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  • The best ski masks let you blast down the slopes in the warmest winter gear

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    Published Dec. 22, 2021

    Keeping yourself warm and protected from nature’s frigid elements is a key part of an enjoyable ski. Depending on the type of skiing or cold-weather activity you’re planning, you will want the best ski mask ready to protect.

    Ski masks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most intense skiers will want as much face coverage as possible made from breathable materials that let you work up a sweat without overheating. For more casual trips, you may consider a ski mask that offers minimal coverage that still gets the job done while not being itchy, hot, or burdensome.

    Without proper protection, your ski trip can take a sharp turn for the worse with bad sunburns as a result of the high levels of UV radiation reflected in the snow or windswept dry skin. Get the best ski mask and you’ll be cruising down the slopes with pleasure (and you can check out our roundups of the best snow boots, heated socks, ski goggles, winter gloves, and winter hats to help you stay extra cozy).

    Be prepared for the slopes and frigid weather with the best ski mask

    Cover your face to ensure maximum enjoyment on the slopes. With the best ski mask, you can get to the bottom of the mountain with ease.

    What you need to know to purchase the best ski mask

    What exactly makes a great ski mask? Quality snow gear needs to be both technically sound and comfortable. As you pick up speed skiing or snowboarding down the mountain, not only is wind pounding your face, but the UV radiation levels are at nearly 90 percent. This means you need to get proper protection to avoid looking like a lobster after a day in the alps.

    Balaclavas are a great choice for those looking for maximum face coverage. With their all-encompassing design, you will have minimal exposure to harmful UV rays. Full-face-cover balaclavas are some of the best ski masks due to their ability to keep in heat and keep you toasty on frigid days. Half balaclavas are a good compromise if you’re looking for less heat capture or have a separate hat or helmet that is sufficient in itself.

    Picking the right material is another important consideration. While thin and breathable materials are great for sports, knitted ski masks are an affordable option for those that frequently get cold. If you’re out in the countryside going for a cold-weather walk or hoping to escape the urban wind, a full-face-covered knit balaclava will certainly meet your requirements.

    Best full-cover balaclava: Oakley Men’s Backwoods Balaclava

    A full balaclava offers UV and wind protection from the top of your head to the upper chest region. This is great for skiers and snowboarders who need something that meets high technical requirements. Made of 53-percent Polyamide, 30-percent Polyester, and 17-percent Elastane, this balaclava has a lightness that is perfect under ski gear. The slot opening at the eyes will give you room to properly apply ski goggles. The long neck covering means you can tuck under your layers easily which will offer extra warmth.

    Do you need a ski mask for maximum warmth?

    The material used in a great ski mask will inform the kind of performance you can expect to receive from it. Light materials like polyamide and polyester give breathability while knitted woolen fabrics offer supreme warmth. If you’re looking to wear a mask that keeps you warm at all costs, a knitted mask will do the job. What you lose in technical performance abilities (knit doesn’t fit well under a ski helmet) you gain in thickness and all-around coziness.

    Best knitted ski mask: AcademyFits Knit Ski Mask

    The warmth this full-face-cover ski mask offers is second to none. A flexible fabric means that not only is it toasty, but it’s also super comfortable as well. Its full coverage on the top of your head keeps body heat from escaping, so you won’t even notice the frigid weather. It’s not very breathable, though, so don’t expect it to work for most sports.

    Ski masks can be used for all sorts of purposes if they’re adjustable

    Adjustable ski masks are great for those who want a multipurpose face-covering suited for cityscapes and ski slopes alike. Adjustable masks can become neck gaiters (commonly known as buffs) that offer neck protection as a scarf or a sports wrap. Pull it up above your nose and you have a more classic-looking mask. Pull it over your hair and it can become a handy bandana.

    When packing light, an adjustable ski mask means you’ll save space by using one item that can be used for multiple activities.

    Best adjustable ski mask: N-Mengge Adjustable Fleece

    With 16 different uses, this ski mask can be used as a hood, bandana, wristband, beanie, and more. Microfiber materials are great at dealing with sweat, which makes this the perfect winter sports gear.

    Looking for top performance gear that’s breathable?

    The best material for a mask for sporting use is one that allows you to stay dry while working up a sweat in the cold. Working up a sweat in frigid temperatures can cause a chill as the wind hits your body. Dri-fit polyester blends make a great ski mask due to their stretchy, breathable material.

