Yep. That's the one, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the first-ever Veloster N, the 2X Spicy version of the Veloster that, sadly, the Koreans can't have. Pity...
So, what is then, this Veloster N? The Veloster N is the second high-performance model under Hyundai's new N range of high-performance cars which are "born in Namyang, honed in Nurburgring" as stated in its mantra. True to the mantra, it incorporates most of Hyundai's motorsports knowhow from the Nurburgring endurance and WRC and as a result, it features a unique suspension geometry and tuning ripe for a hot hatch of this caliber.
Under the hood, the Veloster N is powered by a heavily tuned 2.0L T-GDi engine producing over 275HP of power and 260 lb.-ft of torque. It is mated exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The Veloster N begins production in late 2018 in Ulsan, South Korea, and it will go on sale globally after that. However, it is unclear when will the Veloster N be sold to the South Korean market.
The Veloster N is starting to becoming the Veloster that should have been from the very beginning because like I said, the original Veloster is less spicy compared to European hot hatches. Now though, it's finally here and this really is the Veloster that should have been from the start but let's not jump to conclusions just yet because I need to examine this not-for-Korea 2X Spicy Veloster and since I'm at the Top Gear Track, it would be the ideal time to talk about the Veloster N.
Because of its unique suspension geometry and tuning provided by the development team of Hyundai's high performance division spearheaded by the man who used to work for BMW M, the Veloster N starting to feel like a racecar that tries to feel at home on the track but be warned though that because this is "honed at the Nurburgring", this car is going to be less comfortable than the standard Veloster when it's out this year but never mind that. We're on a track and since this is the N car I'm talking about, it will make you fall in love with this hot hatch the more you're spending time with it. The added power and suspension geometry sounds really nice for a spicy Veloster but because being front wheel drive, its mild and menacing dynamics will make you jack knife when it goes all out through the bends so you better make sure what you're doing every time it faces a corner.
I know, this car can jack knife me like lifting a full gallon of water at home but by having fun, the Veloster N never disappoints its drivers at ease. Anyway, since this Veloster N has sparked a war on words in the world of hot hatches, let's see if the Veloster N got what it takes to take on Europe's best so I organized a demonstration.
What I have here is a Golf R and what am I going to do is to see the difference between a fast Golf and a fast Veloster.
The Golf VII R did it in 1:27.691 while the Veloster N did it in 1:28.673 so that makes it awfully too close to call even though it was a second slower than the all-wheel drive hot Golf, but still the new Veloster N finally got what it takes to battle the world's best hot hatches.
The Veloster N may not be the best hot hatch in town but with its untapped potential, it's now ready to carve a whole new beginning, something that the original Veloster failed to impress from the very start. Like the first N car, this hot Veloster deserves a trip to Busan because the Koreans are itching to have one right now. Come on, Hyundai, bring the N cars to South Korea right now!
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