Auto review by Veeno Dewan
The Hyundai Veloster has always been a left- field sort of car with its low, sleek hatchback styling and three door configurations putting two doors on the passenger side and just one door on the other. The zig zag fender lines, and wide shoulders have given it a unique look. 2022 continues with the Veloster “N” Line performance treatment with chassis and suspension tuning, brake upgrades, unique wheels, and body mods, as well as special interior touches. For the curious, the “N – Line” stands for the Veloster’s development centre in Namyang, Korea, and the famous Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany, where the cars are developed, tuned, and tested.
Key features on the Veloster N-Line include an uprated turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. It makes 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque which is more than adequate. A six-speed manual is the standard gearbox, now joined by an available eight-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters. There is an as standard: electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), with continuously variable four-valve adjustable suspension. Meanwhile steering, throttle response, and ESC are programmable. The stability control and the automatic rev-matching downshifts can be fully disabled. There are five drive modes and larger front and rear brakes. The 19-inch lightweight wheels feature red painted brake calipers. A large rear wing and multitude of vents and trim pieces add to the go-faster look, while tastefully executed LED low-beam headlights and taillights finish off the look.
Inside the Veloster N’s unique features include cool bucket seats with light-up N logos and blue seat belts plus blue accent features to distinguish the cabin.
The Veloster N arrives with such standard features as: heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, LED lights, keyless entry with push-button start, automatic climate control, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The front cabin is roomy enough, the rear less so, but not totally cramped. The interior is a sea of severe black plastic and need some livening up. There is 565 L of cargo space and the rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split. A few bits of color and accent pieces are sorely need here as it is so drab. Love the blue seatbelts though! When it comes to safety, the Veloster arrives with as standard: forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane following assistance.
On the road, the Veloster N- Line is a real bundle of fun especially with the standard transmission. On starting up and driving off, the exhaust gives off some rally style pops and burps. Acceleration is brisk and it is a joy to row through the close ratio six- speed gearbox. The well-modulated clutch has a decent enough biting point and is an easy, forgiving unit. The 285 horsepower four – cylinder engine pulls very quickly and works well in conjunction with the smooth shifting gear box with its slick, well -timed action. On the corners, the Veloster feels very well planted, and you can really go hard in on full apex. You can of course customize the drive parameters with the five different drive modes. Default Normal mode offers a more comfortable, well controlled drive over normal roads. Sport mode livens things up and the exhaust note also becomes a tad excitable. The steering also becomes stiffer, and the suspension tightens up for even more precise cornering. N mode, operated by the blue button on the steering wheel offers the most performance at the expense of comfort, as the ride becomes firmer. N Custom mode meanwhile allows drivers to play with the engine, transmission, and chassis settings to your hearts content. Overall, once you get used to the cars potential you can have endlessly satisfying driving experiences.
Not a lot to complain about, A few tech options are not available, the interior needs a mainly cosmetic upgrade to match the exterior. Fuel economy is so- so, the N is officially rated at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) 12.0 L/100 km in the city, 8.6 on the highway, and 10.5 combined for the automatic and 10.6 L/100 km in the city, 8.3 on the highway, and 9.5 combined for the manual equipped car.
Like all Hyundai’s, the value in the Veloster N Line is excellent. The automatic equipped Veloster N starts at $39,499 and the manual at $37,899. The performance is very high for what you get, and the N is temptingly cheaper than its rivals. The Veloster N Line will be limited edition car, but if you manage to get your hands on one, it is the real deal for performance fans.
2022 Hyundai Veloster N Line priced from $37,899 – $39,499. Plus $1,725 destination. More info at www.hyundai.ca
