A Fusion of Performance, Style, and Ethical Considerations
The Hyundai Veloster N is a dynamic small city car designed to deliver a thrilling driving experience during both daily drives and racing. This evaluation essay will assess the Hyundai Veloster N based on clear and appropriate criteria, covering practical, aesthetic, and ethical considerations. Together with the reader, we comprehensively assess this vehicle and its overall value through a detailed analysis of the listed criteria.
The Veloster N is an exciting high-performance hatchback that excels in practicality and possesses impressive dynamic characteristics, which I was looking for my car. With its outstanding performance capabilities, aggressive exterior design, and well-crafted interior, the Veloster N combines the most valuable features for like-minded car lovers seeking an extraordinary driving experience.
Together with the reader, we will follow the criteria analysis step by step to maintain a structured discussion. Let us start with the practical criteria. In this part, we will consider performance and handling. The Veloster N has impressive performance capabilities. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, it delivers 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque (Hyundai Motor Company, n.d.). The Veloster's 0-60 mph time is 4.8 seconds, placing it in second place among all front-wheel drive vehicles on the market (Car and Driver, 15 January 2021). Simply put, this car can pick up speed quickly enough and develop very high speeds. The maximum speed declared by the manufacturer is 155 miles per hour (Car and Driver, 22 December 2020). Such characteristics are especially crucial for the racetrack.
The factory engineers tune the steering to be very responsive to the driver’s commands. The car deals with the road turns steadily, like karting. The wheels seem to be glued to the asphalt, providing an extraordinary sense of confidence when driving. The suspension system also deserves to be mentioned. The driver can change its characteristics by pushing just one button on the steering wheel and choosing between a more comfortable or controllable mode, depending on the driver’s intentions.
Hyundai strongly emphasizes safety, and the Veloster N reflects this commitment. It is equipped with advanced safety features, including the latest crash safety systems, passive accident prevention systems, active lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and fully automatic emergency braking. These features provide an extra layer of protection for both the driver and passengers, enhancing overall safety. Additionally, Veloster showed the highest possible crash test ratings, demonstrating that this car meets all modern automotive safety requirements (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, n.d.).
Two facts can indicate the car’s reliability. First, Hyundai gives all its vehicles a 100,000-mile or 10-year engine and transmission warranty (Hyundai Motor America, n.d.), whichever comes first. Second, Hyundai is one of the few manufacturers who has openly stated that performance cars such as the Veloster also have warranty coverage if something breaks while being used on a racetrack during a race (VelosterN, 20 June 2023). In case racers use cars from other manufacturers, they sometimes try to disguise their car brands so that if something breaks, they can pretend it happened on a normal road unrelated to the racing events. These factors make me believe that Hyundai is confident in the high quality of its engineering department's work. They do not waive their obligations, regardless of car usage. It is frustrating to receive a manufacturer’s recommendation to drive a high-performance car only within the city to be eligible for a warranty.
The car’s versatility and practicality could be reasons for discussions and disputes. For instance, the Veloster has three doors, which is not typical for any other car manufactured today. On the driver's side, the Hyundai installed one door, making the entrance more comfortable. The passenger side has two doors, and the back door does not stand out from the whole body, looking almost hidden. This extra door allows rear-seat passengers easier access to the vehicle than in traditional coupe or hatchback cars with two side doors.
Moreover, two child seats can be installed on the rear seat row, making this car suitable for small family vacations. Given the sporty body style and the attempt to balance aerodynamics and capacity, the rear seats will not be convenient for very tall people, nor will the trunk show good capacity characteristics. However, the manufacturer considered the possibility of traveling with oversized items. Thus, by folding down the rear seats, the expanded trunk space is available for extra cargo compared to an average sedan or coupe.
