2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec - POV Performance Review (Binaural Audio)

MSRP: From $22,900
Horsepower: 201 hp
Engine: 1.6 L 4-cylinder
Tire size: P225/40R18
Curb weight: 2,921 lbs
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel tank capacity: 13.2 gal
-Filmed with the Sony FDR-X3000 4K Action Camera amzn.to/2s53Bna
-Audio recorded with Roland CS-10EM Binaural Mics amzn.to/2qKRbwA
-Zoom H2n recorder amzn.to/2pQqVkq
-Escort Radar Detector: goo.gl/GqRNWA
-Hat Clip mount: amzn.to/2GW7nmd
A slightly outdated list of video equipment: kit.com/TheTopher Patreon: / thetopher
Instagram: / thetopher2
Facebook: / thetopheryoutube
The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones. If you wear headphones, your mind won't be blown, but it will go, "woah, that's cool."
I'm also the producer for the Winding Road KZbin Channel:
/ windingroadmagazine
Here on TheTopher, I'm known for putting a camera on my face and driving cars. Whether it's about any of my personal cars or reviews on weekly press vehicles, the goal is to give you an idea of what a certain car is like to drive or live with. Most of my videos are filmed in POV, with my clothes on, and (for like the 5th time) with in-ear binaural audio. Which, if I haven't made it clear yet, is why you should wear headphones. Because of the whole "woah" factor. It's there, trust me. Try it, it's pretty nuts. Or don't. As long as you whitelist me on your adblocker I'm okay with whatever you do or don't do with regards to headphone usage. That is all. Oh and I guess you should also probably subscribe. Why are you still reading this, you should be watching the video. With headphones! Hah, had to sneak that in there one more time. Later!

[@noahbolt]

I realize this video is very old, but I just gotta make a comment on how insane that grip is at 3:29. He's doing 60 MPH on a damp on ramp. My car can't even pass 55 MPH on a dry on ramp on a warm day in my Mustang. And he's doing that in the wet. Unbelievable.

[@justinwieduwilt5420]

Dude is a good driver. Watching his reviews this is obvious, definitely better than most of the KZbin car reviewers. Every video seems it has someone commenting on the on-ramps. That’s what’s so great about cars like these, they make highway on ramps and exit ramps an insane amount of fun.

[@peachulemon]

These cars have insane cornering grip, iv yet to feel its slip

[@oceansideDOODS]

veloster n is a little out of my price range. i think im going with the r-spec. love the video. helped me make my decision

[@Smokeyman70]

Edgar Agapay did you buy one ?

[@oceansideDOODS]

@@Smokeyman70 yeah i actually bought it a couple days after i commented on this video. have a 2019 r-spec in sunset orange.

[@Jte162]

The funny thing is, I found out the residual value for the N is the same as the R Spec after running some numbers with the dealer so you definitely made the right choice lol

[@MrKB087]

Ughh same. I really want the N with the performance package but prices are staying at the 25k range which is too high for a 2019 for me.

[@dyoolan]

I found 2019 veloster n for $26999. Probably can talk it down to 25k. It had 17k miles. Used N would be worth it

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

The one thumbs down is from that guy who bought last year's model a month ago

[@thekaysers3301]

웅이 that’s the equivalent of buying a 2006 Corolla release in 2018 when the 2019 Corolla hatch just came out. That’s how far behind the previous generation is

[@eddyk9174]

Or the ones that should have got the N version gave the thumbs down.

[@NvrchFotia]

Eddy Kardash very different car. It’s in the territory of the type r and golf r, this thing is in the territory of a GTI.

[@accordwhip3467]

What is it with Hyundai and their turn signal sounds. Such a small thing, but makes the car feel so much more premium. Dang ...

[@mrknowmyself]

Really?? I felt the opposite

[@ChrisHolt1]

The sound system is all I hear in mine. 🔊🔊😎

[@TonyTube407]

Hearing you drive this car reminds me of my 1997 Honda Prelude. Loved that car.

[@s5SnipEmo]

The R-Spec is such a good deal. You can get the 2019's as cheap as $19k. The only complaint is that it's missing an LSD. The N has more power but also weighs about 300lbs more.

[@nubsandbolts920]

Absolutely fell in love with it even more when i drove it... after looking at the stats, warranty and the looks(smart looks). I bought my 2020 the next day my first new car. Cant wait to break it in and stage 1 it. Highly recommend if you don't want the reg bunch, the car comes with more then you expect. The way you see ppl light up when you hit a corner or when the turbo kicks in. Its also very precise and drives amazing, Give it a try.

