5 Things We Love About The 2020 Hyundai Veloster N

• 2020 Veloster N starts at $35,049 in Canada, $27,600 in the US.

• The Hyundai Veloster N is the quintessential hot hatch.

• The Veloster N will be the only Veloster available in Canada for 2021.

The Hyundai Veloster launched in 2011 for the 2012 model year, and it did what was expected of it. Volume for the quirky compact 3-door (4-door?) was never in the cards however its uniqueness drew many a curious shopper to Hyundai showrooms. The 2^nd generation launched for the 2019 model year and with it came the super N.

The Veloster’s real potential was tapped when Hyundai introduced the N. It was the first example of Hyundai’s sporty “N” sub-brand and it is universally appreciated.

The plans for the Hyundai Veloster, and its various versions, are very different between Canada and the US. Up north, the Veloster N was only ever offered as a loaded one-trim car and complemented the regular Veloster and Veloster Turbo. The latter two models will no longer be offered as of 2021.

In the US, the Veloster N was sold as a “base” model with an optional performance pack, alongside the regular Veloster and Veloster Turbo. Going into 2021, the latter two versions return unchanged while the Veloster N will henceforth be delivered with the performance pack as standard.

While we might miss the base and Turbo Hyundai Veloster in Canada, we’re thankful the brightest star in its lineup will carry on.

Here are the five reasons why we will always love the Hyundai Veloster N:

Dares to be different:

The Hyundai Veloster’s design is truly unique and could be considered an acquired taste. Even so, from the get-go, the Veloster was penned to stand out and strike up conversations. The passenger-side rear door being exhibit “A”. Sometimes risks like the Veloster pay off, occasionally they fail.

With the “N” treatment, the Veloster piques even more curiosity if mostly for its loud exhaust note… But seriously, the 19-inch wheels, deeply aggressive front fascia and massive rear spoiler are visual cues of the car’s performance.

Handling:

Nearly all mechanical aspects of the Veloster N can be tailored to the driver’s taste, including damping and the electronically-controlled limited-slip differential. The electronically-controlled suspension can be set from decently compliant to body-roll resisting at will. The differential features true torque-vectoring to get the car through a corner or bend as quickly as possible.

Power and shifting:

The turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder packs quite punch. With 275 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque on tap from 1,450 to 4,700 rpm, the Veloster N pulls hard.

The Hyundai Veloster N is another rare car that needs to be driven with skill in order to be fully appreciated. The short-throw shifter and brisk clutch friction point need to be synchronized with dexterity for the best experience. For 2021, the Veloster N will the available with an 8-speed DCT which will be an option for those who prefer two pedals and paddles.

Driving mode:

There are no fewer than five drive modes available at the driver’s fingertips at all times. There’s an ECO mode (for some reason…), Normal and Sport. Things get serious when going through the N mode button on the steering wheel. While it delivers the optimal performance setting for a track event, for example, the Custom mode is the most interesting.

Through it, the driver can set steering weight, engine mapping, damper firmness, exhaust sound, and stability control. When set and getting into the car, double-clicking on the “N” mode checkered-flag button becomes a great habit.

Value-packed:

At $35,049 in Canada, and $29,700 in the US with the Performance pack, the 2020 Veloster N is a technology and performance-packed bargain.

No other car in the segment will give you this many go-fast bits and an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android auto, an Infinity audio system, a heated steering wheel (Canada), satellite radio, keyless entry, LED head- and taillights, and more. A comparably-equipped Volkswagen GTI Autobahn starts at $36,745 (in Canada) and isn’t this quick.

2020 Hyundai Veloster N

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