The Hyundai Veloster N fills an enchanting area within the sizzling hatch market. It affords efficiency that approaches the Honda Civic Type R, however for 1000’s of dollars much less. In order to do this, Hyundai equips the Veloster N with a wealth of efficiency options, however skimps on creature comforts to provide the most bang to your enthusiast-minded buck.As a end result, the Veloster N affords a number of the finest driving satisfaction per greenback on the market. But is that sufficient to name it one of the best sizzling hatch for the cash?Impressive on a regular basis efficiencyThe Veloster N is powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The non-obligatory Performance Package’s hotter ECU tune pops my tester as much as 275 horsepower, and extends the identical 260 pound-feet of torque additional up within the rev vary to 4,700 rpm as an alternative of simply 4,000 rpm for the usual automobile.

All that energy interprets to a roughly 6-second dash to 60 miles per hour, based on Hyundai, however that determine feels conservative. From the seat of my pants, this appears like a a lot faster automobile.

With the Veloster N’s non-obligatory variable exhaust huge open, the little hatchback sounds entertainingly scrappy as I run it by the gears. For an additional cherry on prime, the Veloster will even pop and crack throughout gear-changes. Speaking of which, swapping gears is a pleasant occasion because of the Veloster’s properly tuned six-speed handbook transmission with automated rev-matching. The shifter itself does not fairly have the identical, particular tactility you get in, say, a Mazda MX-5 Miata, however it’s nonetheless tremendous enjoyable. The Veloster N lives for the twisties of Angeles Crest Highway.
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The sizzling Hyundai erases velocity with unimaginable confidence. The brake pedal is responsive with out being overly sensitive, finally permitting for safe stopping energy as you decelerate earlier than diving right into a nook. The fast steering ratio and quick turn-in make the Veloster N a pleasure to toss round, my tester’s the non-obligatory 235/35 R19 Pirelli P Zero tires speaking loads of suggestions into my fingertips. Powering by apexes is a grippy affair because of the entrance axle’s out there limited-slip differential with torque vectoring, which not solely helps break up energy between the entrance wheels, however eliminates torque steer underneath exhausting acceleration.That mentioned, the Veloster N can generally really feel somewhat skittish over mid-corner bumps. I actually admire how a lot stiffer the electronically adjustable dampers turn into when dialed all the best way as much as their most track-focused N mode, however on public roads, this most hardcore setting solely makes the Veloster extra unsettled over asphalt imperfections, and thus, is finest left for glass-smooth racetracks. During common A-to-B driving, the suspension is agency however comfy when set to its softest Normal mode.The EPA estimates the Veloster N ought to return 22 miles per gallon within the metropolis and 28 mpg freeway — similar because the Honda Civic Type R. Of course, that is provided that you go straightforward on the throttle. Drive it with gusto — belief me, you may wish to — and also you would possibly see numbers nearer to the 21.8 mpg mixed I noticed after 373 miles of combined driving.Design-wise, the Veloster N makes a daring assertion, particularly from behind.
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Visually opinionatedWith two doorways on the passenger’s aspect and one on the driving force’s aspect, together with a bevy of sharp angles and physique surfacing, the Veloster’s exterior look definitely is not for everybody. But I really love that it makes a novel assertion, and has palpable highway presence because of this.

The Veloster N’s inside is much less ostentatious, however is properly designed, nonetheless. There’s loads of room to stretch out in entrance, and back-seat area is first rate for a automobile this dimension. Cargo capability can be fairly good, with 19.9 cubic ft of quantity behind the again seats, and 44.5 cubic ft with the second row folded.

Cabin supplies are subpar, even for a automobile with economy-class roots, however inside consolation is true on the cash for skinny folks like me. The Veloster N’s seats are conservatively bolstered, however safe me tightly sufficient throughout exhausting cornering. When I am not flirting with the perimeters of the sporty Hyundai’s lateral adhesion, the seats are supportive and comfy, leaving me feeling recent after longer drives.The Veloster N incorporates a comfy cabin, however inside supplies are poor, even for a low-priced automobile.
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As is the case with each Hyundai that Roadshow has examined just lately, inside tech is satisfying. The Veloster N comes commonplace with an 8-inch touchscreen working Hyundai’s simple infotainment interface, which lacks visible whizbangery, however affords a wealth of simplicity and ease. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come commonplace within the Veloster N, together with satellite tv for pc radio and an eight-speaker Infinity premium audio system that sounds effective sufficient, however is actually solely a quarter-step above a traditional, unbranded audio system. At least you do not have to pay further for the marginally nicer audio system.If you need different niceties like a sunroof, embedded navigation, a head-up show, leather-based seats, or superior driver-assistance options like adaptive cruise management, lane-keep help and blind-spot monitoring, you may really need to step down. Hyundai affords these facilities on the Veloster, however not on the N. Instead, take a look at the $27,570, 201-horsepower Veloster Turbo Ultimate if luxurious and security tech are in your checklist of must-haves. The 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine with out there variable exhaust sounds nice popping and crackling on the overrun and through upshifts.
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Performance first, all the pieces else secondThe Veloster N begins at $27,820, and there is just one choice provided: the $2,100 Performance Package. With that package deal elected, along with the additional 25 horsepower, the variable exhaust system and limited-slip differential, you get bigger brake rotors in addition to wheels and tires which can be an inch better in diameter than the usual setup. As examined, my Veloster N’s grand complete comes out to $29,920.That’s loads of efficiency for a automobile that squeaks in slightly below $30,000, making the Veloster N arguably the best bang for buck amongst sizzling hatches bought within the US. I, nevertheless, admire one thing extra well-rounded relatively than merely performance-focused. And for $130 much less, I may have a Volkswagen Golf GTI Rabbit Edition that is practically as satisfying to drive, whereas providing extra acceptable appears, a higher-quality cabin (to not point out these coveted plaid seat inserts), plus extra inside area and higher gasoline financial system. Don’t get me unsuitable, the Hyundai Veloster N is a terrific automobile I might be completely happy to advocate to a performance-focused purchaser, however as a every day driver, I would not fault anybody for selecting a extra well-rounded choice.

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