    Best breathable sports mask: Nike Therma Sphere

    Nike’s full-face ski mask is one of the best due to its Dri-Fit design that allows you to be as active as you’d like without worrying about the sub-zero temperatures. It’s warm, comfortable, and good value for a performance-based winter ski mask. It’s also a great mask for more casual wear, as it’s so light you can easily keep it in your pocket when heading indoors.

    Worried about overheating in your ski mask?

    A half-face mask will allow heat to escape from the top of your head while keeping your neck, mouth, and nose, and ear region protected and warm. While this may not sound ideal, as temperatures rise throughout the day, you may not want something that keeps your head bundled. A half-balaclava is a must for full flexibility on cold days.

    When heat is trapped, your body will keep its core temperature relatively high. If you’re working up a sweat, you will want some body heat to release so you don’t feel overheated. Skiers that wear heavy-duty helmets may love the half balaclava’s ability to protect without wrapping up your entire head.

    Best half-balaclava: Tough Headwear Half-Balaclava

    Sometimes you don’t need to cover it all. A simple and effective design makes this half-balaclava a great ski mask. It protects from the cold, dust particles, and UV rays while providing ultimate comfort and is large enough to be pulled up over your ears.

    What is the best cheap ski mask?

    You can still stay pleasantly warm and protected from UV rays without spending very much. You may not have the technical performance needed for alpine skiing, but if your needs are simpler, then a budget mask is a great option.

    Best ski mask under $10: Achiou Winter Ski Mask

    Basic and great—made of 90-percent polyester and 10-percent spandex—this full balaclava ski mask is a simple and effective piece of winter gear. The hooded top can be pulled down making this mask adjustable. When you’ve really worked up a sweat, you can simply toss this mask into the laundry to freshen up.

    FAQs

    Q: Can I use a ski mask for other activities?

    Ski masks are highly adaptable winter items that can be used on runs, outdoor sports, or pretty much any outdoor activity. If you’re looking for a sporty winter cover, a great mask will ensure you’re warm.

    Q: What is the best kind of ski mask?

    Full balaclavas are an excellent option for maximum warmth and protection. For more breathability, you may opt for something simpler and smaller, like a half-balaclava or adjustable ski mask that can be turned into a scarf or bandana.

    Q: What are the best materials for a ski mask?

    For performance and breathability, polyesters make great masks. Dri-fit polyester blends will allow you to stay the most comfortable while exercising. Wool is a great option for those not looking to be super active, but who still want to stay insulated.

    A final word on shopping for the best ski mask

    The best ski mask will allow you to withstand nature’s toughest elements with style and comfort. Protect from harmful UV rays by finding a mask that covers your skin properly, leaving you comfortable in the cold.


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  • Best canister vacuums for those hard-to-reach spots

    Posted on by admin

    Published Oct. 5, 2021

    According to Consumer Reports, canister vacuums make up only about 2% of the overall vacuum market. But they’re finally starting to grow in popularity, and it’s not difficult to see why. Unlike standard upright vacuums, canister vacuums are generally more lightweight, quiet, and maneuverable, making them the ideal choice for houses with hardwood floors, tight spots, and multiple levels.

    Canister vacuums can be moved around easily because the weight is distributed between the canister and the powerhead. That way, you’re not lifting the entire vacuum around as you clean. Plus, the attached wand and hose give you more extension for hard-to-reach spots such as blinds, curtains, and overhead fixtures. This extra-long reach even makes them well suited for cleaning the interior of your car.

    Because of their maneuverability, canister vacuums work great on all types of hard flooring and are perfect for getting dust bunnies that accumulate under raised furniture. But some models on the market today even do a great job on carpeted floors as well. If you’ve ever considered upgrading your home vacuum, this list of the best canister vacuums we’ve put together is a great place to get started. You may never go back to upright or stick vacs again!

    How We Picked the Best Canister Vacuums

    Methodology

    There are so many technical specifications to compare and contrast when shopping for electronic devices that it can be downright confusing. To narrow down this list to just five picks, we looked at no fewer than two dozen of the best canister vacuums on the market, which we then refined by brand, average customer ratings, and reviews.

    We also selected a range of products that address a wide assortment of consumer needs. For instance, people who have multiple pets may need a canister vacuum tailored to picking up pet hair. In contrast, people with young children might want precision tools and accessories to remove even the smallest specs of dirt and dust to stay clean and sanitary.

    Affordability was another factor we took into consideration. While we could put together a solid list of the best canister vacuums with prices of $500 and above, that might not work for all budgets. So if you’re looking for a vacuum that costs under $100, we included options that come in at lower price points.

