It’s official. The 2021 Hyundai Veloster N welcomes a self-shifting transmission to the hot hatch’s options menu. Don’t worry manual fans, the car’s standard-issue six-speed gearbox sticks around.
Performance Package, Shmerformance Package
The 2021 Veloster N, however, does away with the outgoing model’s optional Performance package. Or rather, it no longer charges extra for the contents of the package’s kit. As such, every 2021 Veloster N boasts 275 hp from the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that rests underhood (the prior, standard 250-hp tune no longer exists), a limited-slip differential, 19-inch wheels shod on sticky summer tires, a variable exhaust system, and large 13.6-inch front and 12.4-inch rear vented rotors (0.6-inch bigger than the previously standard vented front and solid rear units).
Opting for the dual-clutch automatic transmission further takes advantage of the Veloster N’s newly standard performance enhancements by way of an overboost function. Dubbed “N Grin Shift” by Hyundai, the drive mode turns the engine’s torque up from 260 lb-ft to 278 lb-ft—and temporarily puts the car in its sportiest drive settings—for short bursts of up to 20 seconds.
The 2021 Veloster N Gets Better Inside
Alongside its additional standard performance features, the 2021 Veloster also benefits from minor improvements to its cabin. Notably, a pair of lightweight driver and front passenger sports seats shed 4.4 pounds relative to the previous chairs and offer additional bolstering and trick backrest-mounted illuminated N logos.
Additionally, the N’s 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment setup adds an in-dash navigation system to its fold, while automatic-equipped models trade the stick-shift Veloster N’s clutch pedal for a pair of steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a stubby console-mounted gearshift lever. Kudos to Hyundai for orienting the shifter to upshift with a pull of the lever and downshift with a push of it—the proper way of arranging such setups.
Safer N
Whether equipped with the six-speed manual or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Veloster N adds a number of safety and convenience items to its standard features list for 2021. This includes a forward-collision warning system with automatic braking, lane centering, lane-keeping assist, and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.
Of course, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N’s greater standard performance, convenience, and safety kit surely won’t come cheap once the model reaches dealerships in October. Expect the 2021 Veloster N to wear a starting price near that of last year’s 2020 Veloster N with the Performance package ($30,675 ), with the dual-clutch gearbox likely adding at least $1,000 to the total sum.
