The ‘N’ stands for awesome – The all-new 2019 Hyundai Veloster is here!
There’s only one car you can buy in the U.S. market with a 2+1 door configuration – the Hyundai Veloster. The first-generation model first debuted in 2011, and it’s pretty long in the tooth by now. Hyundai knows that, but they wanted to take their time getting the replacement for this unique hatchback right. Now, the all-new 2019 Veloster is here. But that’s not all! With the advent of this new generation, there’s a new hot version – the Hyundai Veloster N.
New Design
Before we get to that, let’s go over the overall design for the new Veloster. Hyundai retained the unique 3-door design, wherein there’s one door on the driver’s side, and two on the passenger side. The new Veloster features a wider, more aggressive grille than the first generation, flanked by all new available LED headlights and running lights. Befitting Hyundai’s newer models, the company’s signature cascade grille shape also makes an appearance here.
Even in its Turbo and R-Spec guise, the Veloster looks a more dynamic, assertive car than before. Bulges in the hood, flared wheel arches, and available 18-inch wheels culminate to produce a bolder aesthetic. Around the back, the Veloster’s dynamic design finishes off with chrome exhaust tips – as a single outlet for the 2.0-liter model, or dual-outlets for the Turbo and R-Spec trims.
Powertrains and dynamics
In the normal Veloster, you get a choice of two engines. Base models house a naturally-aspirated, 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine that puts out 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. If you opt for this engine, you can also have it with a six-speed electronically-controlled automatic or a six-speed manual.
Turbo models include a turbocharged 1.6-liter Gamma engine that pumps out 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Even better, there’s a special “over-boost” function that bumps the torque up to 202 ft-lb under full throttle. The Veloster turbo has a best-in-class output of 125.6 horsepower per liter. The turbo comes paired to a six-speed manual or Hyundai’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
All Veloster models feature Torque Vectoring Control (TVC), which utilizes the Electronic Stability Control and wheel-speed sensors to aid in hot hatch shenanigans around the corners. Hyundai also gave the new Veloster Turbo a quicker steering rack and recalibrated the steering to give drivers more precise feedback and control.
Watch Out, Focus and Golf: The Veloster N has your number
The normal redesigned Veloster is all well and good. But let’s face it – you weren’t waiting for that one, were you? We weren’t either. The one we were most interested in is this: The 2019 Hyundai Veloster N.
Yes, the ‘N’. We at TFLcar love hot hatchbacks, and this model well and truly brings Hyundai into the hot hatch arena. Squaring off against the likes of the Focus ST and Golf GTI, the Veloster N comes armed with more than just extra bodywork. There’s more power. A lot more power. Try 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, all from a turbocharged 2.0-liter mill. As with its main rivals, the Veloster N routes power to the front wheels by way of a six-speed manual and an electronic limited slip differential.
Don’t think the chassis and suspension can’t cope with that power either. Hyundai’s ‘N’ Performance division added an electronically-controlled suspension setup, a rear strut brace, and Michelin Pilot SuperSport tires on 18-inch wheels, or Pirelli P-Zeros on the optional 19-inch wheels.
Looks (and sound) to match the oomph
You’d expect a hot hatch to sport a more vigorous appearance, and you’d be right in this case. The Veloster N has a rear spoiler housing a cool triangular third brake light, a front splitter, and a rear diffuser, in addition to a bright blue paint scheme. Not only that, but the Veloster N is properly loud.
UPDATE 1/15/18: According to a recent press release, the Hyundai Veloster will make a Hollywood debut in Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp, in theaters July 16, 2018.
UPDATE TWO 1/15/18: In another press release, Hyundai revealed that the Veloster and Veloster N will be available virtually as part of a free downloadable content pack for Forza Motorsport 7 on Windows 10 and Xbox One tomorrow (1/16).
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