Hyundai has kick-started its new N performance division in the US with the launch of the Veloster N. On show at the Detroit motor show as the North American alternative to the i30N, it uses the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as its sibling, producing up to 275hp and 353Nm of torque.
Recently launched in Europe, the i30N uses a conventional five-door layout. On the other hand, the Veloster retains its unorthodox asymmetrical four-door body while keeping two doors on the passenger side and one door on the driver side.
The Hyundai N division has applied a similar raft of performance features – such as more aggressive bumpers and a roof-mounted rear wing – to signal the car's performance.
Engineers have equipped the Veloster N with the same electronically-controlled suspension as the i30N, which features an ultra-aggressive N mode for track driving. The system reduces body roll and adds composure during hard driving.
The front-wheel-drive car is fitted with a limited slip differential to improve traction, while the characteristics of the powertrain can be altered through the three conventional drive modes – Normal, Sport, N and Eco – in addition to a fourth N Custom setting, which offers a mix of settings.
Beneath the N, the latest Veloster range also includes a Turbo model, which serves as a halfway house between the top variant and the regular range. The Turbo has a 1.6-litre engine with 204hp and 264Nm of torque. A naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre with 149hp is also available on the regular car.
Hyundai says it hasn't chosen to introduce the i30N in the US due to the model’s similarities with the Veloster N.
There is no word on Hyundai bringing the standard Veloster to India, even at the upcoming Auto Expo 2018, though it will showcase the i20 facelift, an all-electric sedan and Hyundai’s WRC car at the event.
Suraj Viswanathan
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
