2021 Hyundai i30 N automatic previewed: Veloster N eight-speed dual-clutch auto

Hyundai is poised to launch its new 2020 Veloster N hot hatch – the first model equipped with the brand’s new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission – however it will not be sold in Australia.

While the Hyundai Veloster N is only available in left-hand drive for now, the new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission – dubbed "N DCT" – will be adopted as an option for the Hyundai i30 N and i30 Fastback N in Australia from “early 2021”.

“While we think the Veloster N would have great appeal in Australia, it has been ruled out for our market as it will not be produced in right-hand drive,” a Hyundai Australia representative told CarAdvice.

The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission Hyundai developed in 2016 utilises a wet-clutch designed to increase lubrication and cooling capacity compared to a conventional dry-clutch transmission.

Bolted to the Hyundai Veloster N’s unchanged 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 205kW and 353Nm, the new eight-speed auto offers a range of settings designed to increase performance, and can be configured via a new, 8.0-inch touchscreen.

CarAdvice understands features offered on the Hyundai Veloster N DCT will make their way onto the Australian-delivered i30 N and i30 Fastback N as all models are built on the same platform.

N Grin Shift engages a turbocharger overboost function, increasing maximum available engine torque output by seven per cent – taking the figure from 353Nm to 378Nm – and optimising transmission response for 20 seconds.

An N Power Shift mode activates when drivers input more than 90 per cent throttle, adjusting mapping of up- and down-shifts in the transmission to maximise power delivered to the wheels.

The N Track Sense Shift mode can detect when road conditions are "optimal" and select the correct gear and shift timing for dynamic driving, similar to the 'Smart' drive mode available in regular Hyundai and Genesis models but with a more aggressive edge. Hyundai likens this to how a “professional race car driver” might prepare a car for optimal performance.

Hyundai claims the Veloster N fitted with N DCT will complete the 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.6 seconds. By comparison, the 2020 Hyundai i30 Fastback N clocks the dash in 6.1 seconds with the same engine.

The Veloster N will also be offered with new ‘N Light Sports Bucket Seats’. Featuring a deeper bucket and unibody design trimmed in light-weight Alcantara, the seats tip the scales two kilograms lighter than standard Veloster N seats. An illuminated ‘N’ logo will also appear on the backrests, operating in unison with other interior lights.

The 2020 Veloster N retains rev-matching and launch control capabilities from the previous model and Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite featuring front collision-avoidance assist, driver attention warning, lane following and keep assist, high-beam assist, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision warnings.

The Veloster N DCT will begin sales in South Korea this month, with Hyundai rolling the model out to other regions in the following months.

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