2019 Hyundai Veloster N Review
2019 Hyundai Veloster N
Price as tested: $29,700
Engine/Horsepower/Torque: 2.0 liter Turbo 4 / 275 / 260 ft/lbs
Transmission: 6 speed manual with auto rev matching and a LSD
0-60: 5.2 seconds
Text and Photography :: Richard Maneen
If I were to tell you that a Hyundai Veloster came with a six speed manual transmission, turbo, limited slip differential and a variable exhaust valve system…would you believe me? Probably not. Enter the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N Performance edition, Hyundai’s attempt to create a racing line of vehicles similar to BMW’s M lineup. The fact that Hyundai is pushing the envelope in this fashion was mind-blowing enough. What blew my head off of my shoulders is that the Veloster N is a solid vehicle that was exhilarating to drive.
Hyundai’s N line comes from their research in the World Rally Championship and Touring Car Racing series. It is their attempt at bringing race car precision to a consumer vehicle. In case you were wondering, the N stands for Namyang, the location of their global research and development facility. Hyundai also states that the N stands for Nürburgring, because, you know, it sounds cool if you’ve tested a vehicle there. There are two versions of the Veloster N, the Standard version and the Performance version. The Standard comes in with a price of $26,900 while the Performance costs $29,000. We tested the Performance package, which includes a very responsive four cylinder turbo making 275 horsepower. Our N also came with 19 inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber and a limited slip differential. Fuel economy is rated at 22 city and 28 highway, which is great for this car…if you drive it like a Prius. Of course, we turned in MPG numbers lower than estimated. Mechanically speaking, I think Hyundai hit a home run, especially for a Veloster.
The interior of the N wasn’t anything to write home about. Most of the panels in this vehicle are made out of hard plastic that looks and feels cheap. You are also provided with standard bucket seats that are neither heated or cooled and no sunroof is included. Not that big of a deal in my book, but some might be annoyed by the lack of features. An eight inch touchscreen mated to an Infinity sound system provides the N with it’s audio system, which does not disappoint. Racing pedals and a rear view camera were also included on our model. While the interior is pretty lackluster, it doesn’t change the fact that Hyundai has created a well rounded vehicle that will get your adrenaline pumping.
For my test day, I decided to take my N on some twisty back roads in Helen, Georgia. The driving experience I received from this Hyundai was very, very surprising. I used to own a Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate and was really displeased with it. Needless to say, my expectations weren’t very high for the Veloster N. The N grips the road and doesn’t want to let go. I tried to get the vehicle to slip and slide around, but it held its ground with incredible precision. Body roll was a bit much on sharper corners, but overall not bad. On the other hand, being a front wheel drive vehicle might scare potential customers away. Truth be told that out of all the FWD cars I have driven, this one takes the cake. Hyundai did such a great job with the N that it doesn’t feel like a front wheel drive car. Instead, it feels like a well balanced hatchback that you can be confident will have your back if you decide to push the vehicle’s limits.
The Honda Civic Si is also FWD, and in comparison to the N is not as great. Sure, you’re getting everything that comes with a Honda...reliability, styling, VTEC, etc. With the Hyundai you’re getting a car that produces more power, has an exhaust system that sounds like handguns are being fired into the air and is a hatchback. Yes, there is a chance that there could be some issues reliability wise down the road with the Veloster. That fact alone doesn’t mean that Hyundai can’t make a better car than it’s competitors, does it?
Its very nice to see an automaker whose vehicles aren’t a first choice for purchasing a sports car throw out a surprise. Two days after returning this vehicle and I’m still in awe that a Hyundai could bring me so much joy. Yes, the red trim is somewhat tacky and seems forced. But for what it is, the Veloster N is a hatchback that truly deserves everyone’s attention. Well done, Hyundai. Well done.
