Hyundai Veloster 2019 gets makeover with hotter N version

Quirkiness was the Hyundai Veloster’s signature dish. The first generation of the Korean hatch was acclaimed for the bold 1-door-on-one-side and 2-on-the-other design. Fast forward 7 years, and a second generation has been unveiled at the 2018 Detroit Motor Show which carries over the same level of eccentricity but in an even more impressive package that includes a very hot Veloster N.

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster has grown in length and breadth compared to the original model that came out in 2011. The changes made to the front of the car translates to a longer hood and sharper fenders which also come with “air curtains” that help with aerodynamics. At the rear, the Veloster retains the centre mounted exhaust. Saving the best of the Veloster for the last, the driver’s side still features a long coupe-like door for while the passenger side gets two proper doors.

Under the hood, the engine options include a 2.0-litre inline-four engine with 147 hp and 179 Nm which is offered with base models. This gives a power edge of 15 hp over the old 1.6-litre base engine. The Veloster Turbo gets a 1.6-litre turbo-four with 201 hp and 264 Nm. Both the engines can be paired with a six-speed manual. Automatic gearbox options include a six-speed automatic for the base model and a seven-speed dual clutch for the Turbo.

The rear suspension underwent a major makeover. A new multi-link arrangement borrowed from the Elantra GT is used as a replacement for the older torsion-bar setup.

The interior of the 2019 Veloster also adapts the asymmetric language similar to the exterior. An optional infinity sound system is offered along with standard charge ports. Wireless charging can also be added as an option.

If the Veloster Turbo doesn’t open your adrenaline floodgates, there is also the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N. Following the trails set by the Hyundai i30N, the Veloster N was developed at the Nürburgring.

Powering the N is a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine that churns out a very healthy 275 hp and 362 Nm. This mill can be paired only with a six-speed manual gearbox that comes with a stronger clutch to endure the beating by all those horses. It will also have an automatic rev-matching system.

The front suspension is also tuned with a zero-scrub design that helps in minimising torque steer. The adaptive suspension can also adjust itself according to the drive mode selected. An electronic limited slip differential will keep the Veloster N’s dynamics in check.

Visually the Veloster N stands out thanks to the screaming “Performance Blue” paint and the aggressive bodywork. There are new side skirts, a larger exhaust, a rear diffuser, and a bigger spoiler.

The Veloster N is a much-needed addition to the Veloster range as it combines the Veloster’s show with some fitting go. The 2019 Hyundai Veloster range will start hitting the showrooms from the end of 2018, although it remains to be seen if the N model is offered in the UAE and GCC.