PLACE YOUR BETS! Will The All-new Hyundai Veloster N WHOMP The Reigning Hot Hatch Champ, The VW Golf GTI?

PLACE YOUR BETS! Will The All-new Hyundai Veloster N WHOMP The Reigning Hot Hatch Champ, The VW Golf GTI?
Hot hatches have become the mainstay vehicle of choice for a couple different audiences: First, you have youths who are enthusiasts but can only afford so much. Second, you have more mature folks using them for daily drivers for their fuel economy and utility. 

I fall into the latter group. 

I think it's safe to say that the Volkswagen Golf GTI, in MKVII form, is one of the greatest hot hatches of all time. That's because it has the right mix of, well, everything. Plenty of power, good fuel economy, space in all the right places, handsome design and it's not priced sky high. The reason why many hot hatches exist today is simply because of the Golf GTI. 

And another was just added. Coming via Korea, Hyundai's all-new N division is shipping the U.S. market the Veloster N. Equipped with 275 horsepower, the Veloster N will send power to the front wheels and feature a six-speed manual gearbox. In addition, from videos we've seen of the i30 N model available overseas, we're thinking this will make a pretty nice noise for a four-cylinder powerplant, and even have some pops and bangs to entertain children — like me.

That said, does it stand a chance against the likes of a hot hatch legend? What say you, Spies?


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 2/9/2018 2:08:27 AM
+2 Boost
If it comes in significantly lower priced than the GTI then it should sell well. If it is close to GTI prices then I would guess not so much, unless the reviews are ecstatic which could drive sales even at the higher prices.


MDarringerMDarringer - 2/9/2018 8:31:36 AM
-7 Boost
It's not like the GTI is a brilliant seller.


countguycountguy - 2/9/2018 9:42:00 AM
+2 Boost
If it is priced a lot lower than the GTI then it may pick up some sales from those who can't afford the GTI.


TomMTomM - 2/9/2018 10:07:12 AM
+1 Boost
Kia and Hyundai have far more dealers than VW - and are likely to offer big discounts after the initial flurry. However - until we know the prices - no one can know anything


MDarringerMDarringer - 2/9/2018 6:37:34 PM
-2 Boost
But for the price of a GTI, you can beat the living crap out of it for performance elsewhere.


carloslassitercarloslassiter - 2/9/2018 10:28:57 AM
+7 Boost
I swear that 40% of all articles on this site are about Kia / Hyundai. To which I politely say "WTF?"


malba2367malba2367 - 2/9/2018 10:43:25 AM
+3 Boost
It will take couple generations of success to catch up to the GTI (or WRX)..they may be able to compete with Ford out of the gate. A lot of the purchases of these vehicles are based on the availability of aftermarket parts and the tuner scene. That will only come after proven sales success. This is a tough market to enter because it is so small, and the established players have loyal fans and aftermarket support.


RzRBackCarGuy81RzRBackCarGuy81 - 2/9/2018 11:49:38 AM
-1 Boost
Why does everyone bash every Hyundai and Kia vehicle that is on this site. Are you guys slightly biased maybe? Well, we all have some bias, but from working in the sales side for 8 years, owning all manner of vehicles, I can tell you from experience, Hyundai/Kia are achieving more at a quicker pace than most any manufacturer has. fiftysix, you are truly ignorant. When is the last time you were behind the wheel of any Hyundai/Kia vehicle and compared it to the competition. If you look at the stats, the only reason they were down this last year was because they didn't have enough SUV/CUV vehicles on the market but the Tuscon had the greatest increase of any vehicle in its class (27% YOY) next closest was the Rogue at 22%. When they came out in the 80s they were throw away cars but they are different now and it's funny to see such ignorance from supposed "car guys" who have never tried to look at other vehicles than what they think is best. Tell me fiftysix, what car manufacturer do you feel is achieving the most in the current main markets?


MDarringerMDarringer - 2/9/2018 6:42:07 PM
-1 Boost
I actually don't have a business interest in Hyundai or Kia at the moment. If I did, I'd be driving a Stinger.


TheSteveTheSteve - 2/9/2018 8:05:06 PM
0 Boost
Hyundai and Kia offer solid value for the dollar, a strong warranty, they have good defect numbers, and the brand treats their customers well. Even though they are not a luxury brands, they are respected in the auto industry, and rightfully so.

RzRBackCarGuy81: Don't let yourself get riled up by the trolls :-/


carloslassitercarloslassiter - 2/9/2018 3:19:14 PM
+6 Boost
When is the last time you were behind the wheel of any Hyundai/Kia vehicle and compared it to the competition.
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About 6 months ago I was in Oregon and rented a car at the airport. They only had a Hyundai left, so I had it for about a week. It was a completely ordinary, non-descript sedan which was suitable for driving to a hotel. The lights worked, as did the wipers. That was all I never needed to see of these cars, but you can't take a leak in here without someone shoving an article in your face pronouncing them the next BMW, or GTI or something. It's bizarre. The only explanation I can think of is that they send a few hundred bucks a week to the editors in return for these breathless articles.


mini22mini22 - 2/12/2018 2:13:47 PM
+1 Boost
Hyundai and Kia make decent products now. It should not be difficult for them to come in less than the GTI. A base GTI is about 27 grand now and the top rung model is 35 grand. That's more than what a Type R supposedly retails for (assuming you could get it at that price). I think the GTI has gotten a wee bit to pricey now. I am betting that a Veloster N will come in around 30 grand. At that price it is a great value.


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