2020 Hyundai Veloster

There's a large gap between the base model and the Turbo Ultimate, so you won't have any trouble finding a Veloster that suits your needs. The base model goes on sale for an MSRP of only $18,800 excluding tax, registration, and a destination fee of $955, and goes up to $19,800 when equipped with the six-speed auto transmission. At these prices, the Veloster poses an interesting alternative to a market flooded with Honda Civics. The 2.0 Premium is the most expensive non-turbo Veloster in the lineup and takes quite a leap in terms of pricing: it will set you back $23,000, but the additions to the features list covers the extra cost. The first turbo car in the lineup is the Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec, priced at $23,350 and offering more power than the 2.0 Premium for only $350 more, but misses out on a number of the Premium's features. The price of the Veloster Turbo is $25,650, and the range-topping Turbo Ultimate can be yours for $28,350. At the top end of the range, the Veloster's pricing falls in line with the competition, but down at base level, the Veloster offers good bang for buck motoring.

Hyundai has clearly upped their game - the second-generation Veloster comes with standard multi-link rear suspension across the range, a feature that used to be available on top-trim cars when it was first released locally. So an upgraded suspension setup, a low curb weight, and good power from 1.6-liter turbocharged cars should equal a whole bucket load of fun, right? Right. The 2020 Veloster feels nimble and attacks corners with glee. The low curb weight can be felt everywhere: turn-in is sharp, and once you're tucked in, the Veloster will hold on for dear life. Lift off the throttle and the curvaceous booty follows you around the corner better than your student debt. The Veloster is by no means a hardcore hot hatch, for that, you'll have to look at the performance-oriented N version, but as an everyday sporty compact, it is seriously good and will soak up bumps at low speeds without complaint without feeling too cushy in the corners. Simply put, it's well balanced and fun to drive.

When the Hyundai Veloster first landed on American shores, most didn't really know what to make of it: it looked like something out of a manga cartoon book, and its unusual 3-door configuration must have put off a good number of people who are staunch supporters of two or four entry points. Since the first car took to the road, Americans have softened up to the Veloster, especially in Turbo guise, and with Hyundai making good inroads into the American market with their N-line of performance cars, the Veloster is set to enjoy more success going forward. The 2020 Veloster continues to build on the capable second-generation platform, which is more dynamically capable and arguably better looking than the first-generation car. We like its oddball looks, exciting driving dynamics and good levels of safety and practicality. If Hyundai could only step up their interior design and quality, there would be little reason why it couldn't be a top seller.

Firstly, it should go without saying that the naturally-aspirated engine should be avoided if possible. It's more than capable of pulling the lightweight Veloster around town, but it has zero guts and feels unrefined at times. So then, out of the three turbo variants, which one do we think is best? To start off with, there is a significant $5,000 price difference between the R-Spec and the Turbo Ultimate, so the choice will boil down to how many creature comforts you are after. For us, the cheapest of the bunch will do: the R-Spec car comes standard with the zingy 1.6-liter turbo engine, and also gets projector LED headlights with high beam assist, the larger eight-inch touchscreen as well as the eight-speaker Infinity sound system. Sporty touches such as alloy pedals give the R-Spec a heightened sense of athleticism. We'd get one in Thunder Gray and call it a day.

The Honda Civic Hatchback is one of the most popular cars ever produced in this class and continues to set the standard in terms of practicality, safety, and driving dynamics. For 2020, The Civic Hatchback packs a 1.5-liter turbocharged punch; this tiny four-cylinder engine produces an impressive 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, which delivers an entertaining driving experience, especially when mated to Honda's excellent six-speed manual transmission. The Civic's gas mileage is rated at 29/37/32 mpg city/highway/combined for the six-speed manual car and is matched by the CVT equipped car. Inside, the Civic offers a mature cabin which hides the fact that this hatchback can be flung around corners with reckless abandon. Build quality is up there with the best, and the list of standard features is impressive. Passengers also get more room, and there's a bigger trunk in the back. We'd say go with the Civic, but it's one of the safest automotive choices you can make.

The Mazda 3 Hatchback will appeal to a more mature buyer; from its Eurocentric exterior styling to its larger, but more sedate 2.5-liter engine, the Mazda 3 Hatchback is the sensible choice for those who spend quality time with their families on a regular basis and pay their taxes on time, every time. Whereas the Veloster is a shouty little thing that begs for attention, the Mazda 3 does what it does in quiet style. Power comes from a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder producing 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda 3 will return a best of 25/35/29 mpg city/highway/combined. The Mazda 3 is the more comfortable car to drive but sacrifices some of its dynamic ability in the process, but it makes up for that in other places: the interior of the Mazda is one of the best in class and completely overshadows what's on offer in the Veloster. The Mazda also offers more features as standard, and it's supremely safe too. If you're looking for something fun, get the Veloster, but if it's comfort you're after, the Mazda is the only option.