2022 Hyundai Veloster N Performance

The Veloster N may only have a 2.0-liter engine, but the performance from this turbocharged four-pot is remarkable. Since last year, the Veloster N is only offered in its most powerful guise, with 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Sending all that power to the front wheels is a six-speed manual gearbox, or if you really want to embarrass the GTI next to you at the lights, an optional eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With the former, you can expect a 0-60 mph time of around 5.8 seconds (5.6 with the DCT), but real-world tests have shown that you can expect even lower times if you don't fluff the launch. What about top speed? Well, Hyundai claims that the Veloster N is limited to 155 mph, but again, some real-world testing will show that you can comfortably expect at least 10 mph on top of that. It's not all about straight-line speed though. The Veloster N also has electronically controlled suspension and Pirelli rubber, so you can have just as much fun going around corners as you can in a drag race.

The only engine offered with the 2022 Veloster N is a pretty potent little four-banger. It's a turbocharged 2.0-liter motor that develops 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, all of which is channeled to the front axle via a six-speed manual transmission as standard. Optionally available is an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, but let's look at the stick shift first. We love that a manual transmission is still offered here, but we do find that this unit is a little BMW-esque; it's a little vague and not the slickest we've ever had. That said, it is smooth and has a little bit of that lovely notchy feel that satisfies the purist. What won't satisfy the purist is the automatic rev-matching feature, but it's great for making the novice feel like a driving god - and you can deactivate it if you like.

On the other hand, you have the DCT. This is a brilliant transmission that is crisp, sharp, and remarkably quick to respond whether you're shifting up or down. The paddles have a lovely click to them too, but leaving the 'box to its own devices is similarly enjoyable. Shifts are well-timed and smooth, with varying aggression depending on your drive mode. The N Grin Shift function can briefly increase torque output to 278 lb-ft thanks to turbocharger overboost.

In terms of the engine, power delivery is smooth yet torquey, and you get that spiky feeling that makes a turbocharged engine so exciting. Yet it's not so curvilinear that you feel afraid of jumping on the power early. You don't need to feather the throttle to get the power down and getting going from a standstill is simple. Overtaking is a pleasure too, but we aren't big fans of the synthetic noises pumped into the cabin via the speakers. After all, what's the point of including a variable valved exhaust if you're going to dilute the exhaust harmonics with artificial sounds?

According to the EPA, the manual version of the Veloster N will manage 22/28/25 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. With a 13.2-gallon gas tank, you can expect approximately 330 miles of range on a full tank with mixed driving. Interestingly, the DCT auto is actually less efficient, with the EPA giving it a rating of 20/27/22 mpg on the same cycles.