The Hyundai Veloster has skated under the radar for long enough. This sporty little three-door hot hatch is a surprisingly affordable and fun vehicle that most people forget even exists. Owners know just how much fun these little hatchbacks can be, and the Veloster N just makes the car even better. But the N model isn’t just a trim package, it gives the car a whole new leg-up.

The Hyundai Veloster N

If you’re thinking of a list of hot options for sports cars, chances are the Hyundai Veloster isn’t what comes to mind. With the Veloster N, that might change, and you’d be surprised to find this car brand new on the dealership lot at a starting price of around $33,000. But there is more to this package than just some additional aerodynamic features and racecar-like striping.

A sporty three-door hot hatch

There are a lot of reasons to love the Veloster overall. Its practical body lines allow for plenty of back seat headspace and enough cargo capacity to be a reasonable everyday driver. Combine that with the capabilities of the Veloster N, and you can have a fun weekend car and practical daily all wrapped into one. With a reported average of 28mpg, according to Hyundai, this hatch doesn’t sacrifice efficiency for performance, and that sets it apart from a lot of its competition.

What sets it apart

Besides its ability to balance practicality and aesthetics, the Hyundai Veloster N is different from other hatchbacks. While the 275hp provided by the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine under the hood might not sound impressive, it offers an enjoyable driving experience with responsive throttle and braking. Even better, it is offered as a six-speed manual, making it one of the fewer and fewer options of sports cars we see with a stick shift.

The Hyundai Veloster N is sporty in appearance and performance. With this affordable option, you won’t have to compromise between an enjoyable weekend car and a reliable daily driver. Because this car isn’t as common as most American muscle cars, you get the unique factor, too.