Veloster N performs well in Korea

The Veloster N, the first Hyundai Motor model in the N sub-brand to launch in Korea. [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

The Veloster N, the first Hyundai Motor model in the performance-oriented N sub-brand to launch in Korea, is off to a smooth start with relatively good sales, driven in part by a reasonable price tag.

The N-badged Veloster hatchback was launched in Korea in June. Hyundai Motor said it sold 1,025 units of the vehicle in the country as of Friday.

Veloster N’s launch in Korea was ambitious. The original Veloster hatchback, which was introduced in 2011, was close to being discontinued due to slow sales. A total of 635 units were sold in 2016 and 206 units last year.

The design features of the hatchback were never popular with Korean consumers. With a focus on practicality, it did not gain traction in a market with a preference for the luxurious.

The Veloster N is being perceived otherwise.

Equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine, it can generate maximum horsepower of 250 and torque of 36. The original Veloster, on the other hand, generates a maximum of 140 horsepower and 24.7 torque. The better performance didn’t have much of an impact on price.

The Veloster N starts at 29 million won ($25,700), while the original Veloster starts at 20 million won.

According to the carmaker, 99.7 percent of the Veloster N buyers have chosen a “performance package,” which improves the car’s stats and brings the price to 31 million won.

By age group, 30-something buyers accounted for 48.4 percent of the total, followed by those in their 20s, who accounted for 23.6 percent. Those in their 40s accounted for 18.2 percent, and those in their 50s accounted for 9.7 percent.

“The Veloster N is expected to establish the performance-oriented N brand in Korea,” Hyundai Motor official said.

Hyundai Motor has three models under the N brand: the i30 N, the Veloster N and the most recently launched i30 Fastback N.

BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]