Veloster N

Make
Hyundai
Segment
Hatchback

It is rare in 2019 - especially in the United States - to see a car sold without the option of an automatic transmission. The Hyundai Veloster N is one of the few cars on sale to only come with a six-speed manual transmission. But soon after the car was released, it was already rumored that a dual-clutch option would be added in the future. Fast forward to earlier this year and Hyundai was spotted testing a prototype Veloster N on the Nurburgring, which appeared to have a DCT.

Hyundai hasn't said much officially about the DCT but speaking to Australian outlet Car Advice during the launch event for the new Venue crossover, the company confirmed a DCT is coming for the Veloster N's sister car, the i30 N. Sadly though, the transmission has been delayed.

"We're getting the DCT. [It will be here] late 2020," said Hyundai Australia CEO, J.W. Lee. "Once we have the DCT it will increase our [volume], and help to convince HMC [Global] to develop more right-hand-drive N products." This news is rather specific to the Australian market but it seems unlikely Hyundai would develop a DCT for the i30 N without also offering it on the Veloster N. The two share a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing either 250 or 275 horsepower, so there is no reason why the new DCT wouldn't fit perfectly in both models.

Lee didn't mention the cause of the delays but did say the DCT is arriving 12 months later than expected. Offering a DCT seems like a smart move because the Veloster N's key competitor, the Honda Civic Type R, is only offered with a six-speed manual. This is great for enthusiasts who like to row their own gears but it may put off buyers who drive every day in traffic. Manual transmissions make up a minuscule percentage of the US car market and Hyundai stands to generate sales by offering an automatic option.