Now, we move on to the aesthetic criteria review. Aesthetically, any car has two main aspects. One is the exterior design, and the second is the interior design. Professional design engineers considered them both. The Veloster N showcases a bold and aggressive exterior design that sets it apart from other hatchbacks on the market. Some of the distinctive characteristics are its sporty lines, big radius wheels, and front grille. Even the details, such as aerodynamic enhancements and stylish alloy rims further enhance its visual appeal. However, some may perceive this style as overly provocative and attention-seeking. Still, this car’s appearance and the potential performance on the racetrack are balanced. Therefore, the Veloster does not look inappropriate for regular roads despite its aggressive design.
Next, let us discuss the car’s interior. It is designed to provide a driver-focused and comfortable environment. The manufacturer installed well-side-supported sports seats. This aspect helps the driver stay in the seat even during sharp turns. Despite this, the Veloster's seats are still appropriate for long distances. The premium multimedia system provides high-quality cabin acoustics and a navigation system. Unfortunately, the quality of the interior materials could be better, but the visual style was designed flawlessly. On a positive note, as for the car's interior, all vehicle controls are user-friendly and intuitively easy to assess, even for someone driving this car for the first time. All buttons are located where we expect them to be, which adds to the car's comfort.
The last section will examine ethical criteria starting with environmental discussion. Although Veloster N is a sports car, Hyundai engineers achieved good results in minimizing carbon dioxide emissions, passing all modern requirements for environmental standards. Hyundai also uses eco-friendly materials such as bioplastics or fibers, reducing the overall environmental burden.
The affordability of the Veloster N is an important purchasing factor. Prices for such cars often make a potential buyer choose another automotive category. Veloster N’s price is competitive within the sports cars segment, allowing enthusiasts to get a performance car and experience the thrill of driving without breaking the budget. When I bought the Veloster, the price was 35,000 dollars. Unfortunately, the Veloster has been discontinued. In any case, the Veloster was and remains one of the most affordable cars in its segment.
In addition to the ethical characteristics, I would like to add the ability to control the volume of the car's exhaust system. This is the favorite feature of any performance car owner’s neighbors. While driving under normal conditions, the exhaust system is half closed, and the car does not make much noise. At the same time, a loud exhaust can be turned on the racetrack, allowing the driver to hear the car better despite wearing a helmet.
In conclusion, the Hyundai Veloster N impresses me on multiple points, combining exceptional performance, appealing aesthetics, and ethical considerations. Throughout this evaluation essay, we have examined the Veloster N based on clear and appropriate criteria, encompassing practicality, aesthetics, and ethics. This car's powerful engine, good handling, and comprehensive safety systems make it a practical choice for driving enthusiasts. The bold body design and ergonomic interior add to the Veloster's overall appeal. Also, the affordable price puts it above the competitors in consumers’ eyes. Therefore, The Hyundai Veloster N represents a well-rounded package catering to drivers’ needs who value performance and ethical considerations.
References
Hyundai Motor Company. (n.d.). Veloster N. Specification. https://www.hyundai-n.com/en/models/n/veloster-n.do#:~:text=Veloster%20N%20senses%20how%20you,steering%20and%20enjoy%20the%20drive
Car and Driver. (15 January 2021). 10 Quickest Front-Wheel-Drive Cars We’ve Ever Tested. https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g22025438/fastest-front-wheel-drive-cars/
Car and Driver. (22 December 2020). Tested: 2021 Hyundai Veloster N DCT Gets Quicker and Comfier. Specifications. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a35031677/2021-hyundai-veloster-n-by-the-numbers/
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. (n.d.). 2021 Hyundai Veloster SMALL CAR / 2-DOOR HATCHBACK https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/hyundai/veloster-2-door-hatchback/2021#small-overlap-front-driver-side
Hyundai Motor America. (n.d.). America's Best Warranty. Vehicle & Powertrain Coverage. https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/assurance/america-best-warranty#:~:text=5%2DYear%20%2F%2060%2C000%2DMile,-New%20Vehicle%20Limited&text=Covers%20repair%20or%20replacement%20of%20any%20component%20manufactured%20or%20originally,under%20normal%20use%20and%20maintenance.
VelosterN. (20 June 2023). Track Usage and Modification. https://www.velostern.com/threads/track-usage-and-modification.387/
Recommended