Consumer Reports “Wowed By Lively Handling” Of New Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec

The answer to that question will have to wait, but Consumer Reports believes that even the Veloster without the N is a fun-to-drive hatchback with practical storage space and interior comforts. Pricing starts at $16,750 for the 2.0, but the Turbo R-Spec tested by the American magazine retails at $21,150.

That’s more than $3,000 cheaper than the Honda Civic Si and a lot more affordable than the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Don’t be fooled into thinking the 201-horsepower engine isn’t potent enough because that’s far off the highlight of the turbocharged Veloster.

Consumer Reports has been “wowed by the lively handling,” adding that “it’s a blast to drive on curvy roads” thanks to the Michelin summer tires, taut suspension setup, quick steering, and low-rev torque. The asymmetrical design adds to the character of the Veloster, but on the downside, you’ll have to put up with a “hard and choppy ride.”

The R-Spec Turbo comes exclusively with a six-speed manual and a decent amount of interior flair, including a metal shift knob. “Some of the pieces feel a bit cheap and flimsy” according to Consumer Reports, and there’s no denying Hyundai had to cut a few corners to sell the Veloster this cheap.

Hyundai of North America offers five years or 60,000 miles of new vehicle limited warranty, supplemented by seven years for anti-perforation and ten years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain. In other words, the cheap plastics are not that much of a dealbreaker on the long haul.

Whereas the R-Spec Turbo is certain to make you smile, there’s no denying the N will make you laugh out loud every time you speed out of a corner. The essence of the N performance division is to deliver driving enjoyment, and the Veloster has been developed from the get-go with this characteristic.