This car is a WINNER!
Reasons I love this car, in no particular order:
• It stickered for less than $36k
• Hyundai rightfully spent the money on performance hardware, not luxury or tech
• This car is rare; I seldom see one
• Given its price point and front wheel drive, the steering, handling, engine performance, braking, seating/interior are outstanding
• Every tactile interface, steering wheel, gear shifter, clutch, seats, feel just right
• The engine is rated at 288 horsepower and feels plenty powerful. With only slight turbo lag below 3000 rmp, it spins enthusiastically to 6500 and has the awesome mid-range turbo surge. I’ve owned cars twice as powerful but this one is more fun because you can use 100% of its power almost every time you drive it. Like the old saying “It’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow”.
• Lightweight wheels and Michelin summer performance tires are beyond expectations for a car at this price
• The 3-way exhaust system is one of the best I’ve ever heard. Instead of buying a car and then spending $1000+ on an after-market exhaust that may or may not sound great, it comes standard!
• The interior is spacious and easily carries 4 adults. The trunk volume is large.
Things that could use some attention:
• One performance item that should be addressed is the wheel hop on hard acceleration from a stop
• The Bose stereo would benefit from another rear speaker
• Add a deck lid close grab handle
• The exhaust doesn’t seem as loud as it was on my 2019 Veloster N with the same powertrain and exhaust.
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