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Charles North VI was handed the keys to this Hyundai Veloster N for a week. Here's what we learned about the little pocket rocket.
Hyundai has really shaken the game up within the past five years in the automotive world. The one thing that did some impacting damage has been the Veloster, especially in most recent years. Dropping this hot-hatch to face-off the rest of the performance hot-hatchbacks changed the name of the game for those involved.
Hot-hatchbacks like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Mazda3, and the Volkswagen Golf. So, where does the Hyundai Veloster stand in a world of such names as the competition? Well, we set up our list and took a swing at what we think about the Veloster N. And with that we found what we were looking for. Want to know? Let's go!
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For a sporty hot-hatch, the ride comfort is quite surprising, if we are honest. Sure, almost every bump and rock can be felt on every New Jersey road thanks to the suspension, but it did not allow anything to fall out of line when taking corners at a spirited pace. It kept everything in its place to make it function as it should. But wouldn't suggest you take it out for long road trips.
Speaking of keeping everything in place, the sport bucket seats offer great support and comfort, especially in the corners where the Veloster N thrives. Steering, when in any mode but Sort is soft and nimble. But once the Veloster N is put into Sport mode, the steering becomes tight and balanced. Braking is superb when you need to get the Veloster N to come to a STOP.
Underneath the hood of the Veloster N is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine sending 275 horsepower and 260-foot pounds of torque to the front wheels through its N 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. And let us tell you, the gears change as fast as a blink of an eye. Acceleration is mind-boggling fast and smooth at the same time in this little hatchback. Trashing through the corners, the Veloster N really bites down onto the asphalt to keep its grip on it.
This in turn is thanks to the N corner-carving differential and the power sense axle, as well as the electronically controlled suspension. The exhaust note as the engine goes through the powerband is intoxicating and when it changes through the gears and belts out that little grunt makes it sound like a brass band. As for our driving habits, we were actually able to achieve, before having fun, 21 miles to the gallon.
The exterior styling of the Veloster N is one of dominance and attention. Just looking at the way the Veloster is designed demands the attention of anyone passing it by. It sits poised like a fighter ready to strike. The aerodynamic trim, which is functional, gives off its sporty look for the Veloster N.
As for its lines and curves, just like a hot-hatch should be, it is aggressive and yet elegant. The one defining curve is on the driver's side, and it is the convex one. We just love how it elongates the scenery it is put in within that small wheel-base. All around, the Veloster N is a beautiful car to look at. It is aesthetically pleasing to see. If you think we are wrong, we suggest you get an eye exam.
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Just as beautiful as the exterior is on the Veloster N, we found the interior to be just as pleasant. The blend of leather, cloth, metal, and plastic comes together and creates a very exciting and welcoming space of comfort. The first two noticeable things that stand out are the seats and seatbelts and their color scheme of black and blue to match. The next coolest feature is the "N" on the seats. They light up when the sun comes down.
Another feature that stands out is the steering wheel and its controls. The controls that stand out the most are the "Driver Mode" and the "Checkered Flag" buttons. For changing the way the Hyundai performs, selecting a driver mode is as easy as pressing the button with the words. The checkered flag on the other hand at first when pressed puts the Veloster N in ESC Sport. Then, holding the same button for three seconds, after being prompted when hitting it once, will shut off traction control and any crash avoidance system. Lastly, the paddle shifters. They're made properly and proportionally, unlike what we've seen from other manufacturers. As for cabin space, surprisingly there is plenty of room for adults to fill up the Veloster N and sit comfortably. Just be careful when using the back passenger door. Suitcase space in the trunk can possibly hold 2 and a few medium-sized souvenirs from wherever you are going.
So, how much does this Veloster N cost? After adding everything up, the total price comes to a surprising $35,005. That is cheap considering what it is and can do. What does this get a potential owner? Well, for safety the Veloster N comes with N exclusive electronic stability control, a forward collision-avoidance system, blind-spot monitoring, and a plethora of airbags.