[@ahmadfaris8044]

The sexiest car for that price range.

[@anefyon]

0:57 What did the car do to get fondled like that? The car doesn't need more gay jokes than it already has :(

[@monzy-]

Lol

[@Joe75663]

LOL

[@jaredshelton4718]

Hm

[@thrius]

Can confirm the car is lots of fun to drive, i have a 2016 rspec with a k&n cai, mbrp exhaust, and it just brings a smile to my face every time i drive it, its not a rocket by any means but for the price/performance ration you can't beat it!

[@DoSum4Me]

I can’t wait until my 2013 Accent 6 speed is paid off in the next couple of years, because I’m definitely buying either an Elantra Sport or Veloster.

[@jose9th]

Por que no Los dos?

[@scraps0233]

The new 2018 accent se with the manual is a good fun little car too!!

[@eddyk9174]

Wait for the n type then. 275 hp

[@kellierush1499]

You will love the veloster!!!! I bought one 3months ago and good gawd it is so fun to drive!!!

[@crashbomber]

The Elantra GT Sport is /really/ nice.

[@harryhenderson8467]

After watching this video I purchased that exact car and your right I love it thanks for your input , I mean color everything r-spect 2019 6 speed great car

[@justjaymar_]

How’s the reliability?

[@landmine55]

That grey and yellow interior is SHARP.

[@aroundomaha]

Just drove one of these and it totally surprised me in a good way. I was looking at an i30 (ok, Elantra N-Line) and took the Veloster for a spin since it was there. Now I'm shopping for these and your video was a great help. The N-Line might win out for being a little more practical, but the R-Spec is a ton of fun.

[@krugertv9843]

Would love to see a foot cam for manuals... :)

[@stefanedwards4360]

As a prior owner of the Focus ST and now current owner of a Fiesta ST , I've been entertaining the idea of possibly trading in my Fiesta for the Veloster N once it releases. The little Fiesta ST is just so good though, that I'm still unsure! I absolutley love the flexibility and balance of the Fiesta. As I'm sure you're aware, it too is a car that shines when driven at ten tenths, and theres something to be said about being able to drive it flat out, without fear or worry, even though the speeds are generally high up! Anyhow, I hope to hear your opinion on where I'm coming from and I am eagerly looking forward your review of the N, hopefully sometime soon! As always, great Video!

[@juntak6387]

people who drove the Veloster N are saying it's even close to RS and Type R so you'll enjoy your future VN that for sure.

[@5.7_TY]

Why did u get rid of the focus

[@DareTheMachine]

@@5.7_TY Fiesta is the more fun drivers car.

[@Beanjuice]

lol, they're more reliable than Ford's nowadays...idk what you're goin on about, mmukdadi.

[@josephn268]

@mmukdadi Pls i would love for you to link us evidence for that lol

[@seanfilice9555]

Once you put an intake on that 2019 it will be WAY more responsive.

[@steveleibo6517]

Great review! I learned a lot about the R Spec! Thx!

[@JFlogerzi]

Can't wait to see the N model. Wish we got the I30 N in the states. Way better looking car

[@juntak6387]

for me I30N is just safe in design(i dont want to say boring), way too european or a Golf clone, while this is pure uniqueness and more sporty.

[@JFlogerzi]

@@juntak6387 it's all subjective. I agree it's kinda bland but like that sleeper look vs the weird 3 door look

[@NvrchFotia]

The veloster is the better performance platform

[@arthurmroyce]

Just ran into this video. Nice. I have the 2020 Veloster N with the performance pack. For the money the vehicle here is impossible to beat. I do love my N though...

[@juntak6387]

Wooha. Can't wait to see how fun the Veloster N will be

[@abracing199]

Thanks for the video, very helpful.

[@buzzluxx1042]

Wow that grip is insane! Might gave to pick up some of those tires sooner then I thought for my Elantra sport.

[@2014xtep]

Great video. At times I felt like I was driving the car.

[@Jte162]

I bought the 2.0 premium as a commuter because of the features. Thinking about getting the r spec in the future for when I want to have fun

[@watnoisy1995]

First car buyer here. Recently bought a 2016 Veloster Turbo for $14k with 18k miles. Its my first car ever, so I'm trying to be more practical and buy the 1st gen. Once the car is paid off and I saved up more. I'm gonna get the Veloster N if possible for my next upgrade!!!

