Ace of Base: 2019 Hyundai Veloster 2.0

Someone once uttered several unkind words about the name “Veloster,” claiming it to be one of the most convoluted and forced names to grace a car since the Mitsubishi Mini Active Urban Sandal.

I’m not sure I agree. After all, at least it is an actual name and not something plucked from an upset bowl of Alphagetti. The 2nd-generation Veloster bowed for the 2019 model year and, given Hyundai’s M.O. of high content and low price, we figured it’d be wise to inspect one for this week’s Ace of Base trial.

Retaining its bizzaro-world asymmetrical 2+1 door configuration, the new Veloster inhabits a kind of not-quite-coupe segment in which it is one of the only players. Plenty of indirect competition exists, however, given the V’s price point.

That point starts well below twenty grand — $18,500 in fact. For that sum, buyers will find a coupette (remember where you saw that word first, folks) endowed with a level of kit normally reserved for cars further up the food chain.

Power accessories, body-color heated mirrors, tilt/telescope wheel, Bluetooth, cruise — one could easily create a standard equipment list longer than an Adrien Brody acceptance speech. Technically called the Veloster 2.0, this machine should leave few drivers complaining about value for money. Even though I don’t usually mention it, $1,000 bonus cash off the sticker price is easily found. Bonus.

That 2.0 suffix is not a cheeky and hip reference to the fact that this is a 2nd-gen Veloster, although it certainly could. The number is instead in reference to the size of the engine found beneath the newly-sculpted hood, one which measures 2.0 liters in displacement and makes 147 horsepower. A GTI-fighting turbo is available, just not on the base car. Don’t race for slips and you’ll be fine.

The all-important air conditioning is standard but satellite radio is not. I find this vexing and will simply have to banish the scourge of terrestrial radio by way of an iTunes library, I suppose. Safety nannies like lane keeping are standard, so that’s a plus.

Looks are subjective, but I do believe the Veloster’s truncated trunk cuts a fine shape, with flared haunches and a couple of angry vertical slashes on the rear bumper. At least it doesn’t look like everything else on the road. All six colors are offered with a black interior and cost $0, unlike in the Great White North where some bold shades on this very car cost extra cheddar.

A kicker? Hyundai’s 10-year powertrain warranty, which should provide peace-of-mind to shoppers in this segment — many of whom are first-time car owners.

Whether one likes the name or not, at $18,500 with $1,000 on the hood, it’s tough to argue the Veloster’s value proposition.

[Images: Hyundai]

Not every base model has aced it. The ones which have? They help make the automotive landscape a lot better. Any others you can think of, B&B? Let us know in the comments. Naturally, feel free to eviscerate our selection.

The model above is shown in American dollars with American options and trim, absent of destination charges. As always, your dealer may sell for less.