    The Best Canister Vacuums: Reviews & Recommendations

    Best canister vacuum overall: Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team Bagless Canister Vacuum

    The Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team is the best overall canister vacuum.

    Incredible Performance

    Powerful vortex motor technology provides the deepest clean possible. Miele

    Check Price

    Why It Made The Cut: German-engineered vortex technology puts this powerful yet quiet bagless canister vacuum far above and beyond the competition.

    Specs:

    • Weight: 19 pounds
    • Surface Type: Hard floors, carpet
    • Collection Method: Bagless

    Pros:

    • Miele-made vortex motor
    • Maintenance-free lifetime HEPA filter
    • Four suction power settings

    Cons:

    • Cord could be longer
    • Suction might be almost too powerful

    Clean up even the biggest messes faster with the Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team Bagless Canister Vacuum. This powerful yet quiet canister vac employs powerful vortex technology to provide the deepest clean possible, with the ability to switch between four different suction power settings specific to the surface being cleaned. It also comes with a Turbo Brush Floorhead for low-to-medium pile carpet and a Parquet Twister floor head with soft bristles for hard floors.

    Whether using or emptying this bagless canister vacuum, dust will be the least of your worries. The double-pronged approach of the maintenance-free HEPA Lifetime Filter and Gore CleanStream Fine Dust Filter ensures top-notch filtration, eliminating up to 99.98 percent of dust and allergens. And with specially-designed hygienic emptying, you won’t get a cloud of fine dust particles in your face when emptying the dust cup the way you might with other bagless models.

    This vacuum is so powerful that it can even be compared to a good shop vac, albeit a quieter one with multiple settings. In fact, one of the downsides is that because the vacuum does its job so well, you really have to be diligent about picking up items off the floor that you don’t want sucked up before using it. Another minor complaint from some users is that the cord length would be perfect if it were just five or 10 feet longer. An extension cord may be an easy solution.

    Best vacuum for pets: Kenmore BC3005 Pet Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner

    The Kenmore 400 Series Canister Vacuum is the best canister vacuum for multiple pets.

    Powerful Double-Motor Cleaning

    Reach heights of over nine feet with its aluminum telescoping wand. Kenmore

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    Why It Made The Cut: Pet hair and dander are no match for this canister with a triple HEPA filtration system that traps more than 99 percent of dirt inside the vacuum.

    Specs:

    • Weight: 24.2 pounds
    • Surface Type: Floor, upholstery, carpet
    • Collection Method: Bagged

    Pros:

    • Triple HEPA filtration system
    • Two powerful motors for deep cleaning
    • Telescoping wand for above-floor cleaning

    Cons:

    • No carrying handle
    • Floor brush not as durable as higher-end models

    Say goodbye to even the most stubborn pet hair on floors, upholstery, and other surfaces with this Kenmore canister vacuum that does the heavy lifting for you. A combination of two motors provides effective brush rotation and powerful suction for deep cleaning. The aluminum telescoping wand has a reach of 9.5 feet, and the detachable handle is perfect for cleaning furniture, car interiors, and other tight spaces.

    Your allergies will also thank you since the triple HEPA filtration system traps 99.97 percent of dirt inside the vacuum. Other great features include an automatic cord rewind that quickly retracts 26 feet of cord with the push of a button. In addition, the upper and lower wands release easily to effortlessly switch from cleaning the floor to upholstery and the ceiling.

    The main drawback some users have reported is that it can be slightly cumbersome to carry this vacuum around because there is no carrying handle. Others say that the floor brush that comes with the vacuum isn’t as well-made as some previous models, but fortunately, that’s easy enough to upgrade.

    Best attachments: Oreck Commercial XL Pro 5 Super Compact Canister Vacuum

    The Oreck Commercial XL Pro 5 Super Compact Canister is the best canister vacuum for attachments.

    Amazing Suction

    Experience commercial-grade power with the convenience of a handheld vac. Oreck Commercial

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    Why It Made The Cut: This compact, lightweight canister vacuum can be carried by hand or over the shoulder and comes with a full accessory pack of tools for cleaning any surface.

    Specs:

    • Weight: 5 pounds
    • Surface Type: Upholstery, carpet, wooden floors, laminate floors, tile floors
    • Collection Method: Bagged

    Pros:

    • Complete set of detailing tools
    • Extremely lightweight
    • Extra-long 30-foot cord

    Cons:

    • Shoulder strap becomes detached easily
    • Exhaust is as powerful as the suction

    When people say the Oreck Commercial XL Pro 5 Super Compact Canister Vacuum sucks, they mean it really sucks. Weighing in at just about five pounds, this extraordinarily lightweight yet mighty canister vac cleans floors, stairs, furniture, ceiling fans, bookshelves, curtains, light fixtures, and more with a precision set of detailing tools.

