Hello, this is Baek Moon-jo.
I obtained my driver's license and started driving at the age of 19.
I began to think deeply once again about the car I want to buy.
In my school days, when asked to choose a dream car or a car I wanted, over 80% of my criteria focused on design.
However, after getting behind the wheel, my perspective changed.
While frequently borrowing a first-generation Tucson, I noticed various shortcomings,
and I started to firmly believe that my first car should address these shortcomings.
So, let's briefly discuss my criteria for the car I want.
1. Manual transmission
2. A small, compact size, roughly mid-size
3. An engine displacement of 2000cc or less, preferably a turbo vehicle
These criteria took shape. When I think of a cost-effective domestic vehicle that meets these standards,
The first car that comes to mind is the Hyundai Veloster N.
With a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that delivers 275 horsepower and 36.0 torque (for the performance package model),
it currently comes only with a six-speed manual transmission, making it a fun car to drive.
Moreover, it starts at around 20 million won (approximately $15,000 USD), making it accessible for car enthusiasts, which is why I have a keen interest in this vehicle.
(As a broke student, I can’t afford it though…)
Anyway, I am very interested in cars
Recently, while browsing the NCK (N Club Korea) cafe, which celebrated its first anniversary,
I accidentally spotted a member's Veloster N parked in the same apartment complex where I often park.
Thanks to the owner, I got the chance to experience a ride in a Veloster N for the first time.
Even though I had seen a few Veloster Ns on the road, most were in Performance Blue or Phantom Black, and this was my first time seeing the Lake Silver color in person.
It has a slight blue tint and looks incredibly luxurious.
Most notably, the red accents on the sides harmonize beautifully with the overall design.
I took a lap as a passenger.
Using both Custom mode and N mode, I experienced the car firsthand, and the acceleration response and power were impressive.
Considering that I haven’t experienced many vehicles in this class, I might have felt even more impressed, but the performance seemed sufficient for enjoying regular roads.
What a wall, right?
Many bloggers have mentioned the firm suspension after test-driving this vehicle, and it truly felt harder than I expected.
In Custom mode, even with the suspension set to normal, it felt quite stiff,
and the difference in suspension settings when switching to N mode was immense.
Nevertheless, Hyundai must have made significant efforts to achieve the precise tuning suitable for this fun car.
Experiencing the car, even briefly, made me feel like I learned so much more about the Veloster N.
By the way, isn’t the Lake Silver color stunning?
If I were to buy a Veloster N right now, this color would be one I’d seriously consider.
It’s a rare color, and in person, it looks incredibly subtle yet beautiful.
While riding along, I asked the owner various questions about the Veloster N,
and I compiled two questions I personally want to ask Veloster N owners below.
Q. The Veloster N must have many advantages. What are its downsides? Are there any defects?
A. The downside is the interior materials, which could be better. You can hear some noise at high speeds. As for defects, there are occasional 'starting delay' issues. They aren’t major inconveniences.
Q. Do you have any tuning plans for the future?
A. I’m not a professional driver, so I haven’t pushed the car to its limits. However, I want to upgrade to an open intake and add a barrier, as well as intercooler and oil cooler upgrades for better cooling.
The Veloster N offers a fun driving experience at a realistic price.
Hyundai's recent focus on developing N vehicles is a welcome news for car enthusiasts.
While it’s disappointing that the i30 N isn’t launching in the U.S.,
I hope they continue to release fun cars, starting with the Veloster N.
Additionally, if an 8-speed DCT automatic transmission model is added by the end of this year, it could enhance its appeal even further.
I believe it could gain even more popularity. ^^
A car I personally want to own before I turn 30!
The difference between seeing a car and actually driving and enjoying it is immense.
You might even find yourself liking a car you weren’t fond of after taking it for a spin,
or vice versa—you might lose interest in a car you liked after driving it.
After driving this car, my desire to own it has definitely increased.
I wanted to take many beautiful photos during the ride, so I brought my DSLR, but unfortunately, all the photos turned out terrible…=_= I only managed to take some pictures in the underground parking lot, which was a bit disappointing.
Still, I think it was a great experience to finally ride in a car I had wanted to experience, even if just as a passenger.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the owner for the experience. (_ _)
That concludes today's post. Thank you. ^^
- 2019. 08. 05 By. Baek Moon-jo