2020 Hyundai Veloster N Review

Hot hatch alert! The 2020 Hyundai Veloster is a fun-to-drive affordable car packed with flair, rally-ready performance and its signature three-door hatchback style.

The Veloster N has an upgraded turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (250 hp, 260 lb-ft), six-speed manual transmission, N-specific suspension tuning with adaptive dampers, performance brakes and front sport seats. The optional Performance package gets you an extra 25 horsepower, a limited-slip front differential, 19-inch alloy wheels, and even bigger brakes.

While the engine and transmission are really that good, what stands out most about the Veloster N is the way it handles. Powering through corners so neutrally, you’ll forget it is front-drive. The impressively designed suspension and aggressive differential combine to make the Veloster N an efficient and accurate cornering tool.

The EPA rates the Veloster N at 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

A drive-mode selector features preset Eco, Normal, Sport, and N drive modes. The N Custom mode allows you to customize settings for the engine’s throttle response, the standard adaptive dampers, the limited-slip diff, the selectable engine rev matching, the stability control, the steering weight, and the exhaust.

The infotainment system is easy to operate with large shortcut buttons and a responsive screen. An Infinity premium audio system with seven speakers plus a subwoofer is standard; it features SiriusXM satellite radio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. There’s also a Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition and Hyundai’s Blue Link Connected Care and Remote package.

Inside, the Veloster N is fairly spacious for front occupants with a good amount of headroom and legroom. The cargo area comes in at just under 20 cubic feet.

The third door is no gimmick either. It saves rear passengers the contortions often necessary to get in and out of a regular two-door sport coupe.

Why it makes us happy: The Veloster N impresses as a sporty hatchback with good technology and utility.