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The Hyundai Veloster N is a relative newcomer in the hatchback market. The zippy car was originally introduced to the United States in 2019. Many thought that the zippy hatchback would provide the Mazda MX-5 Miata with some real competition, but some reviewers aren’t convinced.

The Hyundai Veloster N is a fun commuting car

A closeup view of a Hyundai Veloster N
A Hyundai Veloster N on display | Paul Marotta/Getty Images

Let’s face it. As nice as all the bells and whistles are, when push comes to shove, we want a car that’s fun to drive. According to a Car and Driver review, that’s exactly what the Hyundai Veloster N is, a fun hatchback for the daily commute.

According to the reviewer, the Veloster N’s front seats are not only comfortable, but they are also supportive, which is good news for anyone who is planning on taking the vehicle on a long road trip. They also mention that the controls are laid out in a manner that makes it easy for the driver to operate. 

The car is equipped with a performance-tuned, electronically-controlled adaptive suspension system that creates a relatively smooth ride even when the car is on a road that’s filled with potholes. It provides the driver with a solid feel of the road and responds well to a light touch on the wheel.

The car does particularly well on winding roads, in large part because it’s designed to hug the road, allowing you to take the turns and curves a little faster than you would in a different vehicle.

Motor Trend noticed that as long as you are willing to use the automatic transmission rather than the manual, the 2021 Veloster N’s 0 to 60 acceleration is 0.3 seconds quicker than the 2019 model.

How safe is the Hyundai Veloster N?

There have been some concerns about safety and the Hyundai Veloster N. According to the U.S. News safety information about the 2021 model isn’t available yet. The car is equipped with six airbags that help protect passengers from serious injuries.

The Vehicle Dynamic Control System (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) monitor road conditions and make minor adjustments so the driver enjoys control of the vehicle even in bad conditions. The ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution System (EBD) and brake assist monitors and adjusts how each of the vehicle’s brakes works so the car always stops smoothly and quickly.

How this Hyundai compares to the Mazda MX-5 Miata

Christian Wardlaw, of J.D. Power, hasn’t had much to say about the 2021 Veloster N, but he did reviewer the 2020 model. He seemed to enjoy the Veloster N’s sporty, racecar appearance.

The reviewer had plenty of great things to say about the way the car’s performance, but when it came to comparing it to other vehicles in its class, including the Mazda MX-5, he felt the Veloster N fell a little short.

He felt that when he compared the two vehicles, the Veloster N felt had a cheaper feeling interior. He was also disappointed by how loud the Veloster sounded.

Consumers Reports gave the 2020 Hyundai Veloster N an overall score of 80. The vehicle received an 83 out of 100 on the road test, a five out of five for predicted consumer satisfaction, and a four out of five for predicted reliability.

The Mazda MX-5 received an overall score of 86. The vehicle received an 80 out of 100 on the road test, a five out of five for predicted consumer satisfaction, and a five out of five for predicted reliability. 

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