10 Things You Need to Know About the 2020 Hyundai Veloster N

2019 Hyundai Veloster N Blue Driving ・ Photo by Hyundai

Hot little hatchbacks — also called sport compacts — have been around since the 1970s, and the class has fallen in and out of fashion over the decades. Powerful, affordable, and usually front-wheel drive, these hot hatches have had a recent resurgence, and one of the hottest is the 2020 Hyundai Veloster N.

Much like BMW’s M Division, or AMG at Mercedes-Benz, N is Hyundai’s recently created in-house speed shop and it’s responsible for adding power and handling to its mainstream models. The turbocharged Veloster N, which competes with the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Golf GTI, is its latest product. More are on the way, including the Sonata N-Line and souped-up versions of its SUVs. Here are 10 things you need to know about the 2020 Hyundai Veloster N.

1. It's a performance bargain.

Introduced just last year, the 2020 Hyundai Veloster N is an impressive high-performance value. It sits at the top of the Veloster range, which is extensive, and offers considerably more horsepower and performance than the 201-horsepower Turbo R-Spec, Turbo, and Turbo Ultimate models.

It also offers more horsepower than its main rivals, the Honda Civic Si and VW Golf GTI. Although the Honda costs a few grand less than the Hyundai — which has a base price of $28,575 including a $975 destination fee — the Civic’s 205 horsepower is a far cry from the Veloster’s output. The engineers at N have cranked up its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to 250 horsepower, and there’s even a 275 horsepower version available for an additional $2,100. That makes it the most powerful hot hatch around for the money. The Honda Civic Type R is significantly more powerful, but it costs over $38,000.

Photo by Hyundai

2. It's only available with a manual transmission.

Although manual transmissions are getting scarce these days, they’re still the norm in this class. Like the Honda Civic Si, the 2020 Hyundai Veloster N is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox. Volkswagen, however, does offer a two-pedal version of the Golf GTI; the VW is available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Don’t let the Veloster N’s third pedal scare you off. This sport compact is easy to drive with a light clutch and an accurate shifter with short throws. The transmission’s lower gears are tightly spaced so the engine’s powerband is easily exploited, while its top two ratios offer relaxed highway cruising. It also features a hill-hold system, which keeps it from rolling backward on steep hills, and downshift rev-matching that’s extremely precise.

Photo by Hyundai

3. An automatic transmission will be available soon.

If you just gotta have an automatic, sit on your hands a few more months. Hyundai has announced the Veloster N will soon be available with an all-new N eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission called N DCT. It will offer full automatic operation, as well as steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and several unique features.

Launch control will be included, and Hyundai says N Grin Shift (NGS) mode will trigger an overboost feature for the turbocharger, momentarily increasing torque and quickening the transmission's response for 20 seconds. Accelerate with more than 90 percent throttle, and N Power Shift (NPS) can mitigate any reduction in torque by using upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels for improved response and acceleration. The automatic transmission's N Track Sense Shift (NTS) will discern when road conditions are optimal for dynamic driving and activate automatically, selecting the right gear and shift timing for optimal performance.

Photo by Hyundai

4. It's fast.

For maximum performance and thrust, don’t hesitate to spend the extra $2,100 for the Performance Package. It cranks up the power of the Veloster N’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder from 250 horsepower at 6,000 rpm to 275. The torque peak remains 260 lb-ft at just 1,450 rpm, so there’s plenty of punch off the line.

The package also includes an electronically controlled limited-slip differential for more traction, a slightly shorter final-drive ratio for quicker response, and bigger tires, which grow from 225/40R18 to 235/35R19. Wind out its engine and click off gears at its 6,750-rpm redline, and the Veloster can hit 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. Hyundai says it will be even quicker with the new N DCT automatic transmission and launch control.