    The accessories included are a telescopic wand, upholstery tool, dusting brush, crevice tool, universal adaptor, detachable accessory caddy, and a floor-cleaning nozzle with hard floor and carpet settings. It also comes with a 30-foot-long power cord that conveniently wraps around the bottom of the vacuum and a shorter, five-foot “slinky” style hose that lets you put suction right where you need it.

    But with great suction also comes great exhaust: When using this vacuum, you have to make sure that you’re not accidentally blowing around dust and dirt before you can suck it up. Many customer reviews also noted a design flaw that makes the shoulder strap fall off easily, so that’s something to consider before using it for the first time.

    Best bagless canister vacuum: Bissell Zing Bagless Canister Vacuum

    The Bissell Zing Bagless Canister Vacuum is the best bagless canister vacuum.

    Easy to Empty

    The removable dirt cup with locking lid ensures quick, mess-free emptying. Bissell

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    Why It Made The Cut: Never worry about purchasing vacuum bags again with this convenient bagless vac that uses handy filters to capture even more fine dust and particles.

    Specs:

    • Weight: 9.3 pounds
    • Surface Type: Carpets, hard floors, upholstery
    • Collection Method: Bagless

    Pros:

    • Easy-empty two-liter dirt cup
    • Automatic 15-foot power cord rewind
    • Airflow regulator helps control pressure

    Cons:

    • Not ideal for carpeted floors
    • Attachments don’t always stay on well

    Featuring cyclonic technology that delivers powerful, continuous suction, the Bissell Zing Bagless Canister Vacuum makes it easy to clean hardwood surfaces throughout your home. Weighing less than 10 pounds, it’s also simple to maneuver using the integrated carrying handle so you can get to those pesky hard-to-reach spots that traditional vacuums might miss.

    And best of all, there are no vacuum bags ever to buy or change. The bagless design includes an easy-to-empty, two-liter capacity dirt cup and three stages of filtration, using filters in the dirt cup and one post-motor filter to help capture fine dust and particles. These filters are washable and reusable, so you’ll save even more money.

    However, even though this canister vacuum is marketed as working on multiple surfaces, some users have found that it doesn’t work as well on carpeted floors and that the wheels and bristles on the floor tool tend to collect hair. Others have had issues with the telescoping hose extenders and other accessories not locking into place, causing them to become dislodged, especially when used on carpets. But for hard floors, most users agree that you can’t beat this Bissell.

    Best compact vacuum: Eureka 3670G Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum

    The Eureka 3670G Mighty Mite is the best compact canister vacuum.

    Lightweight Yet Mighty

    Extension wands provide easier access to even the hardest-to-reach areas. EUREKA

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    Why It Made The Cut: Cleaning multiple surfaces around the home is quick and efficient with this canister vacuum equipped with a 12- amp motor to create powerful suction.

    Specs:

    • Weight: 11.6 pounds
    • Surface Type: Ideal for hard floors; does well on carpets and rugs
    • Collection Method: Bagged

    Pros:

    • 12-amp motor
    • Easy-to-use fingertip controls
    • Dust cup capacity of 2.5 liters

    Cons:

    • No rotating brush head
    • Power cord can be cumbersome

    For a compact vacuum that doesn’t sacrifice performance, the Eureka 3670G Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum is equipped with brush rolls and a complete set of tools to help clean carpets, hard floors, stairs, and upholstery. It’s an ideal model for vacuuming quickly and efficiently, and even tricky pet hair and dust are no match for the powerful 12-amp motor.

    This bagged model has a two-and-a-half liter capacity, and the bag comes out easily for a no-mess clean. Another great feature is the power-touch handle with easy-to-use fingertip controls that make switching between the deluxe floor brush and the bare-floor nozzle easy.

    Customer reviews have pointed out some minor flaws, such as the absence of a rotating brush head, which can make deep-cleaning rugs and carpets difficult. Also, with no automatic rewind feature, the cord must wrap around the bottom of the canister, which makes for awkward usage and storage. Those are small inconveniences, however, when you consider the affordable price tag.

