Long-term tests are some of the most meaningful tests automotive journalists can do. The 2019 Hyundai Veloster N long-term test is fascinating because of how new this model is. With a model like a Jeep Wrangler that has been out for a long time, long-term tests aren’t quite as important. Even though the Veloster N was a new venture for Hyundai, the long-term test proved its metal. 

Is the the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N a good car?

Car and Driver spent two years driving the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N to complete the 40,000-miles test. A pile of factors led to the lengthy test, but none of them were because the team didn’t enjoy Hyundai’s hot hatch. 

The Veloster N got better and better the longer the crew had it. As noted by Car and Driver, it is not uncommon for this to happen with new cars. The more the engine runs, the gears shift, and the cylinders fire, these bits tend to loosen up and work together more smoothly. But, the Veloster was better than most in this respect. It got faster in every acceleration test at 40,000 miles than when it was new. Pretty cool. 

The Hyundai Veloster N is a real hot hatch

Hyundai’s 275-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is a peppy little ripper that truly embodies the hot hatch and enthusiast spirit. Part of what adds to hot-hatch designation also makes the Hyundai Veloster N tough for some drivers. 

The Car and Driver testers found the ride to be super choppy and stiff. That is to be expected on something this sporty and nimble. The stiff suspension may not be as fun on your daily commute through the city, but on the curvy stuff, that is what makes the Veloster N such a delight. 

The sound! The 2019 Hyundai Veloster has an amazing active exhaust system that brings all the ride criticisms to their final resting place. Not only does the Veloster N sound killer, but the active exhaust can also quite the beast-like snorts and growls with the push of a button. This is the only way to have a raucous car like this.

There is definitely a time and place for rowdy exhaust, and the Veloster N gives you the choice of when those times might be. Car and Driver calls it “one of the best sounding four-cylinders on the market.” High praise, indeed. 

The long-term realities of the Veloster N

The upkeep and the maintenance of the Hyundai hot hatch were a bit on the pricey side. This tends to be the case with most enthusiast cars like this. Car and Driver says their scheduled service appointments happened every 6000 miles and averaged around $164 per visit. The only maintenance needed over the 40,000-mile test was tire rotation, oil changes, and inspections. The 2019 Hyundai Veloster N only had nine visits that totaled $985 over two years. 

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster N only got better the longer the testers had it. As the engine broke in, Hyundai’s hot hatch woke up and became more spritely and energetic. This isn’t the most intense of the hot hatches, but it is a solid choice for anyone looking to spice up their three-door-car game. 

“The N may not be the quickest, best handling, or even the best-looking hot hatch on the market, but you can’t deny it has soul and moxie,” assistant technical editor for Car and Driver, Maxwell B. 

It is clear that after the 40,000-mile test, the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N failed to disappoint its testers. Since the introduction of the Hyundai Veloster N, the model has only gotten stronger with updates and a refresh for the 2021 model. Long live the hot hatch.