2019 Hyundai Veloster R-Spec

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Hyundai Motor America

For 2019, Hyundai unveiled its all-new Veloster R-spec. The new Veloster features a comprehensive exterior and interior redesign, powertrain enhancements, and a bevy of new and improved infotainment and connectivity features.

Exterior
The Veloster R-spec merges the design appeal of a sport coupe with the versatility of an additional passenger side rear door in an asymmetrical two-plus-one configuration for easier rear-seat access. From the front, available LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights flank a striking new grille design. Functional air curtains add both a visual design cue and an active aerodynamic function. Hyundai’s signature cascade grille shape has morphed into a strong, three-dimensional design that sets the sport coupe apart.

Much of the redesign is derived from enhanced proportions and volume; the new shape clearly conveys focused dynamic performance, even standing still. Its stance is more muscular, with higher volume fenders and wheel arches for a more planted appearance. The cowl point and A-pillar are further rearward and now connect the hood line and belt line into an integrated, powerful gesture. Available 18-inch alloy wheels aggressively fill the wheelhouse openings. Further, the roofline has been lowered for a unique profile and a distinctive coupe-inspired essence. The fender line is also more coupe-like, and the rear now has a more aggressive integrated diffuser design. Available LED taillights help complete the rear view with a high-tech appearance.


Interior

The asymmetrical design carries through to the interior, with a driver-focused interior layout, a contrasting color environment that visually separates the driving cockpit. Each trim level has unique colors, materials, and accents, further differentiating each model with varying hues and textures. In addition to these new colors and textures, the new Veloster also offers generous rear cargo capacity, with 19.9 cubic feet of interior volume behind the 2nd row seat.

Veloster R-spec offers a full suite of sophisticated technologies paired with user-friendly functionality to keep passengers informed and entertained. The premium infotainment system offers various advanced connectivity features, including standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Also available are SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio and next-generation Blue Link LTE-powered connectivity. The standard seven-inch color LCD display includes AM/FM/MP3 touchscreen audio, auxiliary inputs, and Rear-View Monitor. The available floating-design eight-inch touchscreen navigation display includes next generation Blue Link, traffic flow and incident data via HD radio, and Infinity premium audio with eight speakers, including a subwoofer and Clari-Fi music-restoration technology.

A Heads-Up Display system is available, projecting a virtual image onto the transparent panel mounted behind the instrument panel and helping the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road. With an 8.0-inch projected-image size and an outstanding 10,000 nits of luminance, the Heads-Up Display ensures both excellent day- and night-time visibility. Information projected includes speed, navigation instructions, cruise control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind-Spot Collision Warning and audio system information. When in Sport mode, the system projects more driver-focused information including RPM, MPH and transmission gear. Deployed vertically by a simple touch of a button beside the steering wheel, the display disappears into the dashboard when not in use.

Performance
Under the hood, the Veloster R-Spec 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine produces 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500-4,500 rpm. Turbo R-Spec models generate 201 horsepower on regular fuel, which represents a best-in-class specific output of 125.6 horsepower per liter. Further, there is an over-boost function that raises peak torque output to 202 lb.-ft. under maximum acceleration. Engine tuning maximizes low- and mid-range torque, for optimum acceleration under daily driving conditions.

Veloster R-Spec is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. For R-Spec manual transmission models, a B&M Racing sport shifter will also be applied. Both transmissions were developed in-house by Hyundai. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission features steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters and SHIFTRONIC transmission gear control. In addition, the Veloster R-spec model feature Active Engine Sound, which enhances intake and exhaust powertrain sound character inside the cabin for a more visceral driving experience, especially during spirited driving.

The Veloster R-Spec is fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a 24-mm diameter front stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a lightweight independent multi-link design with a 19-mm stabilizer bar to further control body roll. The rear suspension uses gas-pressurized shock absorbers for ride comfort with excellent control. Veloster features electric power steering that adjusts assistance to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system.

Summary
Veloster’s compelling combination of performance with efficiency is a formula many industry competitors are seeking to duplicate. Hyundai’s development focus on all the factors of efficient performance, such as small-displacement turbocharged engines, dual-clutch transmissions, comprehensive light-weighting, efficient aerodynamics; The new 2019 Hyundai Veloster R-Spec 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.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $23,785.00 for the 2019 Hyundai Veloster R-Spec including inland freight and handling $885.00. The EPA fuel economy estimates 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway with the 1.6L Turbo GDI 4 Cylinder engine and the 6-speed Manual Transmission.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Hyundai.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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