DETROIT — The fun-to-dollars ratio of the 2020 Hyundai Veloster was impressive.
There is a 2021 model, but it has not changed from our 2020 test model. Though they added an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, we had the six-speed manual gearbox.
The facts of the Veloster N were impressive. It had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a dual scroll turbocharger. It made 250 horsepower and a more stirring 260 pound-feet of torque.
Of course, it had a sport suspension with torque vectoring. We were surprised a bit by the drive modes: normal, eco and sport. The car could also be put in N Mode. It had a performance timer, G-force gauge, turbo pressure monitor, as well as real-time power monitor. This was for the track.
On the streets here, the Veloster was tame. The only giveaway of the power it packed was the sound of the dual exhaust and the huge rear spoiler. Cornering was crisp, acceleration quick and the manual gear shifter was smooth.
This Veloster N had rev-matching technology, which made it even more fun to drive. On those occasions in which we could build up some speed, slowing down was a snap and jerk-free on the downshift. The Veloster N could get from a standstill to 60 mph in less than six seconds. There was also a variable exhaust valve system.
It was comfortable. Our test car had black cloth seats, but we didn’t care. There was a small touch floating infotainment screen. There were manual seats on this hatchback. Because of the sloping roof, it only had two windows, the front ones, that opened.
The climate controls were under the infotainment screen, underneath that was a small bin where they put the USB jacks, the auxiliary jack and the 12V plug. This Veloster N had LED headlights (low beams only), 19-inch alloy wheels and 13-inch front brake rotors and 11.8 inches in the rear.
Of course, there was satellite radio, voice controls and streaming capability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Veloster N had keyless entry and keyless start.
The back seats themselves were big and comfortable, but the area was cramped. We had enough headroom but only two people could be seated in comfort and that was just fine with us. This car was a speedster, which meant no more than the driver and a front-seat passenger were welcome.
The most impressive trait of this Hyundai Veloster N was its $30,430 sticker as tested. This car was a lot of fun for not a lot of money.
Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.