Just a few months ago, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N arrived sporting some interesting upgrades over the 2020 model. These improvements include a new N Grin Shift mode providing more torque, an improved infotainment system, lightweight sport seats, more safety features, and the option of an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Hyundai said the new DCT would offer improved acceleration and efficiency compared to the manual, but as it turns out, only one of those statements is 100 percent accurate.

The DCT drops the Veloster N's 0-60 mph time from around 5.8 seconds to 5.6 seconds, so it is quicker. But according to official mpg figures from the EPA, the DCT-equipped Veloster N is not as efficient as Hyundai initially claimed.

The Fueleconomy.gov website lists the manual 2021 Veloster N at 22/28/25 mpg city/highway/combined. For the DCT car, these numbers range drastically at 20/27/22 mpg city/highway/combined. That's a minor two and one mpg drop on the city and highway cycles and quite a significant drop of five mpg combined. This drop in efficiency takes the Veloster N from a $1,350 estimated annual fuel cost to $1,500.

It might not be the most substantial difference in the world, but it could be one reason to opt for the manual transmission. We still aren't sure how the DCT Veloster N with two additional gears manages to be less efficient than the manual car.

Hyundai has yet to release US pricing and equipment information for the 2021 Veloster N, though we can safely assume that the DCT option will be at least $1,000 more than the manual, likely pushing the car over the $30,000 mark. It is also unclear if those snazzy new sport seats will only be available with the DCT car, meaning there could be at least one selling factor against the manual car. Given the timing of the fuel economy ratings for the car, it shouldn't be long before Hyundai releases official pricing and equipment details for the 2021 Veloster N.