Comparison: 2022 Hyundai Veloster N versus 2022 Mini John Cooper Works 3 Door

2022 Hyundai Veloster N

Pros

• Excellent balance of power and price
• Lots of standard performance equipment
• Extra-long warranty

Cons

• Economy-car interior
• Lack of customization

What Are the Highlights of the 2022 Hyundai Veloster N?

The only surviving variant of what was once a range of quirky and fun cars, the 2022 Veloster N is a sporty and sprightly sub-compact three-door hot hatchback. What does the “N” mean in Veloster N? Just as BMW has its M division (making fabulous high-performance machines like the M2 and M3 and M4 and so on), Hyundai is phasing in N versions of various cars, like Veloster and the Kona N small SUV and Elantra N compact sedan. The company’s research and development division is in Namyang, South Korea. But these N models are also tested vigorously on Germany’s famed (and occasionally frightening) Nürburgring racetrack by ex-BMW engineers.

How Much Does the Hyundai Hot Hatch Cost?

With a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $37,899 in Canadian dollars, the 2022 Veloster N arrives one way: loaded. Beyond exterior paint, the only option is choosing the automatic over the standard manual transmission, which ups the price to $39,499. 

Some of the standard driving hardware in the 2022 Veloster N will be music to an enthusiast's ears, and we don't just mean the large bore exhaust outlets with variable valves. The car also comes with an electronic limited-slip differential, adaptive suspension, and aerodynamic additions, including a two-stage rear spoiler, beefy brakes, selectable driving modes, alloy pedals, and 19-inch alloy wheels wearing summer tires for maximum grip. 

The Hyundai hot hatch's interior also gets N-exclusive kit, like heated sport bucket seats with cloth insert and leatherette bolsters that are six-way manually adjustable for the driver's seat. The infotainment setup includes an 8.0-inch touch screen navigation system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and an Infinity audio system with eight speakers and an external amplifier.

And like any Hyundai Canada new vehicle, the Veloster N gets a factory warranty with up to five years and 100,000 kilometres of coverage; one year and an additional 20,000-km more than what Mini Canada offers.

What’s the Interior of the Veloster N Like?

Hyundai expects Veloster N owners to explore the car’s cornering capabilities. That’s why the front sports seats have plenty of lateral support. They’re covered with a mix of cloth and simulated leather (the steering wheel is wrapped in real leather) and provide a pleasant place for occupants up front—as long as they don’t mind the cabin being a bit dark and home to a few low-cost plastics.

While the two-door Mini is marketed as a “3 Door”, the Hyundai has three real doors. A second door on the passenger side makes it easier to get out of the pair of back seats, where passengers will find more room overall than in the Mini. There’s also more cargo space, with up to 565 litres behind the Hyundai’s rear seats, compared to only 246 in the Mini.

How Does the 2022 Veloster N Drive?

Both the Hyundai and Mini hot hatchbacks are respectively powered by turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder gas engines. But by the numbers, the Veloster N offers more, with 275 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. As with the Mini, the Hyundai’s power goes solely to the front wheels via either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional 8-speed automatic. Front-drive setups don’t always cope well with such punch. They’re prone to one wheel spinning as the other grips, creating torque steer if the accelerator is pressed too fervently. The Veloster N nips that in the bud with a limited-slip differential.

Keeping things traditional with a 6-speed manual transmission is an excellent route. It comes with a rev-matching feature for smooth downshifts. However, the optional automatic (strictly speaking, an automatic transmission, since it has a dual-clutch setup, but you use it like a regular automatic) offers engagement with shift paddles under the steering wheel. 

An adaptive suspension is standard, but even the most intense driver might want to keep it in its most comfortable setting for public roads, clicking it over to Sport mode for track work.

2022 Mini John Cooper Works 3 Door

Pros

• Slot-car-like handling
• Good fuel economy
• High-quality interior

Cons

• Tight back seat and cargo space
• Luxury-brand pricing
• No manual transmission (for now)

What Are the Highlights of the 2022 Mini John Cooper Works 3 Door?

