SEOUL -- To build its reputation as the maker of high-performance cars, South Korea's leading Hyundai Motor released Veloster N, the pumped-up version of its compact sports sedan released earlier this year.
Hyundai introduced N, the sub-brand for high-performance vehicles in 2015, in an effort to compete with top-class foreign brands such as AMG of Mercedes Benz and BMW's M. N was named after Nurburgring, a German motorsport complex also known as the Green Hell, which has been traditionally used as a proving ground for many high-performance vehicles.
"Veloster N is a daily car which will provide drivers with the fun of driving on circuits, tracks and streets," Hyundai said in a statement on Wednesday. "We hope many people to know the sheer fun of driving with Veloster N."
Apart from similar looks, the N version of Veloster is a four-door compact sports sedan featuring a two-liter turbo engine, six-speed manual transmission, high-performance brakes, a reinforced frame and the increased handling performance. There is only one trim available and it comes with a price tag of 29.6 million won ($26,700).
Like other foreign high-performance vehicles, Veloster N provides drivers with various modes designed to match the style of driving. Drivers can choose between five modes ranging from an eco-friendly and fuel-efficient mode to a sports driving mode tailored for circuits and tracks.