Honda Civic Type R vs. Hyundai Veloster N ― 2019 Hot Hatchback Battle

When it comes to performance, the Honda Civic Type R is the hottest of the hot hatchbacks. Meanwhile, the latest newcomer to the scene is the Hyundai Veloster N. The Hyundai costs much less and isn't as powerful, but is the Honda's additional performance worth the extra money? That's the question this Honda Civic Type R vs. Hyundai Veloster N comparison test seeks to answer.

Given the Civic has less weight and more power, it's obviously the quicker car. And it proved that in testing and at the racetrack. But we didn't expect just how much quicker the Civic was on track. Even more impressive was how quiet and smooth the Type R behaved on the freeway back home — never mind its avant-garde design.

The Civic's attributes don't make the Veloster N a worse car but rather a less expensive one. And that price difference makes its shortcomings in ride and interior quality understandable. That said, Hyundai did things right in making this car. We actually prefer its steering, exhaust and automatic rev-matching versus that of the Civic. The Veloster N remains hugely enjoyable to drive, and it still feels quick — just don't test it against a Type R.

About the 2019 Honda Civic Type R:

At the top of the Civic performance heap is the Honda Civic Type R. It is equipped much like the Sport Touring trim level, but it gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (306 hp, 285 lb-ft of torque). Like the Si, it is only available with a six-speed manual transmission, but this one includes adjustable automatic rev-matching and a lightweight flywheel. Other additions include 20-inch wheels with high-performance tires, bigger front and rear brakes, a massive rear wing, a Type R-specific suspension with adaptive dampers, and special interior and exterior styling enhancements.

Combined mpg: 25
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
Horsepower: 306 hp @ 6,500 rpm

Read more about the 2019 Honda Civic Type R: https://www.edmunds.com/honda/civic/2019/type-r/

About the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N:

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster N is similar to the Turbo R-Spec, but the N moniker speaks to loftier ambitions: racetrack durability in a car you drive every day. The transformation involves the usual upgrades — more power, firmer suspension, stickier tires and bigger brakes. The N's turbo 2.0-liter engine cranks out 250 hp, or 275 hp when equipped with the optional Performance pack.

Combined mpg: 25
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Torque: 260 lb-ft* @ 1,450 rpm
Horsepower: 275 hp* @ 6,000 rpm
* With optional Performance package

Read more about the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N: https://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/veloster/2019/n/

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