[@connorthompson05]

I want one now that I watched your video.... I mean, I already liked it, but seeing you drive it like this and hearing the engine note - even if it is piped in through the speakers - I want it more.

[@willarddickson7551]

Only a small amount is piped through the speakers and you can turn it off from the infotainment center.

[@connorthompson05]

Willard Dickson I bought one not long after I made that comment.

[@willarddickson7551]

@@connorthompson05 do you feel that it was a worthwhile purchase?

[@connorthompson05]

Willard Dickson Yeah! My car now as 45k miles on it with no problems mechanically. I can’t be more happy with the overall package.

[@willarddickson7551]

@@connorthompson05 daaaaaamn! You really put some miles on that thing. Thats amazing and awesome to hear. Im thinking of picking up a Type N sometime soon. Thanks for the opinion!

[@pcce1557]

Manual transmission's are the best

[@luizoivato]

Paul S I would say that too if it wasnt so standard in my country

[@zapzap562]

You drive stick so well

[@mindspinn311]

Looks more fun than a Civic Si 🤔 maybe even a Fiesta ST?

[@Composurezen]

3:33 scary shit dude

[@lecoureurdesbois86]

Fun*

[@BarbecuedPossum]

^^ yep fun, if that's scary to you, then you can't drive...

[@gaivoron]

@@BarbecuedPossum haha stfu

[@S203]

The car looked pretty composed to me...

[@BarbecuedPossum]

@@gaivoron Stfu about what? You cannot control a slight bit of lift off oversteer? He literally didn't even have to correct it with steering.. Just went back on throttle. But oh lemme guess billy big bollocks you think I'm just talking shit? No that's how fwd cars work.. At no point (as long as he knows the basics) did it perform in a scary way.. Having the ability to rotate it with throttle, trail braking is the trademark of a good fwd chassis

[@spencerlorrigan]

Great review! And I love that you drive like me 😂 however many people mistake my spirited driving for 'bad' driving

[@jayespi37]

Nice driving bro! The car though reminds me of a mazda 3 manual

[@phillipyau4234]

Hey awesome Hyundai veloster turbocharged r spec fantastic 😊❤

[@justind4723]

was that torque steer pulling onto the highway? looked a little scary lol

[@carsonreeder3167]

Justin D Understeer just any other fwd car

[@JTube571]

Roads were a little wet.

[@CKPHH]

Justin D a lil road hump i think

[@kingGfour]

When in for an elantra SEL 2022 saw a 2020 vt ultimate left in that 😂 no regrets

[@carldeithloff9412]

I sell KIA automobiles and have begged KIA corporation to give a variant of this car.

[@Reddit_shorts_525]

Penis i dont get people like you

[@tylerwilson4287]

Kia stinger boom

[@carldeithloff9412]

Tyler Wilson agreed! I am just hoping for a car that will slot in the that coveted hot hatch segment.

[@juntak6387]

There is a Kia version on the same platform, it's called the Pro Ceed GT. But only for european markets

[@JTube571]

The new Forte will get a sporty variant next year. Should be equivalent to the Elantra Sport in performance.

[@octodinosaur2419]

Would you recommend the manual or the slightly pricier Turbo model with the DCT?

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Is it more fun than say a Civic Si or Mini Cooper?

[@joespittle1]

Can you try and review some classic cars? (I love your channel, I started watching when you got the Miata)

[@mashedp0tat0es21]

Those Livonia road don’t do the car Justice. Lol

[@Madawg65]

I just bought that same car and color..Its great car all around

[@Vince_o562o]

Madawg65 how much did you pay for it. Im considering trading in my car for it

[@Madawg65]

28 for it...mine is the turbo

[@juntak6387]

Are you gonna have a night driving pov video for the 2nd gen Veloster Turbo?

[@TheTopher]

Oh ya

[@leorodriguez6080]

Please

[@danlatu209]

How is this car holding up? Miles?

[@citylims]

22K seems like a really good price. damn,

[@donfinkey692]

Gotta love those Michigan pot holes! 😄

[@Just_Donte]

Bro u need to teach people how to drive a manual transmission car because u a pro

[@fromisheon4867]

We will see if the shifter is going to be hot in hot summer.

[@bigleftarm]

I’m so conflicted... this or the Veloster N for daily driving? This has the better tires and shifter, it’s down on power but weighs less. With the N I found the tires would spin out frequently but on the r spec it just went. Thoughts?

