In May 1974, Volkswagen introduced the first MK1 Golf -- an economy car that gave birth to one of today's greatest genres -- the hot hatch. It proved that cars didn't have to be exceptionally powerful, use a lot of fuel, or horribly impractical to have you grinning ear to ear. Instead, a finely tuned chassis, communicative steering feel, and the drama of pushing a small engine to its limits is all you need to reach your zen, and that really resonated with enthusiasts around the world. It gave guys like me a way to own a sports car and still come across as a perfectly reasonable human being (i.e.. I could fit suitcases in it, give a fully grown adult a comfortable place to sit, and as long as I didn't make mention of my other vehicles -- like my '64 Olds F85 w/330 cu in V8 or my '74 Honda Cb450 that runs big carbs, a straight exhaust, and a race mix -- I wasn't criticized for hurting the polar bears). Now other major car makers, including Hyundai, are looking to capture the hearts of enthusiasts in very much the same way, and I have to say, I can't wait to drive the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N.
Like many others, I've always liked the Veloster. I'm not sure why, but perhaps because it's different than the others, its styling slightly favors looks over function, and they're priced for the common person. However, vague steering feel and engines that just don't have enough character have enthusiasts looking elsewhere, but that's all going to change -- and soon. Hyundai says they've sorted the Veloster N's suspension and that its main purpose is in life is to be fun on the street.
To back up that claim, Hyundai promises that the new Veloster N will come equipped with a 275 hp 260 ft lb turbo-charged four-banger that serves heaps of torque at 1,450 RPM. They also say the exhaust purposely burbles and burps for added drama, and I can't stop grinning at that thought.
If this teaser video is any indication, the exhaust note sounds phenomenal and appears to be very flat and very composed in the corners. It makes me think that this Hyundai could finally be my excuse to get a Veloster.
George is a Denver native who has an unapologetic love for cars, strong coffee, road trips, and -- despite his youthful appearance -- bygone eras of country music. In his free time, you'll find him carving mountain back roads in whatever car he's lent for the weekend, reading, writing, or unsuccessfully trying to replicate things shown on any of Anthony Bourdain's TV shows.
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