Introduced in 2011, the Hyundai Veloster replaced the Tiburon (known as the Coupe in other markets) in the United States. Essentially a hybrid between a hatchback and a coupe, the Veloster is available in a three-door configuration only and uses small-displacement four-cylinder engines exclusively. Offered in base and Turbo trim, the Veloster can now be ordered with the N upgrade following its second-generation redesign. The higher-performance variant crafted by the still-new N division is the first beefed-up Hyundai offered in the U.S.

Previewed by a series of concept cars with mid-engined configurations, the high-performance Veloster debuted alongside the standard hatchback at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. Both boast sportier styling, new technology, and improved engines, but the N model also sports a number of aggressive aerodynamic updates, exclusive features inside the cabin, and turbocharged engine powerful enough to give the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST a run for their money.

Continue reading to learn more about the Hyundai Veloster N.

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Hyundai Veloster N
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 275
  • Torque: 260
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

- New grille with N logo - Bigger air vents - Red highlights - Exclusive color - Big tailgate spoiler - Motorsport-inspired diffuser - Sporty side skirts - Bespoke wheels

Based on the latest Veloster, the N showcases all the new features introduced for the latest generation. Much like all recently revised Hyundais, the Veloster sports a more angular, more aggressive design front and rear. The front fascia boasts a massive grille flanked by sharp headlamps above and triangular air vents below. The profile retains the asymmetrical, three-door configuration and it's still very similar to the outgoing model, but the new wheels and the revised side skirts and glasshouse make it seem fresh. The rear end is more aggressive too thanks to its large, angular headlamps with three-piece LED lights and tall bumper with fake vents.

Needless to say, the Veloster Turbo is already an aggressive little hatchback, but the N version takes things up a notch.

Up front the Veloster N gets a gloss-black grille mesh with the "N" logo and a black wing at the bottom. The side wings that run from the grille to the corners of the bumper are finished in red for a contrasting touch. The splitter is sharper, while the vents are larger of enhanced brake cooling. The side skirts are more aggressive too, featuring small winglets to the rear and red accent stripes. The 18-inch wheels have an exclusive design, but you can opt for the available 19-inch rollers with with the machined-finish, dual-spoke star design.

The rear end is absolutely stunning. The roof spoiler is significantly wider than the standard model and appears to have been borrowed from the World Rally Championship. The diffuser is equally aggressive, featuring four large fins and big, high-flow exhaust pipes on each side. The fact that the bumper is finished in black and that the diffuser is highlighted by a red stripe at the top further enhances the motorsport-inspired look.

Styling-wise, the Veloster N is by far the most aggressive-looking hot-hatchback out there. The Honda Civic Type-R comes close thanks to its angular styling features, but everything else, including the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST, looks pretty mild.

Unlike the standard Veloster, which is available in seven exterior colors, the N model is limited to only four finishes. The palette includes Ultra Black, Chalk White, Racing Red, and Performance Blue. The latter is exclusive to this model.

Interior

- New dashboard and center stack - Premium audio system - Softer materials - Sports seats with bolstering - N-design steering wheel - N-design shift knob - Sequential shift indicator

The hatchback's interior is also brand new. Although not as original as the first-gen car, which had the unique V-shaped center stack and dashboard, the new Veloster gets credit for looking modern. The dash look a bit cluttered due to the narrow center stack and the wide HVAC vents, but everything else looks spot on. The new infotainment system with the seven-inch display features standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the options list includes SiriusXM Radio and next-gen Blue Link LTE-powered connectivity. The optional eight-inch display includes all of the above plus HD radio, smartphone integration, and an Infinity premium audio system. A heads-up display system is also available. Finally, Hyundai used new, softer materials throughout the cabin and introduced new upholstery colors.

Now, if you've already seen the standard Veloster, you've basically seen the N model too. Of course, there are a few exclusive details to run by, but nothing too radical. The first thing that catches the eye is the seat design. Although wrapped in cloth instead of leather and Alcantara, the N seats are sportier and feature solid bolstering. The steering wheel and shift knob have also been revised for this model, now boasting a sportier design. The door sill plates have "N" logos, just in case you forget that your car is not a regular Veloster.

But arguably the coolest feature of the Veloster N is the bespoke center cluster that displays a progressive sequential shift indicator, notifying the driver of an impending shift point for maximum acceleration.

Drivetrain

- Turbo 2.0-liter engine - Up to 275 horsepower - 260 pound-feet of torque - Manual transmission - Sub-six-second sprint to 60 mph - Custom suspenion geometry - Beefed-up brakes - Michelin or Pirelli tires

This is where things become really hot. While the new Veloster Turbo comes with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque on tap (identical to the outgoing model), the N model gets the beefed-up, turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-banger we've already seen at work in the i30 N. The four-pot delivers a solid 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, sent to the wheels through a race-inspired, close ratio six-speed manual transmission. However, opt for the Performance Package model and output jumps to 275 horsepower.

The turbo system intercooler is isolated from the condenser and radiator for even more efficient cooling of the intake charge and it also has a two-stage induction system for maximum output at all rpm ranges. The transmission is fitted with downshift rev-matching capability and carbon-coated synchro rings and gear material reinforcement for smoother operation. The clutch is far from standard too, utilizing a double-layer facing clutch disc design for increased burst strength and torque capability.