Honestly, that doesn't seem like much when it comes to safety features for a new car. But the Veloster N does come with some of the most advanced safety systems for crash avoidance and airbags all around to protect the occupants inside. Sure it seems a bit spartan with those features but it sure makes a difference having them there.
The comfort and convenience options that come with this Veloster N are just as spartan, yet great, as the safety options and features. For starters, the infotainment system has Bluetooth compatibility, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities, Infinity premium speakers (8) and a subwoofer, N exclusive gauge cluster with LED shift-timing indicator, N light logo on sport bucket seats, N exclusive floor mats, and N exclusive leather-wrapped steering wheel. Also, let us not forget this Veloster N comes with sat-nav and Sirius XM radio.
As we said, it is quite spartan. But one does not simply buy a hot-hatchback for what it offers with comfort and conveniences except maybe air-conditioning and sat-nav, or even just a simple radio to play music or listen to the news while driving. What the Veloster truly offers is an incredible driving experience that can only be found while behind the wheel.
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As far as safety ratings are concerned, the Hyundai Veloster for this model year did not make the cut of the IIHS "Top Safety Pick" list this year. It only received as high as "Good" marking with some "Acceptable" markings in the categories of "Headlights" and "LATCH ease of use." The only reason it seems that the headlights were given the "Acceptable" mark is that they aren't curved adaptive. It probably means they don't move when the steering wheel is rotated enough for making turns, that is our guess since it doesn't go into it.
The reasons listed as to why the LATCH ease of use was given an "Acceptable" mark is that it seems that they failed in the "hard-to-find location" and that they were "too deep in the seat" part of the test. It doesn't seem like that is all-important, but we can see the importance of keeping a baby safe and secure with ease as a reason to give it those marks. Maybe Hyundai will fix this soon. As for not being picked for the highest honor from the IIHS, it doesn't mean that the Veloster is the worst car on the market. Just have to be a little extra safe when driving it. That is all.
The Veloster N really is not missing much, but if we wanted to be very picky, we sure can tell what we think and want for Hyundai to add in for later. One thing that is missing that could come at one point is that the Veloster N needs a wireless device charger. Most cars nowadays have them. We don't see why Hyundai wouldn't add this in. Another feature that could be added is either one or both, if possible, are heated seats in the front. Some hot-hatchbacks with bucket seats have them heated.
Lastly, and we think most people will agree on this, is that this Veloster N should not have an automatic gearbox. We are aware of how great it shifts and sounds, but nothing comes close to driver-focused as a manual gearbox. There is something about it that puts the driver in total control of everything for this hot-hatch.
As far as faults and problems are concerned, there really aren't any to be found with the Hyundai Veloster N. If there were really any complaints to be had, it would be the sport suspension for being so stiff and unforgiving when it comes to driving on uneven and bumpy roads here in New Jersey. But it is New Jersey. The state should be taking care of these roads much better. As much as it is fun to drive in the corners, we could not help but cringe in fear and agony as we went over a poorly paved road.
Other than the suspension, the only problem that we could ever have had with the Veloster N would be that there are only 3 doors to get seated instead of the normal four. Last time we saw a car like this was the Mazda RX8. But we're sure there is a method to the madness. We just don't know it yet.
So, is the Veloster N worth the money? In short, yes it is. But to lengthily put it, the Veloster N does what a hot-hatchback should do: put a smile on your face while driving it around, be it spirited or daily driving. All the while turning everyone's heads and saying, "That's a Hyundai?!"
And even better is that the Veloster N comes with the famed Hyundai warranty everyone wants; the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. No other automotive manufacturer can beat that. Especially with a hot-hatchback with all of that power and fun. The Veloster N has set the bar for what a hot-hatchback should be. And for the price alone, it is way worth it.
Charles North VI is an automotive journalist as well as an automotive enthusiast. He enjoys road trips, be it near or far. He enjoys going to the track as well as working on his own cars. Or just carving mountain roads. Cars are his passion. You can find him driving around South Jersey, USA or in the Poconos in a personal car or press car.