2019 Hyundai Veloster N Track Review: Is “N” the New “M”?

How does Hyundai’s first U.S.-market N hatch perform on the track?

Sadly for those hot hatch enthusiasts out there, examples of the breed are becoming few and far between. Ford discontinued the Focus in the U.S., so we’ll no longer have the ST or the RS to satisfy our appetites. That just left Volkswagen and Honda with the hot Golfs and Civic Type R, until now. Enter the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N – the first U.S.-market performance model from Hyundai’s new N division.

At the top of the brand’s N division is former BMW M head Albert Biermann. Here, he had a chance to help create the top rung of the 2019 Veloster line, with the Veloster N being the most powerful, hardcore variant. Sitting above the normal Turbo, this model has a larger 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The N’s new heart produces 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. That power comes mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. Like the Civic Type R and recently departed Focus RS, the manual is your only option here.

Hyundai also tuned the Veloster N’s suspension geometry and steering for a more precise, direct feel. The car comes standard with 13.0-inch front rotors and 11.8-inch rear rotors, with even larger brakes available as an option.

Still an everyday hatchback

“That is, I think, the uniqueness of the Veloster N. It covers a wide range of driving character, from race track driving to going to the office every day, going to the grocery store,” Biermann says of Hyundai’s newest hot hatch. Even with all the go-faster bits, the Veloster N maintains the standard car’s 2+1 door setup and hatchback practicality. It returns 22 City / 28 Highway / 25 Combined mpg, so it’s not too hard on fuel either.

Hyundai’s first N division hatch on our shores will hit dealers later this fall. Find out more about the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N in the video above! Check out TFLcar and TFLnow for more news, views and hot hatch, hot lap reviews.