2019 Hyundai Veloster N: This Is Hyundai's Hottest Ever Hatch
Hyundai is nearly ready to show off its second-generation Veloster hatchback, but the hotly anticipated Veloster N performance variant wasn't slated to make an appearance quite yet. Well, that was the case, anyway, until we found a photo of the Veloster N on Hyundai's own website. So here's our first official look at the 2019 Veloster N in all of its hot-hatchback glory.
As anticipated, the Veloster N shares much of its aesthetic with the Europe-market i30 N, a hotted-up version of the Elantra GT that we won't get in the States. The Veloster N's attractive Performance Blue paint is the same, as are the bits of red trim on the front fascia and side skirts. An N badge is visible in the grille, denoting this as part of Hyundai's new performance sub-brand; it'll sit above the Veloster Turbo in the lineup.
We expect the Veloster N to share its mechanicals with the i30 N, too, which would mean a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 271 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine powers the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, and a limited-slip differential is standard equipment. Additional performance features—adaptive dampers, launch-control capability, automatic rev matching, and a variable exhaust—should be on the menu, too.
Official confirmation of such details will have to wait until Hyundai decides to share more about the Veloster N. But this funky little three-door with legitimate performance credentials is shaping up to be an enticing competitor to the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and R and the Honda Civic Si and Type R.