There's no word on performance yet, but this thing should be fast. With the i30 N needing 6.1 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start in range-topping trim, the Veloster N should be just as quick.

In order to handle all the extra power, the suspension gained new geometry and tuning. Called Power Sense axle geometry, the new setup features a zero-scrub radius for more precise steering, quicker response, and a direct on-center feel. The geometry was further optimized for linear torque build up and corner-exit precision, while Roll angle was decreased due to a shorter roll-moment arm, resulting in enhanced grip. A new rear strut brace delivers greater body rigidity and suspension precision.

Optionally available, the electronically-controlled N Corner-Carving Limited-Slip Differential improves launch performance and reduces acceleration slip understeer. It also increases maximum cornering speed. Stopping power comes from oversized 13.6-inch performance rotors on the front axle and 12.4-inch rotors on the rear. The 225/40R18 Michelin Pilot SuperSport summer tires are standard on the 18-inch wheels. For increased performance, you can opt for the 19-inch rollers and the exclusive-compound 235/35R19 Pirelli P-Zero summer rubber.

Prices

Pricing for the Veloster N starts from $26,900, plus $885 for shipping. This sticker makes it almost $2,000 more expensive than the Volkswagen Golf GTi and Ford Focus ST. Opt for the Performance Package model, which increases output to 275 horsepower, adds the limited-slip differential, variable exhaust valve system, bigger 19-inch wheels, and bigger brakes, and pricing jumps to $29,000 excluding destination. While this may be some $4,000 more than the GTi and ST, it keeps the Veloster N significantly more affordable than the Golf R and Focus RS, both priced above the $39,000 mark.

Competition

Volkswagen Golf GTI / Volkswagen Golf R

Output-wise, the Veloster N falls right between the Golf GTI and Golf R, so I'm going to talk about both for a proper comparison. Arguably the most iconic and popular hot-hatch since the 1980s, the Golf GTI continues to rule to performance-oriented segment thanks to its sporty looks, powerful engine, and affordable price. Launched for the 2015 model year in the United States with updates inside and out and a new platform, the seventh-generation GTI gets its juice from a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, inline-four that delivers 227 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, with up to 242 horses available with the Performance Package. The German hatch needs 6.2 seconds to sprint from 0 to 60 mph and tops out at 155 mph. Move up the performance ladder and you get the Golf R. While not radically different on the outside, the R uses a much more powerful engine that sends 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. Charging from 0 to 60 mph takes an impressive 4.9 seconds. Pricing for the Golf GTi starts from $24,995, while the Golf R retails from $39,375.

Read our reviews of the Volkswagen Golf GTi and Golf R.

Ford Focus ST / Focus RS

The Focus ST is the other hot hatch that's extremely popular in both Europe and the U.S. Sporting a more aggressive body kit that the Golf, the ST is also more powerful, using a 2.0-liter EcoBoost rated at 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. It's also quicker from 0 to 60 mph, achieving the benchmark in just 5.9 seconds. Much newer than the ST, the RS is also a step above the Golf R in terms of looks and performance. Designed almost like a full-fledged rally car, the RS is menacing to look at from just about every angle, while the front hood hides a Mustang-sourced 2.3-liter EcoBoost that's good for an impressive 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of twist. Charging to 60 mph takes 4.7 seconds, which makes the RS two tenths quicker than the Golf R and definitely overwhelming for the Veloster R. The Fords are also a bit more expensive than the Golfs, with the ST priced from $25,075 and the RS priced from $41,120.

Read our stories on the Ford Focus ST and Ford Focus RS.

Honda Civic Type R

The Type R is brand-new for the 2017 model year and for the first time in history it has come to the U.S. More aggressive than ever thanks to the aero kit that Honda added to the already sporty looking Civic hatchback, the Type R is also a force to be reckoned with in terms of performance. Fitted with a turbo, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine under the hood, the Civic Type R hits the streets with 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Granted, it's not as powerful as the Golf R and Focus RS, but it's still pretty quick, needing 5.7 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start. The Type R isn't overly expensive at around $33,000, but limited production is already creating huge waiting lists and huge premiums over sticker price at dealerships.

Read our review of the Honda Civic Type R.

Conclusion

The Veloster N doesn’t come as a surprise given that Hyundai has already confirmed a multi-model assault on the performance market, but it is a bit surprising that the hatchback is the second vehicle to receive the N treatment. There have been some rumors that the Veloster might be discontinued, but it turns out that Hyundai had big plans for it all along. It’s also true that the i30 N and Veloster N compete in the same market, but the fact that the former isn't available in the U.S. gives the latter a lot of relevance. While the i30 N will give the Golf GTi/R and Focus ST/RS a run for their money in Europe, the Veloster N will handle the North American market. But it remains to be seen whether this hatchback has what it takes to achieve significant sales in this tough niche.

References

Read our full review on the 2016 Hyundai RM16 Concept.

Read our full review on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster.

Read our full review on the 2018 Hyundai i30 N.

Read more Detroit Auto Show news.

Read more Hyundai news.

Spy Shots

August 24, 2017 - Hyundai Veloster N caught testing at Nurburgring