The base model, the Veloster 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine uses the Atkinson-cycle for superior efficiency and lower emissions, this engine delivers 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and torque of 132 lb.-ft. at 4,500 rpm approximately. For more power, this innovative Hyundai compact is available with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Enough power to feel like you are driving a small racing car.  The rear is designed with a glass hatch and a beautiful center-fascia chrome exhaust tips. A single exhaust outlet for the 2.0-liter models and a cool design with dual-outlets for Turbo and R-Spec models.

The engine has 3 Driving Modes, Normal, Sport and Smart. The transmission is available  6-speed Manual Transmission or 6-Speed Automatic SHIFTRONIC®.

Interior

The interior design is beautiful, I especially like the 2-tone, where 2 colors are combined in the interior and also in the exterior.  For great audio quality, and to enjoy great music while driving the Veloster, Hyundai has installed an Infinity® premium audio system with eight speakers, including a subwoofer and Clari-Fi music-restoration technology.  The cargo space behind the 2nd row is 19.9 cubic feet, larger than the Beetle with 15.4 cf, or the Mini Cooper with 8.7 and the Mini Club Man with 17.5 cf.   A 7-inch display audio system and a rear view camera with parking guidance are standard equipment included. Wireless device charging and several more features that will help you fall in love with this coupe.

Exterior

The 2-color is also offered in the exterior of the Veloster, creating a retro cool look that will turn many heads on the road. LED Daytime running lights, LED headlights available, functional air curtains and extra wide cascading grille contribute to the beautiful unique design of the Veloster, sleek and sporty.  The 2019 Veloster is longer and wider than the previous Veloster, the 2017 model.

Safety Features

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane Keep Assist are standard, something new for cars on this segment.

Wishlist

I enjoy the Veloster and think it is a wonderful car for the city.  My only 2 wishes are electric power seats would be a nice addition to the premium trims, but for now all trims come with manual seats.  I also would love to have a better and larger rear view, as for now the view through the hatch glass is very limited due to its coupe design and the low height.

Pricing

If you agree with me on the fact that the Veloster has some similar virtues with the Mini Cooper, then you will like the good news, the Veloster is less expensive and it comes with more standard features included.

The Mini is a great original car, but If you like to save money, instead of buying a Mini, you can buy a Veloster and still have additional free budget to drive your new Veloster on an adventurous vacation through some cool destinations. The new 2019 Veloster 2.0 with manual transmission starts at $18,500 and goes all the way to $28,150 for the Veloster Turbo Ultimate DCT.  Even the top of the line has a low price.

“Our new 2019 Veloster represents an even more compelling offering for young and young-at-heart automotive enthusiasts with more expressive design, involving dynamics and cutting-edge infotainment features,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning at Hyundai Motor America. “When combined with Hyundai’s outstanding value and efficiency, the new Veloster is sure to attract a progressive new group of enthusiast buyers.”

Veloster drives to Hollywood

The new 2019 Hyundai Veloster will be staring in Marvel Studios’ new movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp” to be released in July 2018. Super Hero fans will be able to enjoy speed and exceptional performance capabilities of the all-new Hyundai Veloster as it will play an important role in this new movie. This is one of many innovative marketing strategies that Hyundai is using to promote the Veloster to its specific target market of young drivers. There are also other Hyundai vehicles shown on this film.

 “Similar to Marvel’s passionate fans, the Hyundai Veloster attracts customers who are always looking for that next extraordinary moment and yearn for new discoveries and opportunities,” said Dean Evans, CMO, Hyundai Motor America.

Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide, and the majority sold in the U.S. are built at U.S. manufacturing facilities, including Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea.