For those not in the know, Hyundai N is the South Korean manufacturer’s performance sub-brand, who’ve given us creations such as the i30 N and i30 Fastback N. For 2020, Hyundai Motors added another model to its N collection and then some.
But first the new addition. The N sub-brand grows with the debut of the Veloster N. However, the little hot hatch will not be getting the bigger 2.5-litre turbo engine as was previously rumoured but rather it uses the same 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder we’re all familiar with.
Hyundai’s press release did not state the power output of the engine but we reckon it would make 186kW in standard form and up to 205kW in Performance guise. The turbo lump will also chuck out an additional 7 percent more torque, from 353Nm up to 377Nm. The torque jump comes courtesy of a turbo overboost function. Visit our Showroom for the best deal on your next brand-new Hyundai N and take up our Best Price Challenge.
Furthermore, while the performance sub-brand has been offering its performance cars (and non-N cars) with a six-speed manual, they have also been busy developing an automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The ultra-fast shifting box means the Veloster N hits 100km/h from standstill in just 5.6 seconds. The brand says that it will offer DCT on the i30 N and i30 fastback N from early 2021.
But back to the DCT. The unit we have in the Veloster N has eight ratios and is a wet clutch unit. The operative word there being wet. The wet clutch DCT unit means it uses oil to significantly improve lubrication and cooling performance as compared to a dry clutch unit.
Additionally, the fast Veloster is equipped with something called N Power Shift (NPS), which engages when you stab the accelerator pedal, thereby mitigating any reduction in torque by using upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels. This gives the driver a responsive feeling of dynamic acceleration when shifting, claims the brand. The DCT box also comes with tech such N Track Sense (NTS), which helps control gear shifts depending on the situation.
All the Veloster N’s gizmos can be configured and viewed via the larger 8-inch HD touchscreen display. The screen also dishes out infotainment and is paired to a JBL-sourced premium stereo system, which should keep audiophiles happy.
While the Veloster N is all about performance – as most hot hatches are – it also comes stuffed to the brim with safety tech. It gets the brand’s SmartSense suite which includes Front Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW).
“Veloster N demonstrates Hyundai’s approach to high-performance cars. By equipping Veloster N with N DCT, drivers get performance and convenience at the same time,” said Thomas Schemera, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor. “Anyone who wants a fun driving experience will jump at the chance to pilot the new Veloster N – an everyday sports car with racetrack capabilities.”
The Hyundai Veloster N will first go on sale in the South Korean domestic market this month, followed up by other markets. But, there’s a bit of bad news. “Whilst the Veloster N is not sold in Australia, the all-new N 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (N DCT) will be available on i30 N and i30 Fastback N models from early 2021” said Hyundai. Bummer.
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