    Things to Consider Before Buying a Canister Vacuum

    With so many types of vacuums on the market, including upright, stick, handheld, and canister models, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to determine which is right for you. There are a few drawbacks to canister-style vacuum cleaners. For example, because most models don’t work as well on carpeted floors, a canister vacuum simply can’t compete with an upright vacuum, especially on high-pile carpets and rugs.

    Another thing to consider is the overall square footage of the space you need to clean and where you plan to store the vacuum. Canister vacuums tend to have smaller heads and brushes, so it will take that much longer to clean large spaces. Because of their unique shape and design, canister vacuums can also be more cumbersome to store than upright or stick vacuums.

    However, if you have hardwood floors, multiple floors, and curtains, high ceilings, or other hard-to-reach spots, a canister vacuum might just be the perfect tool to make your life easier. You may even want to purchase one in addition to your regular upright vacuum so it’s there when you have a tough job that needs this unique cleaning solution.

    FAQs

    Q: What are the benefits of using a canister vacuum?

    There are many benefits to using a canister vacuum. In addition to flexible hoses and longer cleaning wands for hard-to-reach spots, canister vacuums tend to be lightweight and easier to carry than upright vacuums. They also generally have better suction and flow rate, meaning you can clean faster and more efficiently.

    Q: Why are canister vacuums better for hardwood floors?

    Canister vacuums are typically better for bare floors because, unlike upright or stick vacuums, they tend to be less likely to disperse dust and debris. But at the same time, the features that make them ideal for hard floors also make them ill-equipped for carpeted floors, which can clog the vacuum’s brush head with hair and fur.

    Q: Are canister vacuums more difficult to use?

    Canister vacuums may be more challenging to use than upright vacuums because their bulky design can make them awkward to carry around and store. However, canister vacuums are generally lighter and more compact than upright vacuums, so it boils down to which type of vacuum is more comfortable to use depending on the individual and the area that needs cleaning.

    Final Thoughts

    With its ability to clean carpeted floors and upholstery just as well as hard surfaces, our top pick is the Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team. We love its bagless technology that still manages to keep dust from escaping the dust cup when emptying.

    However, if the cost of the Miele is a bit too steep for your budget, the Oreck Commercial XL Pro 5 Super Compact Canister is a lightweight and efficient little machine with powerful suction and an extra-long cord for less than a quarter of the price.


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  • Backyard party essentials: Outdoor Super Bowl party ideas for 2021

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    Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Popular Science may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

    Copyright © 2021 Popular Science. A Bonnier Corporation Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.


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  • First Drive: 2021 Hyundai Veloster N

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    The 2020 Hyundai Veloster N shown in the Performance Blue paint available only on the performance hatchback.

    It’s hard not to smile when you get a look at the funky little Hyundai Veloster, with its quirky layout: two doors on the driver’s side, one on the passenger side.

    The South Korean hatchback has found a small but reasonably steady audience since its debut for the 2012 model year, outlasting some once-promising competitors, such as the Honda CRX, and defying the overall vanishing act in the passenger car segment.

    While endearing, the original Hyundai hatch was short in several key areas where you’d expect to judge a sporty hatchback, namely handling and performance. But the latest twist on the Veloster story largely resolves those problems, the new Hyundai Veloster N substantially amping up the fun-to-drive factor.

    (Hyundai shows off updates to 2020 Veloster N.)

    The original, 2012 model was powered by an anemic 1.6-liter inline-four that turned out a mere 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. Getting to 60 required a painful 9 seconds. Today’s take on the hatchback offers buyers several powertrain options to choose from, starting with the base 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four making a more acceptable 147 hp and 132 lb-ft, as well as a 1.6-liter turbo-four that punches that up to 201 hp and 195 lb-ft – which will get you to 60 in a reasonable 6 seconds flat.

    The Veloster N is distinguished by largely functional enhancements, such as the rear wing.

    Now, however, there’s a third option and the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N is the sort of hot hatch that once was the near-sole purview of the Japanese. While Honda has struck back with the Civic Type-R, the Veloster N is a clear shot over the bow warning that the Koreans are there to compete, both on and off the track.

    The heart of the Veloster N is, of course, found under the hood, a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 engine that, with the optional Performance Pack, pours out a blistering 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Considering the hatchback weighs in at just 3,100 pounds, that’s a lot of oomph waiting for orders from your right foot. Even without that optional upgrade, you’ll still have 250 hp at the ready. Expect 0-60 times in the low to mid-5 second range, depending on your skill with a clutch, and a top speed rated at 155 mph.

