“2020 Hyundai Veloster N”
Hyundai’s Hottest Hatch
OVERVIEW
Hyundai’s unique Veloster Hatchback was first introduced in 2012. The Hyundai Veloster was and still is a three-door asymmetrical four passenger hatch back coupe featuring a rear hatch with a single door on the driver’s side and two conventionally opening doors on the passenger side with the rear door actually hidden. It was originally designed to be a “gateway halo” or entry level vehicle for the brand, but it has evolved significantly since its debut by following with a Veloster Turbo model and more recently, a Hyundai Veloster N version.
The Veloster N was the first vehicle to emerge from Hyundai’s N performance brand for the United States market. it was immediately impressive with its continued quirky form, rally-capable performance, and, in particular, its reasonably affordable price tag.
QUIRKY YOUTHFUL STYLING
While a three-door hatch coupe in right-hand drive markets, the passenger door will move from right to left. Veloster comes with Hyundai’s bold signature hexagonal mesh grille; LED headlight accents and black “A”-pillars. Hyundai’s “Fluidic” sculptured lines join athletic, pronounced wheel arches fore and aft, body-color door handles and mirrors, as well as wraparound headlights and available, 18-inch alloy wheels all combining and adding to the unusual coupe’s sporty exterior image. Piano black accents complement the front-end look with red-accented lower intakes.
The design is the result of a collaborative effort by Hyundai designers from Seoul, South Korea and the U.S. Design Center in Irvine, CA. The latest iteration Velosters showcase a comprehensive redesign of both the exterior and interior, along with a host of new and improved infotainment and connectivity features.
The Veloster’s shape is focused on dynamic, muscular performance, exhibiting enhanced proportions and volume. Wheel arches and fenders are pronounced, and the cowl and “A” pillars are positioned further aft, connecting the hood and belt lines. The lowered roofline arches gracefully aft to a two-stage integrated spoiler lip, inboard of the wraparound tail lamps, topped by a seriously more radical affair. The rear also features a blacked out diffuser with dual chrome tip round exhaust outlets. A backup camera and backup warning sensors are optionally available.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Moving into the cabin, the interior design continues to draw its inspiration from sport motorcycles, with the dynamic center fascia taken from the tank, the air vent design drawn from mechanically styled, wide mufflers, while the floor console delivers a sporty and sleek profile. Additionally, there’s a Multimedia touch screen, a technical, non-reflective grain on the IP, and stylish, silver-colored grab handles and other trim accents. A proximity key with push-button start is available as is body color and black combination seating, which requires manual adjustment.
Hyundai’s next-generation Blue Link® connected Car System is offered, featuring three years of complimentary Blue Link services, with enhanced safety, diagnostic, remote and guidance services. Blue Link features can be accessed via buttons on the rearview mirror, the MyHyundai.com web portal, the Blue Link smartphone app, the Amazon® Alexa Blue Link skill, and the Blue Link Google Assistant app. Some features may be controlled via Android Wear™ and Apple Watch™ smartwatch apps. The latest release of the Blue Link smartphone app includes: widgets for easy access to remote features, the ability to send Point-of-Interest data to vehicle navigation system (if so equipped) and access to Blue Link notification settings.
Innovative storage abounds with front map pockets with bottle holders, overhead sunglass storage, front and rear cup holders with storage consoles, a dual-tiered armrest storage box, front seatback storage pockets and front and rear armrest storage pockets. There are two levels of audio systems as well, with Gracenote technology and Pandora. There’s also Bluetooth with voice recognition, cruise control and steering wheel audio controls. A spacious 15.5 cubic-feet of cargo space resides beneath the hatch.
Safety features for the Veloster N include: six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control with integrated Traction Control, Hillstart Assist Control (DCT only), ABS with EBD and Brake Assist.
POTENT PROPULSION
Motive force for the 2020 Veloster N model comes from a transversely front mounted 2.0-liter DOHC, 16-valve. Twin-scroll Turbo GDI E-CVVT 4-Cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower at 6,000 rpm along with 260 pound feet of torque at 1,450 rpm. Energy is geared to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual gearbox with a dry single plate clutch with diaphragm and an EcoShift indicator featuring and selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, N, N Custom. Also rev mat chiong and Hill Start Assist, or a seven-speed EcoShift DCT automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, a SHIFTRONIC™ manual shift mode and torque converter.
The Veloster N has only one trim and only one option: a $2100 Performance package that adds an electronic limited-slip front differential, a variable exhaust-valve system, 19-inch wheels, and 25 extra horsepower for a total of 275, but even without the Performance Package, there’s still plenty of fun on tap.
AS TESTED
My test 2020 Hyundai Veloster N wore a Racing Red exterior finish with Black Rockers and spoiler and a Black interior.. The base sticker was set at $27,400., which bumped up to $30,430. after factoring in the Performance Package and the Inland Freight and Handling Charge.
The 2020 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Ultimate represents an incredible value in a compact vehicle that is not only innovative, but displays an extremely, (even if somewhat radical) appeal in its appearance, especially from the rear and side views. It comes with an impressive inventory of standard features and technology, while offering an impressive array of option packaging that provides enhancements for personalization desires and requirements.
The ride quality is compliant, even with 18-inch wheels and tires, and the handling characteristics are sporty indeed. The power that’s put out by the 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged motor is decidedly more than adequate, and should satisfy those with the need for more speed. The Turbo is obviously superior to the non-turbo. The only negative issue encountered was the rear seat access and room for tall individuals acrobatic ingress and egress is required.
THE FINAL TAKE
In the final analysis, this latest iteration Hyundai Veloster TuNrbo is a most impressive compact vehicle that’s sure to fill the bill for those seeking a sporty, yet economic, compact and technologically innovative vehicle, and its price is really reasonable considering the content level. The N model most definitely ups the ante in the performance department with its sport-tuned steering and suspension.
The N Custom mode enables custom-tailoring settings for throttle response, the adaptive dampers, limited-slip differential, selectable engine rev matching, stability control, the steering weight, and the exhaust. The N’s adaptive dampers deliver a firm and choppy ride; even in their lightest default setting. To smooth it out for a fun ride that’s also comfortable, cranking most of the dials up to 11 and adjusting the dampers and exhaust works well in balancing the N’s performance for civilized commuting.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2020 Hyundai Veloster N
Base Price: $27,400.
Price as Tested: $30,430.
Engine Type and Size: 2.0-liter Turbo GDI E-CVVT 4-Cylinder DOHC, 16-valve.
Horsepower (bhp): 250 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 260 @ 1,450 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual with overdrive.and selectable drove modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, N, N Custom. Also rev matching and Hill Start Assist.
Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / Front-wheel drive.
Suspension: Front – Independent, MacPherson struts with coil springs, gas-filled hydraulic twin-tube shock absorbers, and 24mm stabilizer bar.
Rear – Multi-Link with Hydraulic twin-tube Gas-Filled Shock absorbers.
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs (vented front) with ABS, ESC, EBD and BA.
Tires: Pirelli P-Zero P235/35 YR 19 mounted on 5-triangular hole machine face with painted inners.
Wheelbase: 104.3 inches
Length Overall: 166.9 inches
Width: 71.3 inches-without mirrors
Height: 55.1 inches
Curb Weight: 3,036 lbs.
Turning Circle: 38.0 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 25 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.33
0 – 60 mph: 5.5 seconds
# # #