For those venturing into the performance car marketplace in search of high performance motoring thrills and tire smoking action, Hyundai probably isn't going to be in the top 5 when drafting up a shortlist of manufacturers showrooms to visit. However, that would be a huge rookie mistake.
In recent years, Hyundai have shrugged off the staid image of building reliable grocery getters and solid SUV's, and replaced the poor-performing image it had compared to the European coupes. Now, the brand delivers some truly fantastic performance oriented vehicles, along with some truly special 'N' versions.
As important as the 'M' tag is to BMW and the S and RS badges are to Audi the 'N' version of a Hyundai offering marks a new dawn in the companies future and with it some unexpectedly awesome cars. For those who want to be seen driving something different, the Hyundai Veloster N is one of the coolest hot hatch sports cars on the market.
10 Other Fast Hyundais
The i30N is a performance bargain. The newest model packs a 276 hp punch from a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine, an 8-speed paddleshift gearbox, programmable driving modes and an impressively rapid 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds.
The Genesis wipes the slate clean for Hyundai coupe's and offers up a 3.8 liter V6 with 306 hp / 266 lb ft torque. Luxuriously appointed, it'll crack 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, post a 13 seconds quarter mile time and look stunning whilst doing it.
9 The Veloster
Designed with a rather unique and unsual 2 + 1 door layout, the Veloster was released to much head scratchiing by the public and respective motoring press. On one side of the car it's a sporty coupe and the other a practical hatchback, what's so confusing about that?
The base specification car had a 1.6-liter 138 hp engine that would enable the quirky little hatchback to hit 60 mph in 9.7 seconds. A later addition of a turbo model increased power to 184 hp whilst the 0-60 mph sprint dropped to a respectable 7.4 seconds.
8 The N Version
Sharing the same engine as the lightening quick i30N, the Veloster N throws out 247 hp and has been produced by Hyundai with a priority of thrills over refinement to provide accessible performance and fantastic handling.
With a decidedly old-school feeling, and all the better for it, the Veloster is grippy and pumps out a lovely hard-edged exhaust note when its engine is revved towards the redline.
7 The Performance Pack
Those seeking more can opt for the Performance Pack which adds a limited slip differential, bigger brakes, stickier rubber and a power hike to a muscular 275 hp, yet the price still comes in at just over $30,000.
With technology and parts taken from their experience gained in World Rallying, a Performance Pack equipped Veloster N will happily rocket to 60 mph in an eye-raising 5.1 seconds whilst running onto a restricted 155 mph.
6 Aggressive Styling
Balancing out the odd door layout, the aggressive styling features contoured and color highlighted body moldings and bumper inserts, enlarged tail pipes, gaping front grill and distinctive N badging to signal that this is the ultimate Veloster version.
Sitting on 19-inch alloy wheels that are wrapped in high performance 235/35 rubber, the Veloster can be painted in Chalk White, Performance Blue, Racing Red, and Ultra Black.
5 Sophisticated Interior
From the deeply bolstered racing style seats to the digital driver display and bespoke N gauges the interior oozes style and purpose. Well laid out and bursting with tech, controls are nicely weighted and fall sweetly to hand.
Thanks to the 2+1 door layout, the rear seats are easily accessible and provide decent room for adults, the trunk is rated at 19.9 cubic feet and despite the odd opening shape can haul a fair amount of luggage and groceries, proving this to be a family friendly hot hatch.
4 Driving Modes
With a driving mode to suit any mood, the Veloster N can be tailored to suit your needs at the tap of a screen thanks to the N Grin system and its 5 individual settings listed as Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom. What will you choose?
Information comes in waves and the driver is able to see their lap times, turbo and torque outputs, power usage, and G-force rating. Those looking for more control can customize the settings to suit their specific needs and even tailor the exhaust sound.
3 Everyday Sports Car
At home on both the track or the broken tarmac of a clogged city street, the Veloster will happily adapt to its surroundings and deliver thrills and grins when needed. Both a sporty coupe and functional coupe, the Veloster is truly a car with many faces.
From the pops and crackles of the over-run on the exhaust to the rev-matching system, the Veloster N stands out as a driver focused, enthusiast built weapon that will surprise many a challenger at the lights.
2 Awesome Tech
Described as a corner carving differential the eLSD allows for maximum turning speeds and minimizes wheel slip, combined with a faster motor driven steering rack the feedback is precise with inputs transferred instantly.
Available with an all new 8-speed N DCT automated manual transmission cogs can be swapped with the flick of a steering mounted paddle, whilst launch control ensures a swift get away. Enlarged race inspired brakes will ensure that all that speed and power is reigned in safely.
1 Cut Price Alternatives
Also offering bizarre looks in a coupe design, the John Cooper Works Mini Coupe offers up 208 hp from a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, a rapid 6.4 second 0-60 mph time and razor sharp capable handling thanks to a stiff chassis.
More conventional than the Veloster, the second generation Audi TT comes in a multitude of specifications and trim levels with the TTS being the pick of the bunch. Producing 268 hp from a 2.0 liter turbo, the AWD coupe will hit 60 mph in 5.4 seconds.