    Yes, clutch. The Veloster N is one of the rare birds left on the market, offered with a six-speed manual – though the 2021 will have an optional automatic. Whichever gearbox you choose, it will send power exclusively to the front wheels. Shod in Pirelli rubber, it does a solid job of sticking to the pavement during hard launches, something that required less finesse than with the Civic Type-R which could all too easily start hopping its front wheels if you didn’t careful modulate its own clutch pedal.

    The 2.0-liter turbo-four makes as much as 275 hp with Veloster N’s optional Performance Pack.

    A limited-slip differential further enhances grip and the Veloster N boasts another nice feature, an adjustable rev-match system.

    What’s particularly impressive about the new engine is that you can forget about turbo lag. With the Performance Pack, you’ll have all of your torque in play by just 1,450 RPMs, according to Hyundai – something that meshed with our own, on-road experience.

    While getting some real power out of the Veloster is a delight, finally delivering on the promise of the distinctive design we first saw nearly a decade ago, the N edition is much more than a straight-line sled. And for that, we once again bow our heads in appreciation to Albert Biermann, the one-time head of BMW’s legendary M brand, and now the head of R&D for the entire Hyundai Motor Group.

    The original 2012 Hyundai Veloster was a fun car to look at but was severely underpowered.

    As impressive as raw torque might be, delivering a quick car is relatively easy. It’s how you handle corners that is the real challenge. And this is where Biermann has been most effective. Steering and suspension were long the Achilles Heel for the Hyundai brand. No longer, and certainly not on the growing N line-up.

    Even in its Comfort setting, the performance Veloster boasts crisp steering feel and a predictable manner in corners. To really get the feel of what it could do, though, required a drive out from Metro Detroit to the appropriately named Hell, Michigan, where we find some of the state’s most challenging roads. Switching to Sport Mode, corners legitimately marked “35” were readily handled closer to 60, with room to push further had we so chosen. The 2021 Veloster N experienced only modest body roll, enough to let you connect with what the car is doing on the road.

    (Veloster Grappler Concept ready to wrestle for attention at SEMA.)

    If we did have any gripes it was that the suspension does get a bit too harsh, even in Comfort Mode, on the rough pavement that is the typical Michigan road. There’s also a surprising amount of road noise working its way into the cabin, especially on concrete pavement.

    The Veloster N features unique analog gauges.

    But for those who put the emphasis on performance, those are reasonably forgivable flaws and the Veloster N will readily do a good job as a daily driver. The B, incidentally, offers a “Custom Mode” that allows a driver to mix-and-match settings for things like steering, gearing and the car’s variable damping. We wound up using this to opt for Sport-like settings in everything but the transmission, opting to keep it in a higher gear to reduce fuel consumption during everyday driving.

    Visually, a few key touches immediately give away the fact that this isn’t your everyday Veloster, starting with the fact that it sits a slight 0.2 inches lower. The upgraded hatchback, for one thing, gets a big wing right off the roofline – though nowhere near the massive arrangement used on the Civic Type-R. The car also gets a distinctive mesh grille with N-badging, a red front splitter, red brake calipers and unique side sills. It’s also available in a distinctive Performance Blue paint, perhaps the only blue hue that we’d be happily seen with these days.

    Inside, the 2021 Veloster N generally resembles the standard-issue hatchback, with a few welcome updates, including grippier and better-bolstered sport seats, that stick, and twin analog speedo and tach gauges.

    The Veloster N gets sports seats, a unique N-Mode feature on the infotainment screen and other upgrades.

    There’s the familiar assortment of tech features, including the Hyundai driver assistance technologies which, to the most, can be disabled when you’re pushing hard. The infotainment system can handle both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the touchscreen has a unique N-Mode function that, among other things, instantly reads out forward and lateral G-forces, a fun way to measure both your launch and braking, as well as how well you just managed that corner through Hell.

    As for fuel economy, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N without the Performance Pack is rated at 22 mpg City, 29 Highway with the six-speed manual. We have not seen numbers yet for the automatic.

    As for pricing, it comes in at $29,700 with delivery fees, a veritable bargain compared to the Civic Type R at $37,000 – though the Honda is an all-in price, with pain color the only option.

    (Hyundai peels back the cover to reveal new Elantra.)

    In terms of price, Hyundai here sticks to its roots, offering a surprisingly affordable option for those who want a seriously impressive hot hatch. But, unlike early products from the Korean carmaker, you don’t get the feeling you’ve settled for a bargain model. The Veloster N is handsome, inside and out, well-equipped, and a blast to drive. It’s likely to give pause to many motorists who might otherwise be ready to jump into an SUV.


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