The Toyota Corolla is the safe, sensible, reliable, efficient and all-new choice for the price. It’s the kind of car you buy when you don’t want surprises. But in today’s market, that same money can unlock something much more interesting, if you’re willing to look in the right places.
Not long ago, Hyundai built a hot hatch that flew under the radar despite offering one of the most engaging driving experiences in its class. It didn’t get the recognition it deserved at the time, but depreciation has quietly made it one of the biggest bargains for enthusiasts.
That’s what makes it so attractive now. For less than the cost of a new economy car, you can get a machine with excellent performance, real character, and a level of driver involvement that’s increasingly difficult to find, especially at this price.
To provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was obtained from various manufacturer websites, including the EPA.
The Veloster N is an underappreciated masterpiece of its time
A clean example now costs less than a new Corolla
Over the past few years, Hyundai’s N division has worked hard to develop some of the most interesting and attractive sports cars on the market. The Elantra N, in particular, has received a lot of praise. Before the Elantra, however, an equally raucous hatchback emerged called the Veloster N. It offers the same engaging driving experience, and five-year-old models can now be purchased for less boring options like the Corolla.
2021 Hyundai Veloster N Average List Price
|
Model |
Average list price |
|---|---|
|
northern veloster |
$18,799 |
When new, a Veloster N had a starting MSRP of $33,595. This means you are essentially saving about $15,000 through depreciation. Comparatively, if you bought a new Toyota Corolla, you’d be spending $23,125, which is more than $4,000 more than a 2021 Veloster N.
The Veloster N ran from 2019 to 2022, with the 2021 models receiving the latest batch of changes. There are generally fewer 2021 models than 2022 models, but you can usually get them for a little less. If you can’t find a clean 2021 Veloster N, the average list price for a 2022 model is currently $23,509, which is the same price as a new Corolla. Either way, you’ll get plenty of standard features and plenty of available performance.
The Veloster N comes out fast and offers unmatched commitment
A quiet king in a segment full of giants
People like to downplay how good the N models are because they are Korean. It happened to companies like Toyota and Honda when they tried to enter the market, and now it’s happening to Hyundai. However, look beyond the reputations and get behind the wheel and you’ll discover that the Veloster N is one of the best-driving hot hatches of its time.
Performance and efficiency of the Hyundai Elantra N
- Basic tuning motor
-
2.0L Turbo inline 4 gasoline
- Base Fit Transmission
-
6 speed manual
- Base trim powertrain
-
front wheel drive
- Base Adjustment Horsepower
-
275 HP
- Base tightening torque
-
260 lb-ft at 1450 rpm
- fuel economy
-
22/28 miles per gallon
- Do
-
hyundai
- Model
-
northern veloster
- Segment
-
Compact hatchback
Under the hood of every Veloster N lies an incredibly impressive turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It generates 275 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission or a well-tuned eight-speed wet DCT. DCT-equipped models come with an overboost function, which temporarily increases torque up to 278 pound-feet.
Hyundai equipped the Veloster N with a ton of performance-oriented features, including a limited-slip differential, rev-matching and adaptive system. All of this, along with steering weight, throttle response and exhaust sound, can be customized. You can also switch between Eco, Normal, Sport and N driving modes. In its sportiest setting, the exhaust sounds fantastic and emits plenty of burbles and pops.
In terms of performance, the Veloster N is incredibly sharp. Its steering is well weighted and it loads well in corners. It’s also more talkative than many of its rivals. Combine this with its 5.1 second zero to 60 time and you get a machine that is more enthusiast-friendly than most popular hatchbacks of this era.
The N’s cabin is a bit disappointing, but it’s still easy to live with.
It clearly shows its budgetary roots.
While it definitely feels like a better driver’s car than the Volkswagen GTI. or even the new GR Corollathe Veloster N doesn’t have as nice an interior. You get enough modern features that it doesn’t look outdated and its design isn’t horrible, but you’ll be able to feel where costs have been cut.
Interior dimensions and comfort.
|
Free space for the first row |
38.1 inches |
|---|---|
|
Front row legroom |
42.6 inches |
|
Second row clearance |
35.9 inches |
|
Second row legroom |
34.1 inches |
|
Cargo capacity (behind second row) |
19.9 cubic feet |
The Veloster N comes with three doors but four seats, which is part of what gives it such a fantastic silhouette. Unfortunately, this means that the rear seats are a little tighter than other options in this segment, particularly in the headroom department. However, the cargo hold is quite reasonable and more spacious than some of its other competitors.
Aside from the blue buttons on the steering wheel and some other blue accents, you’d be hard-pressed to tell that this isn’t a regular Veloster from the inside. While everything is neatly stacked and easy to use, many touchpoints feature scratched plastics that betray the Veloster’s budget roots. We will say, however, that we really like this hot hatch’s bucket seats, which accommodate very well even during spirited driving.
- Guy
-
Tire inflator
- Dimensions
-
4.16″L x 4.16″W x 9.3″H.
- Weight
-
3.07 pounds
A tire inflator is important even if all you need to do is pump up your tires a little, and this heavy-duty inflator from WOLFBOX will take care of all your needs.
Infotainment and technology
As long as you’re not looking for cutting-edge luxury features, the Veloster N’s technological offerings likely won’t disappoint. It comes with a reasonable eight-inch infotainment system, which is exceptionally average. The gauge cluster is mostly analog, but we actually prefer it that way.
You get the modern features you’d want in a car in the Veloster N, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can even get Hyundai’s Blue Link Connected Care and Remote package, which lets you control many of the vehicle’s functions from your phone. You also get a pretty impressive standard Infinity sound system, which is one of the best sound systems at this price.
At $20,000, this enthusiast-focused hot hatch is a bargain
If you’ve been searching a cheap used sports carbut you can’t live without the practicality of a hatchback, then you should definitely consider the Veloster N. Yes, it’s front-wheel drive, and that has a lot of limitations, but this Hyundai is one of the most stylish and attractive front-wheel drive cars out there. It may not offer the same peace of mind you get from something mundane like a new Corolla, but it will never fail to make you smile, and that’s worth a lot in our books.
