by "Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
Published 12/17/2017 at 20:51
by "Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
Published 12/17/2017 at 20:51
Tags: Hyundai
STARS: 7
The second generation Veloster was spotted from the bushes by @davescarpix in Long Beach, CA during a commercial shoot a couple of days ago. It looks to be the 1.6t variant (201 hp currently) based on the wheels and adherence to the blacked-out roof and pillars trend. The Veloster has definitely switched from being an Accent “Coupe” to more of a 100 calorie pack Elantra. The 2nd generation Veloster will be unveiled next month in Detroit.
Unfortunately, I’m not sure if the hot Hyundai Veloster N will be unveiled alongside its lower lukewarm siblings in January. Hyundai may hold out on it and give the N Performance Brand their own time outside the show to better standout since it will be their big introduction into the North American market. Introducing a performance brand to America with a $25,000 hatchback is a bold move, Cotton. Let’s see how it plays out.
* Part of me wonders if Hyundai is going to “limit” production of the Veloster N to around 1,200 units or something because I bet they wont be able to get the pricing below the GTI, let alone Focus ST.
So far the Hyundai i30 N hatchback has become a European gem. There is near-unanimous agreement that the Hyundai hot-hatch beats the Volkswagen GTI when it comes to delivering smiles per gallon and bpms on the tachometer. It’s assumed that the Veloster N will have the 245 hp version of that same 2.0l turbo four-plopper. If North America is basically getting a smaller, lighter, and cheaper version of that European car then we may have something that sits in the gap between the Fiesta ST and Focus ST. Of course that gap would be substantially embiggened if the Fiesta takes a siesta.
Did I mention a 10 year/100,000 powertrain warranty and more quirks than that Doug DeMuro Christmas album entitled Sandal Claus is Coming to Town & Country?
**Update:
AutoGuide
has some better pictures.
"Wheelerguy" (wheelerguy)
12/17/2017 at 21:13, STARS: 0
I still want that weird 1/2-door schtick. Please?
"Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now)" (bman76-4)
12/17/2017 at 21:14, STARS: 3
Looks significantly less ugly!
"RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars" (rallydarkstrike)
12/17/2017 at 21:24, STARS: 0
Ooo, liking it! Hope it comes with a manual option!
"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
12/17/2017 at 21:26, STARS: 0
It’s still got it!
"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
12/17/2017 at 21:28, STARS: 1
Standard with every engine option, Im sure.
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
12/17/2017 at 21:50, STARS: 0
I didn’t know they were bringing the “N” division to NA. Good to hear though, can’t complain about more hot hatches!
"not for canada - australian in disguise" (for-canada)
12/17/2017 at 21:52, STARS: 0
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the Veloster is a modern interpretation of the CRX.
"Vicente Esteve" (vicente-esteve)
12/17/2017 at 21:59, STARS: 0
Im growing to hate those turbine style wheels. Audi is mostly guilty of using this design in everything and it looks horrid.
"Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling)
12/17/2017 at 22:08, STARS: 0
How will the N gain any traction in the market if it’s more expensive and slower than the Focus ST?
The only thing I can see making it an interesting proposition is the long warranty.
"Ash78, voting early and often" (ash78)
12/17/2017 at 22:21, STARS: 0
I liked the last one, it grew on me. These wheels are horrendous.
"Wheelerguy" (wheelerguy)
12/17/2017 at 22:34, STARS: 1
YOOOOOOOOOOOOOO—
This is good.
"darth415" (darth415)
12/17/2017 at 23:13, STARS: 0
I expect it will be significantly better than the Ford in every other possible way.
"PapaBless" (papablessed)
12/17/2017 at 23:42, STARS: 0
Wheels kind of look like a swastika. Outside of that it looks better than the previous gen.
"Tapas" (tapas)
12/18/2017 at 00:16, STARS: 0
I don’t like it. The wheels are a bit much.
But I’m glad Hyundai sells fun, non-traditional vehicles.
"Out, but with a W - has found the answer" (belg)
12/18/2017 at 01:18, STARS: 0
In Belgium, the i30N is €3-4k cheaper than a comparably equipped ST3 and €6-10k cheaper than the equivalent GTI, so I’m guessing the Veloster should be competitive?
As an aside, are they not making a Veloster N Performance?
"Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling)
12/18/2017 at 01:43, STARS: 0
The interior on mine is a pretty nice place to be. They’d have to seriously work on their handling game, too, if their existing offerings are any indication of their capabilities here.
"random001" (random001)
12/18/2017 at 06:39, STARS: 0
Great, now it just looks like a fat last gen TC...
"Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To" (murdersofa)
12/18/2017 at 11:05, STARS: 0
I actually really like it. Then again I didn’t hate the styling of the last one that much, I just wish it was hotter. And cheaper.
"HPoz - I like Honda Fits and I cannot lie" (hpoz54)
12/18/2017 at 13:31, STARS: 0
It honestly looks really good! I’m glad they’re making a second-gen, I’m always worried that quirky cars like the Veloster are just gonna fizzle out.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
12/18/2017 at 13:46, STARS: 1
According to the Hyundai UK site, the base i30 N has 250 ps, adjustable shocks, launch control, drive modes, and fancy seats.
The Performance trim bumps power to 275 ps and adds 19" wheels (up from 18s), active exhaust, and an electronic LSD.
UK hot hatch prices, including VAT , for comparison...
i30 N - £24,995
i30 N Performance - £27,995
Civic Type R - £30,995
Civic Type R GT (similar equipment to USA) - £32,995
Focus ST - £25,735
Focus RS - £32,765
Golf GTI - £28,975
Golf GTI Performance - £30,335
Golf R - £33,365
In the US the Focus ST and GT start closer to each other, at $25,950 and $26,415 respectively.
I don’t know how much the full-on Veloster N can really undercut these numbers, because...
Veloster Turbo - $22,485
Elantra Sport - $22,685
Elantra GT Sport - $24,135
I figure the Veloster N would have to be more expensive than both the Veloster Turbo and the Elantra GT Sport, but could come in a hair cheaper than the Focus ST. If we get the Performance trim it could end up starting higher than the GTI though.
"Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero" (sampsonite24)
01/01/2018 at 11:27, STARS: 0
when will those stupid floating roofs go out of style