2020 Hyundai Veloster N Review by David Colman +VIDEO

2020 Hyundai Veloster N

This is the performance deal of 2020

By David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL

2020 Hyundai Veloster N

With their new N line of competition based offerings, Hyundai has taken speed management to the Nth degree. The Veloster N's status as the hot ticket in the sports coupe market is due to its ultra peaky turbo motor, and six speed manual transmission, a cleverly crafted combination that elevates driving from a chore to an exotic pleasure. The limitless size of the N's performance envelope was driven home by a memorable food shopping trip to Costco. We had stashed - safely we thought - a half gallon tub of chicken noodle in the sizeable trunk of the Veloster. The trip home was our first exposure to the phenomenal cornering power of this Hyundai. On a very twisty section of the coast route, my confidence in the Veloster's grip level grew with each turn. The N will easily exceed a full 1.0g in hard cornering, with absolutely no side slip, and no lean. The suspension glues the stiff chassis to the road in exemplary fashion.

Ultra sticky (TW 280) Pirelli P Zero "HN" tires (235/35R19) are made specifically for the Veloster N's available Performance Package. These gumballs suction the Veloster to the pavement without so much as a squeal. This little 2,795 lb coupe changes direction faster than a crab on steroids. Oh yes, that soup. Well, it probably erupted from the confines of its container after the first 1.0g turn. By the end of trip there was some cleaning to do, but believe me, the driving experience was worth every errant noodle.

2020 Hyundai Veloster N

Soon afterwards I discovered that I hadn't even maximized the full potential of the N. The stubby, fat rimmed steering wheel offers two large flip switches mounted below its horizontal spokes. The left side controls driving mode (Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport+). I had instinctively selected "Sport+" for the drive home from Costco, thinking that was the hot setup for back road bashing. After some investigation later, I realized that the paddle under the right spoke labeled "N" and identified with a checkered flag was the real key to converting the Veloster from an okay sports sedan to a racecar in one fell swoop.

2020 Hyundai Veloster N

When I was a kid, I loved a book called The Magic Bus. Pressing a button on the dashboard of that bus made it fly like a plane . Well, the N paddle on the Veloster is every bit the equal of that button on The Magic Bus. Press "N" and I guarantee your Veloster will fly. But you need to follow these directions. Select Sport+ Mode, then hit the N paddle and select "Custom" Mode on the 8 inch display touchscreen Now you can select the drive mode for each of 7 different parameters: Engine (choose Sport+), Rev Matching (Sport+), Electronic Limited Slip Differential (Sport), Suspension (Sport+), Electronic Stability Control (Sport or Off if you are brave) and Exhaust Sound (Sport+). Once you have followed this recipe, the Veloster N turns into a wickedly fast, snarling beast of a sports sedan that is ready to fly.

After just one year of competition, the TCR version of the Veloster N street car has racked up an impressive series of successes in road racing. Topping the list is the year-long IMSA championship Brian Herta's Veloster team notched up in the Touring Class of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup. Tyler Maxson drove a Hyundai Veloster N TCR to the GTX class win in SCCA's 2019 National Championship at Road Atlanta. These are especially notable wins for a new model. Our test N which carried a modest list price of $27,400, had been upgraded with an equally bargain worthy $2,100 Performance Package. This added a set of special 8.0Jx19 inch alloy rims mounting those Pirelli "HN" tires. Additionally, the option group ups horsepower of the twin scroll turbocharged engine from 260hp to 275hp. The differential is upgraded to an "N Corner Carving" unit, the front brakes increase to 13.6 inch front rotors and 12.4 inch rear rotors, and the engine is fitted with a variable exhaust valve system that spits and hisses like a viper on the overrun when you opt for Custom Sport+.

2020 Hyundai Veloster N

Our Veloster was bedecked with a full inventory of aerodynamic devices, including an expansive front splitter, an enormous roof mounted rear spoiler, cooling slots behind the front fenders and in front of the rear fenders, and a series of vortex strakes to promote airflow beneath the rear bumper. Racing Red was the perfect color choice for this ultra hot model. The rather sedate black interior features very high sided front bucket seats which offer great lateral support. Hyundai has chosen Lavender to complement the car's otherwise black interior. Those steering wheel's Mode and N paddles are lavender, as are the seat belts and the detail stitching on the doors and seat seams.

Without question the Performance Package equipped Veloster N, at an all-in price of $30,430, is the performance deal of 2020. For the price of just the optional full leather on a Porsche 911, you can buy a Hyundai pocket rocket that will run away from that mega expensive Porsche on just about any back road.

2020 HYUNDAI VELOSTER N

ENGINE: 2.0 liter inline 4, twin scroll turbo GDI
HORSEPOWER: 275hp
TORQUE: 260lb.-ft.
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 22MPG City/29 MPG Highway
PRICE AS TESTED: $30,430

HYPES: Absolute Rocket Ship

GRIPES: Very Limited Rear Visibility

STAR RATING: 10+ Stars out of 10