Used 2022 Hyundai Veloster

The 2022 Hyundai Veloster N is a sporty and sprightly compact 3-door hatchback with 275 horsepower. That’s a considerable chunk for a small car, but the Veloster N also has the suspension and other hardware to complement the muscle.

The only surviving variant of what was once a range of quirky and fun cars, the Veloster N doesn’t really have any direct rivals. Other hot hatches (or sedans) might be less expensive but down on power, like the Honda Civic Si or Volkswagen Golf GTI. Or with greater grunt at a higher price, like the Honda Civic Type R.

Which makes the Veloster N a specific choice that appeals only to a certain kind of buyer, despite its numerous good points.

What does the N mean in Veloster N? Just as BMW has its M division (making fabulous high-performance machines like the M2 and M3 and M4 and so on), Hyundai is phasing in N versions of various cars. The company’s research and development division is in Namyang, South Korea. But these N models are also tested vigorously on Germany’s famed (and occasionally frightening) North Loop of the Nürburgring by ex-BMW engineers.

Despite being able to deliver thrills, the Veloster N comes with an unbeatable warranty. How long is the powertrain warranty on the 2022 Veloster N? The same as it is with every Hyundai vehicle: 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever happens first.

For all the admirable attributes that go into most Hyundai vehicles, driving thrills have been under-represented. And although the 2022 Veloster N isn’t quite at the same heady level as, say, the Honda Civic Type R, it’s not far off. And some buyers might not want to pay the extra cash just for that final smattering of kinetic kicks.

The Veloster N is energized by 275 horsepower. Front-drive setups don’t always cope well with such punch. They’re prone to one wheel spinning as the other grips, then swapping conditions, creating torque steer if the accelerator is pressed too fervently. The Veloster N nips that in the bud with a limited-slip differential.

This piece of hardware controls how much power goes to each front wheel, a process known as torque vectoring. When cornering, it will make the outside wheel go faster than its inside counterpart, enabling the car to keep a tight line.

Keeping things traditional with a 6-speed manual transmission is a good route to follow. It comes with a rev-matching feature for smooth downshifts. However, the optional automatic (strictly speaking, an automatic transmission, since it has a dual-clutch setup, but you use it like a regular automatic) offers engagement with shift paddles under the steering wheel. Drivers can then change gear when they want. It’s virtually the best of both worlds.

An adaptive suspension is standard, but even the most intense driver might want to keep it in its most comfortable setting for public roads, clicking it over to Sport mode for track work.

How fast is the Veloster N? With the 8-speed automatic transmission, which also has launch control, standstill to 60 mph happens in around 4.8 seconds. Pretty respectable. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.

Hyundai expects Veloster N owners to explore the car’s cornering capabilities. That’s why the front sport seats have plenty of lateral support. They’re covered with a mix of cloth and simulated leather (the steering wheel is wrapped in real leather), and provide a pleasant place for occupants up front — as long as they don’t mind the cabin being a bit dark and home to a few low-cost plastics.

Naturally, the back seat area is less accommodating and takes a maximum of two passengers. But the luggage area behind those 60/40 split/folding seats measures a generous 19.9 cubic feet. This expands to 44.5 cubic feet when the seats are folded.

That pesky third door stops the Veloster N from becoming an actual coupe. The rest of the car does its best to push the coupe narrative, however, with a sloping roofline and a low-slung ride height.

This N model has its own aerodynamic tweaks, plus front vents to help keep the brakes cool and special-design alloy wheels. Exterior color choices are black, white, red, and Performance Blue. This latter hue is quite pale and, to our eye, attractive.

THREE DOORS
Why is the Hyundai Veloster N called a 3-door? It’s not just because it has two main doors and a hatchback. On the passenger side is a third rear door with a disguised handle. It’s small and subtle, but really handy. Not just for passengers, but also for loading things onto the back seat.

SELECTABLE DRIVING MODES
Using buttons on the steering wheel, you can click from Eco mode to Normal, Sport, N, and N Custom. These modes change things like throttle response and suspension settings. The N Custom mode is for drivers to select and save their personal preferences.

Some of the standard driving hardware in the 2022 Veloster N will be music to an enthusiast’s ears, and we don’t just mean the large bore exhaust outlets with variable valves. The car also comes with an electronic limited-slip differential, adaptive suspension, aerodynamic additions, including a 2-stage rear spoiler, beefy brakes, selectable driving modes, alloy pedals, and 19-inch alloy wheels wearing Pirelli P Zero summer tires for maximum grip.

Safety is equally well represented by forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, lane-following assistance, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

And for those times when occupants want real music instead of the engine’s dulcet tones, the infotainment system includes an Infinity 8-speaker audio system. It’s controlled by an 8-inch touchscreen that also brings satellite radio into the cabin, as well as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, two USB ports, navigation, Bluetooth, plus compatibility with Amazon Alexa and smartwatches.

The main option for the 2022 Veloster N is the automatic transmission. There’s extra cabin lighting and a reversible cargo tray as well, but they cost much. And wheel locks would be a good idea — no point making it easy for petty pilferers.

Last year’s optional Performance package that boosted output to 275 horsepower is standard this time around. It’s produced by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine.

Drive goes solely to the front wheels through either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 8-speed automatic transmission augmented by shift paddles mounted beneath the steering wheel.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
275 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450-4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 mpg (manual), 20/27 mpg (auto)