Photo by Hyundai

5. It looks fast.

Hyundai’s designers have also given the Veloster N its only design elements. It isn’t exactly understated, but they didn’t go overboard. They didn't slather its exterior with too many wings and things. The model does get red trim and an exclusive N-design front fascia with a blacked-out grille and large air ducts for better brake cooling. LED headlamps are standard.

N-design rocker side sills dress its flanks, and Hyundai offers a sharp looking set of 19-inch wheels with dual-spokes and a machined-finish star design. Ultra-high performance summer tires are also standard. Michelin Pilot SuperSports are fitted on the 18-inch wheels, and exclusive-compound Pirelli P-Zeros are included in the Performance Package. The rear is dressed with LED tail lamps, a larger N-design rear spoiler, a more aggressive rear fascia with integrated diffuser, and larger dual exhaust tips.

Photo by Hyundai

6. It sounds fast.

The Hyundai Veloster N also has one of the best-sounding engines in this class. A multi-mode, high-flow active sport exhaust system with a variable exhaust actuator is standard. In the normal setting, it offers a satisfying but subtle hum. You know its there, but it’s in the background.

Push the steering wheel button for N mode, however, and it gets rowdy with a deep rumble and racecar-like crackles and pops during the gear changes. It’s loud, but not obnoxious. Hyundai has also fitted the Veloster N with an Electronic Sound Generator, which it says enhances the natural powertrain sound for an even sportier driving resonance. In other words, some of what your hearing inside the cabin is artificially amplified for your entertainment. BMW and other brands have similar systems.

Photo by Hyundai

7. It handles extremely well.

Everything from the Veloster’s steering effort to the firmness of its suspension is adjustable from the driver’s seat. There are five drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N (track), and Custom, which allows you to pick and choose your favorites settings for ride quality, steering heft, stability control parameters, and exhaust sound. You can even tune the behavior of its limited-slip differential to your liking. 

At only around 3,000 lbs, the Veloster N is light and fun to toss into corners. It has impressive grip, excellent suspension control, and precise steering. It corners flat, and the Performance Package adds slightly larger brake rotors for improved stopping ability. It also rides well. In Normal mode, the suspension doesn’t knock you around, so it’s a pleasant car to drive every day.

Photo by Hyundai

8. It has a unique three-door design.

Every Hyundai Veloster features a unique three-door design. On the passenger side, there are two conventional doors, which makes accessing the hatchback’s rear seat easier. But there’s only one door on the driver’s side, so it looks sportier as you approach the vehicle. Innovative? Maybe. Clever? Sure. A bit weird? Yup. Don’t sweat it. It’s subtle. Your neighbors won’t even notice unless you tell them.

To further improve its handling and response, Hyundai reinforces the Veloster N’s body. It gets additional welds and structural braces not found on the other Veloster models. Buyers should also know that it’s a four-seater.

Photo by Hyundai

9. It's spacious and comfortable.

If your friends are under 6 feet tall, the Veloster’s rear seat will accommodate them comfortably. Taller folks will find its headroom to be limited. The front seat is even more spacious, and the Hyundai’s cockpit is attractive, ergonomically designed, very well crafted, and filled with technology. The seats are very comfortable, but also bolstered to hold you in place when you’re driving hard.

Along with the new automatic transmission, Hyundai will also soon offer a set of new lighter sport seats with a light-up N logo on the backrest. They’ll also be heated. The Veloster’s 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seat is more than you get in a Honda Civic Si or a VW GTI.

Photo by Hyundai

10. It doesn't offer many active driver aids.

Unlike other Veloster models, the 2020 Veloster N doesn’t come with Hyundai’s SmartSense safety technologies. Driver aids like a forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver attention warning, lane-following assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a rear cross-traffic alert, and rain-sensing wipers aren’t available on the N. That's strange considering several of these systems are standard on the base Veloster 2.0 model.

The Veloster's rivals also get many of these technologies standard. The Honda Civic Si comes standard with automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, while the VW Golf GTI comes standard with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring with a rear cross-traffic alert.

Photo by Hyundai