2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec

Our initial drive in the new-for-2019 Hyundai Veloster R-Spec impressed us. How much so? We called it the return of the original GTI.

The new Veloster a simple, lightweight hot hatch that doesn’t cost a mint. The R-Spec, the one you’d want, retails for $22,900. That package includes the turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission yet does away with the sunroof and other weight-adding extras.

While our initial article was written after the product launch, we recently spent a week with the car. We even featured it on our weekly live show, and through the miracle of the rerun you can watch it here. Check the entire review for JG’s counterpoint.

I like the styling much better on this one. Thank god Hyundai styling is getting so much less offensive.

I'm glad the Veloster N is coming soon and keeping me patient, otherwise I'd be tracking down one of these and considering trading in the Elantra Sport.

I recently test drove a 2019 Veloster Turbo. I was really impressed. It was a genuinely fun car. I thought it stood well on its base sporting merits (nimble handling, good feel, decent engine). The base equipment makes it even more compelling (panoramic moon roof, leather seat trim/wheel/shifter, heated wheel, android auto/apple carplay, etc).

Years ago Datsun had a plan to win races and Dick Roberts (mech engineer, racer) came on board to form the Datsun Competition Department.  I always thought the Korean manufacturers should grab this part of the market as Nissan doesn't really seem interested at this stage of the game.  After seeing the JG's video and the Hyundai chap giving his time to talk about this car I'm sold on this manufacturer.  If only I could fit a few reels of hose in the back it would be my work truck.

I'm shopping for cars now, and I stopped by a Hyundai dealership because of this article.  There were no R-Specs within 500 miles of New Orleans. :(

We just got the invitation to the Veloster N US launch later this year. Looking forward to that one. Hyundai is doing a lot of stuff right at the moment.

JG Pasterjak said:

We just got the invitation to the Veloster N US launch later this year. Looking forward to that one. Hyundai is doing a lot of stuff right at the moment.

I bet I could make myself free for this..... just let me know when! 

JG Pasterjak said:

We just got the invitation to the Veloster N US launch later this year. Looking forward to that one. Hyundai is doing a lot of stuff right at the moment.

Can you disclose when that is? Asking for a friend :)

goingnowherefast said:

JG Pasterjak said:

We just got the invitation to the Veloster N US launch later this year. Looking forward to that one. Hyundai is doing a lot of stuff right at the moment.

Can you disclose when that is? Asking for a friend :)

Late October, but that's the media launch. That doesn't really give an indication of when cars will actually be available. We'll probably find out at the launch what that date is. Based on prior experience, they could tel us anything from "In dealers now!" to "We're still finalizing shipping arrangements."

2,700lbs & change?  The Hyundia specs has 2,833-2,921lbs.  Curious on the difference.  The Ford Fiesta ST specs it at 2,742lbs.  The hp & trq are pretty much the same.  I am thinking SCCA HS class?  If the weight is truly 2,700ish then it might give the ST a run for it's money in that class.  I have a 2nd Gen Neon ACR (no radio/no AC car) that runs in HS & can hold off all the local HS cars pretty well but I might be willing to park it for a season to see if this new Hyundia is any good if the numbers show it's competitive.