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 271bhp and 260lb ft.
While the i30N, which has just been launched in Europe, uses a conventional five-door layout, the Veloster retains its unorthodox asymmetric four-door body with two passenger doors on one side.
N 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 that 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 powertrain’s characteristics can be altered through four drive modes – Normal, Sport, N and Eco - plus an N Custom setting, which offers a mix of settings.
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Quite shocking
There's something really weird going on about 2/3 of the way along the body of this car ... it looks like the mould broke whilst it was still setting and then when they opened th mould and found it set in a wonky fashion they just smoothed off the roof and underside. Really uncomfortable to look at for any period of time. The old car was a much nicer thing.
Unique
A touch of shooting brake from the profile...
...but a lil bit sedate styling compared to the previous Veloster -- not so humpy anymore -- makes it more desirable (subjective opinion, of course.)
Such a pity the US-only reserved really *hot* version though (the 1.6 turbo is also a reliable and enough oomphy engine, but too thirsty vs its euro rivals.)