The Hyundai Veloster is completely new for 2019 and it’s more than just a hatchback with three doors and a lift gate. Hyundai is using the 2019 Veloster to debut the N Performance line in North America. Like any performance variant like BMW’s M division, Mercedes’ AMG, or Ford’s SVT, the N Performance name means more power, better handling, and a more aggressive overall package.

The 2019 Veloster N packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 275 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque from 1,450 to 4,700 rpm. A close-ratio, short-throw six-speed manual transmission with rev matching comes standard. And like the Honda Civic Type R, the Veloster N is front-wheel drive and employs a limited-slip differential. Unlike the Type R’s mechanically operated differential, the Veloster N’s is electronically controlled for variable lock-up and torque vectoring.

Five drive modes (Normal, Sport, N, Eco, and N Custom) changes how the Veloster behaves. The modes alter the throttle response, rev-matching system, exhaust note, active differential tuning, suspension damping, steering weight, and yaw-control characteristics.

The Veloster N’s suspension is fully independent, with a MacPherson strut up front and a multi-link coil spring design in back. The dampers, as mentioned, are electronically controlled and vary the firmness of the N’s ride. The performance brakes include 13.6-inch rotors up front and 12.4-inch rotors in the back. That’s a 0.6-inch improvement over the size of the standard Veloster’s rotors.

Pricing has not been announced, but Hyundai says the 2019 Veloster N will begin production in South Korea in September and will arrive in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2018. The available colors include Ultra Black, Chalk White, Racing Red, and that awesome N-exclusive Performance Blue.

References

Hyundai Veloster

Read our full review on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster.

Read more Detroit Auto Show news.

Read more Hyundai news.