[@ModernMerkLt]

missed the music test :P

[@gaivoron]

Hahaha check the tires that car comes with. That's why you getting so much traction.

[@Turco949]

2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo or 2018 Civic Si? I test drove both and liked both a lot. I liked Civic's interior better plus it is Honda but I do like the hatchback design of Veloster.

[@93455Driver]

Turco949 That gear box, no rev hang, Veloster. What about a Fiesta ST vs this Veloster?

[@Turco949]

I test drove a Focus ST a year ago, which is bigger/roomier than a Fiesta, and I very much disliked the seat. The car handled well and had ample power but interior was lame and cheap looking (typical at that segment I suppose). If the seat was cloth, maybe would have been a bit better? Still, a Golf GTI, even with leather seat was way more comfortable than an Focus ST. I am also no fan of Ford. I was very biased towards Korean cars but over the last few years, my research and random owner feedback have changed my mind, at least for Hyundai. Still iffy on KIA. I was going to wait for Veloster N but an R-Spec should suffice. I am guessing a Veloster N will probably MSRP at around $30K (minimum) and with limited numbers and dealer markups, at least the first 3/4 of the year, they would sell in the mid 30s at least and I don't see the value of having 50-70 HP move for another $12,000+.

[@93455Driver]

Turco949 Not sure about the N and markups or indeed how long those markups will be around. Civic Type Rs are now available at MSRP here in AR, but not sure about elsewhere. This R spec is nice, but the reviews of the I30N in Europe are so positive, waiting for the Veloster N maybe worth it.

[@Turco949]

Type R is a no go for me because of the styling, just too much. If it looked more like Civic Si, I'd have been all over it. I agree on the Veloster N which is why I am waiting just so I could compare and make a more informed decision before I cough up my hard-earned $$ to get one. Btw, prices in CA is almost always more for the same vehicle than it would be in the East Coat or more so Mid West. Plus, CA run by libtard politicians whose emission regulations create a costlier process for manufacturers whom naturally pass that extra cost to buyers. Even the gas in CA actually returns a few miles less per gallon than the gas sold in other states, simply due to all the additives in it.

[@TheMondizzl3]

Dope

[@monzy-]

Could you review the Audi RS3

[@Andrew-wb2zq]

Sick.

[@kyledrexler7749]

The rev hang :( Hope that can be tuned out.

[@abracing199]

Really very torn between a new one of these and a new fiesta ST. Much nicer inside in the veloster but don't want to leave fun on the table with not choosing the fiesta

[@TheTopher]

Go drive both!

[@abracing199]

TheTopher I did but I can only do highway pulls in them on the test drive and not much in the way of cornering. Was impressed with the interior and stereo in the veloster I just hear so much praise about how the FiST is in the twisties I feel like I could regret the veloster.

[@TheTopher]

The fiesta st is an absolute riot! The ride is kind of harsh, but that was my only complaint. What part of the country do you live in?

[@TheTopher]

Also check out our fiesta ST videos on Winding Road if you haven’t already

[@abracing199]

TheTopher I'm in Southern California. Lots of flat but I'm not far from the angles forest and highway 33 is 20 mins from me so I have plenty to play on.

[@juaniitoaldaba2245]

this is the honda civic si version , i love this car tho

[@academiaengineering5136]

The veloster turbo is way better than the civic si, WRX, or gti so if I had $30k in my pocket I will definitely go for the veloster turbo besides the civic si, WRX, or gti.

[@drummer7557]

Unfortunately not nearly as reliable though, I've had tons of issues with my 2020. Fun car though, I'll be selling mine soon. ;O(

[@adamr3345]

@@drummer7557 is yours an r spec??

[@Diego_Barrr]

Cool car

[@shortroundChris]

this or a 2019 Mini cooper S w/signature package

[@alexross4062]

lmao throughout the video- nearly 22MPG average

[@jazzsimmons8370]

"Sport Mode" will lower just about any car's gas mileage 1:09. Stay off of that button and enjoy better mpg.

[@fykon7516]

The new veloster has the engine audio thing right? (Engine noise making it seem louder) or am I wrong?

[@mtor92]

It does but it can be adjusted and even shut off

[@fykon7516]

mtor92 was it on in the video do you know I think I missed it and didn’t hear him say it if he did

[@mtor92]

Mauricio Cruz I honestly don't know

[@LilRenlor]

@@fykon7516 it definitely was on, the car is pretty quiet when off

[@mx5moon]

Topher: this or the civic si?

