- hyundai has discontinued the standard veloster for the 2022 model year, leaving only the high-performance n model.
- the veloster n is powered by a 275-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with either a six-speed manual or a newly available eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.
- hyundai originally told car and driver that only some veloster models would be discontinued, but now, due to market demand, it decided to kill them all except for the n.
update 7/12/21: hyundai has discontinued the veloster's 2.0, 2.0 premium, r-spec, turbo and ultimate models for the 2022 model year, leaving only the high-performance veloster n. a hyundai spokesperson told car and driver that when this story initially published, hyundai was still evaluating by trim level, and now, due to market demand, it decided to only offer the n model for the 2022 model year.
the standard hyundai veloster might be overlooked by the high-performance, 275-hp veloster n, which just finished our 40,000-mile long-term test, but that doesn't mean hyundai isn't committed to it. after news reports surfaced that the korean automaker could be discontinuing veloster models other than the n, a spokesperson confirmed to car and driver that the veloster will live to see the 2022 model year.
hyundai says that it will offer fewer trim levels for the 2022 model year, but wouldn't specify which ones will go away. the veloster, now in its second generation, is currently available as 2.0, 2.0 premium, turbo r-spec, and turbo models along with the high-performance n version. veloster 2.0 models are powered by a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a standard six-speed manual gearbox, with a six-speed automatic transmission optional. turbo models are motivated by a 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with the manual or a dual-clutch automatic unit.
when we tested the 2019 veloster turbo, we called it "a blaring deal compared with other sweet-driving compact hatchbacks such as the mazda 3 and the honda civic sport." and we just said goodbye to our performance blue 2019 veloster n with its 275-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and six-speed manual transmission. numerous car and driver editors agreed that it was great but no honda civic type r, its 306-hp competitor.
the 2021 veloster starts at $19,905 for the 2.0 equipped with the six-speed manual. the turbo r-spec starts at $24,445 and the turbo at $26,755. the veloster n starts at $33,255 for the manual and $34,755 with the new dual-clutch automatic transmission.
this story was originally published april 7, 2021.