[Taboleo] The Joy of Driving in Everyday Life... Hyundai Veloster N

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The Veloster N holds significant symbolism within Hyundai Motor Group. It is a vehicle that has elevated Hyundai's presence by proving that high-performance models offering driving enjoyment are not exclusive to imported cars. Its sales performance is also quite good. Last year, half of the 2,175 Velosters sold domestically were the high-performance N models. Recently, it seems Hyundai has started to be a bit more ambitious with the Veloster N. They have added an automatic transmission DCT model to the Veloster N lineup, which was previously only available with a manual transmission. I test-drove the Veloster N DCT to see if Hyundai’s strategy to capture both driving enjoyment and mass appeal can resonate with customers.

How about the exterior and interior design?

▲ Actually, the '2020 Veloster N' underwent a product enhancement this time. Since it was neither a facelift nor a full model change, there were no major changes. The exterior design is especially almost indistinguishable from the previous model. However, the interior has changed quite a bit. Most notably, an 8-inch navigation system has been applied, which is the biggest difference. Through this, detailed operations including driving mode-related functions are possible. Also, JBL premium sound has been newly applied as standard, allowing you to enjoy powerful sound along with driving pleasure. The seats have also been improved; when seated, they firmly support the sides of the waist and the sides of the thighs, providing stable wrapping even when driving at high speed on sharp curved roads.

I want to know more details about the newly added automatic transmission model.

▲ The vehicle I test-drove is the 2020 Veloster N equipped with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (N DCT). This is a newly added specification in the recent product enhancement. The N DCT operates by adding a clutch and actuator to the manual transmission, allowing automatic gear shifts without the driver having to operate the clutch. Simply put, it combines the fun of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic transmission. Through this, the vehicle delivers a maximum output of 275 horsepower and a maximum torque of 36.0 kg·m. The time it takes to reach 100 km/h from a standstill is 5.6 seconds, which is 0.5 seconds shorter than the manual transmission version.

The N DCT model requires the mandatory selection of the 'Performance Package,' which maximizes the use of specialized functions. This package includes N Power Shift (NPS), which enhances acceleration feeling during gear shifts, and N Green Shift, which temporarily boosts the maximum performance of the engine and transmission.

Are there any particularly noteworthy features?

▲ The test drive was conducted at Yongin Speedway, progressing through slalom and gymkhana courses before running on the circuit. Especially before entering the circuit, we had the chance to first examine distinctive features during the slalom and gymkhana. Personally, the launch control, which implements maximum acceleration performance from a standstill, was impressive. When you press the brake pedal with your left foot and fully press the accelerator pedal with the other foot, the system gets ready. When it operates properly, you can experience the car literally 'jumping forward' accompanied by a 'popcorn' sound. This is a feature worth noting for drivers who can control the vehicle well. However, it was not easy to activate launch control at first.

Can you definitely feel the 'thrill of driving' even on the circuit?

▲ Circuit driving is where the true value of a high-performance car is revealed. During this circuit drive, I was able to push the Veloster N DCT to its limits and test its performance and various functions firsthand. Even when increasing speed to over 160 km/h on straight sections, it accelerated smoothly and powerfully, and in cornering sections, it was possible to drive smoothly without separate gear shifts. Personally, I do not like the feeling of the body leaning during cornering on circuits. In the case of the Veloster N, the body firmly grips the road, so this leaning does not feel excessive, allowing you to enjoy cornering without discomfort.

I also tried using the previously mentioned N Green Shift on the circuit. As soon as the function was activated, the vehicle emitted a roar louder than the popcorn sound heard before, truly 'overboosting.' The engine output surged momentarily, accelerating the car, and combined with the auditory effect, it made the 'thrill of pressing the pedal' tangible.

Is it suitable even for people who have never driven a high-performance car?

▲ From the beginning of its release, the Veloster N’s aim was close to a 'mass-market high-performance car.' With the addition of the automatic transmission model, which can be driven without a manual driver’s license, it has become even more approachable. Advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Lane Following Assist (LFA) are also available as options, securing safety and convenience as a 'sports car for everyday life.' As reflected in the price, the Veloster N is not a model that sets a high entry barrier like other high-performance models. The base model with manual transmission is priced at 29.44 million KRW (based on a 1.5% individual consumption tax), and by adding the automatic transmission (2.5 million KRW) and the Performance Package (2 million KRW), which includes enhanced engine output and brake functions, it can be purchased for about 34 million KRW.