Can the Hyundai Veloster Turbo Hang with the Honda Civic Si?
A mere $9 separates the Honda Civic Si and Hyundai Veloster Turbo, but there’s more to these turbocharged sport compacts than the price tag.
With the price of the Volkswagen Golf GTI close to $30,000 for the base model, the Honda Civic Si has been sitting alone at the top of the $25,000 performance bargain throne. Now that the new second generation 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo has arrived, the Si finally has some direct competition.
In this video, Thomas Holland and James Engelsman of Throttle House bring both models out to see the good and bad between the two sporty compact competitors.
Only being $9 apart between the two, the Civic Si and Veloster Turbo couldn’t be a better match-up for a comparison. As a matter of fact, their powertrains are quite similar as well. The Si is fitted with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 205 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque mated to a six-speed manual transmission. In the other corner, the Veloster Turbo is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that makes 201 horsepower and 195-pound-feet of torque paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Which is more fun to drive?
When comes to the handling department, both are, once again, alike sporting MacPherson struts up front and multi-link setups in the rear. The advantage goes to the Si for having adaptive dampers, a feature virtually unseen for a car in its price range at $25,000. The Si also trumps the Veloster by being the only one of the two that has a limited-slip differential. Both presenters also praised the Civic for its quick steering ratio and ability to change direction, seemingly at will.
The Si Coupe is without a doubt the more engaging sport compact, but,the presenters say that the Veloster Turbo has it beat in all other aspects, especially when it comes to interior design, practicality, and overall usability. Of course, there’s always the Civic Si sedan, or the delightful Civic Type R, if you need more space and no less pace. Which one would you choose and why? Let us know in the forums.
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