Hard to believe, but the current Mini goes back to 2002 when parent BMW launched the brand as the new “premium standard in the small car segment.” Another word that should have been used in that original press release: fun. In the original spirit, the front-drive sub-compact hatchback was a delight to drive, and its styling was a big hit. Yes, it was retro, but not an exact copy of the original. For 2022, the front-drive Mini—in 3 Door (two-door), 5 Door (four-door) hatchback versions and a two-door Convertible—receives its latest update. Mechanically, it’s much the same as before, highlighted by the John Cooper Works performance trim.

How Much Does the Mini Hot Hatch Cost?

Speaking of the John Cooper Works trim, both the JCW $37,940 3 Door hardtop and $43,640 Convertible get styling tweaks at both ends for 2022. This includes a revised grille, front air intake, and a new rear diffuser.

Like the Veloster N, the Mini JCW comes very well equipped. Over the $24,490 base 134-hp Mini Cooper, you get the more powerful 228-hp engine, Brembo brakes, a more aggressive suspension, and (like the Hyundai) an electronically locking front differential. There are also LED headlights, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, heated and power-adjustable side mirrors, a rear spoiler, and a variety of JCW trim and badges inside and outside the car. 

A 6-speed manual transmission has been the standard JCW fare in the past. But as of this writing, the optional 8-speed automatic is now your only chance due to supply shortages.

What’s the Interior of the Mini JCW 3 Door Like?

In reality, these sub-compact hot hatches are two-seaters with a pair of back seats that are more suited for cargo or children. In that case, the Mini treats its front passengers well, highlighted by 1,024 millimetres of headroom, 57 more than in the Hyundai hot hatch. To help justify the Mini’s higher price, the interior feels like it came from a luxury brand (i.e. BMW) compared to the mainstream Hyundai. The JCW trims take it up a notch with higher quality materials and unique styling. 

All 2022 Minis get an 8.8-in digital display mounted in the expected central location. The all-new user experience has a modernized look and feel.

How Does the 2022 2022 Mini JCW Drive?

Since there are no mechanical changes to the 2022 Mini Cooper, we can report that it drives much like it did last year. 

With 228 hp and a wheel-spinning 235 lb-ft, the JCW makes quick work of the straights and is one of those cars you'll drive for the sake of going. The electrically assisted steering is precise, and excellent suspension damping helps the Mini take corners with plenty of grip and minimal body lean. Weighing in at a slight 1,311 kilograms, the JCW 3 Door with the automatic transmission is 98 kg lighter than the Veloster N, which results in not only more nimbleness in the curves but also better fuel economy, with a city and highway combined 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres, compared to the Hyundai's 10.5 L/100 km rating with the automatic and 9.5 with the manual.

The small 2022 Mini JCW can bop around town in a sprite manner, with the owner appreciating the excellent fuel economy and easy parking. Yet the Mini is also totally fun when it's being pushed hard on, say, a twisty back road. Note: the Mini JCW's standard firm suspension can make the ride unpleasantly choppy on pot-holed roads. However, the available $500 Dynamic Damper Control suspension will please Canadian drivers who prefer a less frenetic ride over rough pavement.

Should I Buy a 2022 Hyundai Veloster N or a 2022 Mini John Cooper Works 3 Door?

If you are looking for a small hot hatch for the price of a well-equipped family sedan, both the 2022 Hyundai Veloster N and a 2022 Mini John Cooper Works 3 Door are worth a test drive. Both offer enthusiasts the type of driving fun not found in more practical or utilitarian vehicles.

The Mini JCW is an excellent choice if front passenger room and comfort with a luxurious cabin, fuel economy, and outright handling are your hot hatch priorities.

However, with its lower starting price, more extended warranty, roomier rear seat and cargo room, more power, and available manual transmission, we think the Veloster N is the better overall pick.