[@SierraTango00]

Si has some serious rev hang

[@91ser4life]

1.5t honda also has some oil dilution 🤷‍♂️

[@754123000]

This is better. Drive both cars Thumb up for the veloster r

[@ajnull6116]

tht interstate on ramp tho.. wow

[@randomvids2882]

The 2019 Santa fe please

[@Stclairm1]

If it weighs less than the Elantra Sport, it should be even more fun than that car. I believe I would chose the Elantra Sport over the Si due to the terrible rev hang in the SI And you can get the ES for $20k. I wonder how it compares to a GTI S performance package?

[@93455Driver]

Mike StClair Does the current Elantra Sport get the same B&M box as standard?

[@Stclairm1]

@@93455Driver not that I know of. The one I drove didnt look like one or feel like anything upgraded, but it wasn't bad.

[@93455Driver]

Mike StClair VW GTI Mk VI manual was very light (clutch and shifter) and easy to drive. Longish throws though and not very sport car like. In my VII I opted for the DSG, but understand that the manual box is similar to the VI in terms of being light. Not sure about the Elantra Sport manual, except they are great value - was tempted by an Elantra GT Sport, but same dealer had VWs and gave me a great deal on GTI MK VII he needed to clear to make way for VII mid cycle refresh models.

[@phillipyau4234]

Hey what's happening I've changed out the shift knob I've installed the punisher shift knob with a 💀 head 😊😮

[@zech007]

Is the driver and passenger doors Asymmetrical?

[@JTube571]

Yes

[@nawid8122]

Why

[@JTube571]

Because that's this car's "thing".

[@Electricalwav]

It's because there's a 3rd door for the rear seats.

[@Marlon_J]

That manual seems fun, but sadly if you really want to go fast the 7 speed DCT auto will smoke it while getting better gas milage!

[@iquattro5331]

@5timeAcademyAwardwinner Kirk Lazarus DCT is faster than manual

[@computertutorials1286]

That's the best sounding 4-cylinder I've ever heard.

[@93455Driver]

computer tutorials12 AMG 45 (GLA or CLA). The VW sounds good, but the use a SoundAktor gadget.

[@phillipyau4234]

Hey what's happening I wish 🤞 it add the turbo boost gauge & oil 🛢 temperature gauge when you set the button with the book or notebook it'll be better 😮😢

[@drummer7557]

The only thing I don't like about mine is the damned road noise, though I know it's a hatch back. Also really stiff suspension.

[@93455Driver]

Fiesta ST has competition.

[@LucefieD]

These things are like non existant where I live. No dealership stocks them.

[@jayczyzyk9707]

goodreveiw

[@michaeldennis3028]

My 2019 doesn’t have CC lol 😕

[@troy9er]

Michael Losonczy no cruse control??!! That could be a deal breaker for me. I really like CC.

[@WorldTravelerCA]

Too much plastic and honestly I don’t like design of the interior, they should learn from sister company Kia all new models have Stinger look interior and that is sexy on all 2019 models

[@bobgoat5994]

The stinger he reviewed also cost $15,000 more than this car. Cant expect anything above plastic for a low end sporty car

[@vladsaghin7644]

He said Stinger "looks" and I agree, when they will redesign the Forte5 with the new sedan's looks and give it the 1.6T and, fingers crossed, an independent rear suspension, that will be dope. It would be like the Elantra GT sport but I don't like the interior on that Hyundai compared to the new Forte

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

Too much plastic because you can buy modern cars made of solid tungsten? They're all plastic. You just think it's plasticky because they didn't go with super dark black interior. And instead of injection molding to give the surface a pattern, they went with smoother surfaces. That's just a part of the design language of this car though.

[@quikgt]

Live Leak True, even the Soul Turbo has nicer steering wheel

[@bextar6365]

Color combo takes away from the sportiness...gray and black/drab//////jmo

[@ChrisHolt1]

You should see that in person before you make the call. It's a metal flake gray and on a sunny day it looks amazing.

[@senstrop]

vee-low-star

[@eddyk9174]

The N type will be even better. 275 hp

[@juntak6387]

And LSD, better suspension and Rev Matching and crazy exhaust. Veloster N should is on another level

[@CadeMidgett]

The freaking speedo is the main reason I wouldn't buy this.... It seems so wrong.

[@FullMoon91]

Gay fwd

[@raulcabronero5649]

No have power