Hyundai will put an end to its funky little Veloster hatchback after the 2021 model year, except for the high-performance version sold as the Veloster N.
The move is hardly surprising. Small cars are fading from America’s roads, as we all buy SUVs and crossovers instead. Hyundai says it is making the move to prioritize sales of the Venue and Kona small crossovers.
Three Doors, One Unique Spirit
We’re sad to see the Veloster go. It has a quirky style all its own. It has three doors (two on the passengers’ side), four seats (buckets in the back instead of a bench), and a twin-cockpit design that makes the driver feel like they’re in a much faster car.
Its standard 147-horsepower engine isn’t particularly swift, but the available 201-horsepower turbocharged mill does make it a bit more fun. Handling is crisp and delightful for the price, which starts at just $18,900.
The Fastest Version Sticks Around
Sadly, all of those options are gone. But one Veloster will live on into the 2022 model year, and it’s the best of the bunch.
The Veloster N is one of the first models to come out of Hyundai’s new, in-house tuner shop. It carries a 250 horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (275 with the optional performance package) and an electronic limited-slip differential that allows more precision in corners than most other small, front-wheel-drive cars. Hyundai asks $32,250 for that one.
The Veloster N is safe for now. Hyundai says it will be available in the 2022 model year.
Maybe Not Much Longer
But if you’re interested, move quickly. The company has other N models coming (hey, Elantra N, how you doin’?) and it may be unlikely that Hyundai continues to build the Veloster’s funky little 3-door body for long just to maintain a low-volume, high-performance model. The end of the Veloster probably means the Veloster N won’t last more than another model year.
In the meantime, dealerships still have some fun, funky little Velosters to sell. In a normal market, dealers will sometimes accept a lower offer for a car that has been discontinued. With cars selling at a record pace, that logic may not apply at the moment. But it couldn’t hurt to try. The sub-$20,000, fun-to-drive car is an endangered species, and the Veloster is one of the most interesting ones available… at least for a little longer.
