Hot Hatch

A compact hatchback is the ideal city car. It can carry up to 4 people, and with the back seat folded down, it can accommodate an impressive Costco haul. The downside is that most are boring with no style and barely enough power to avoid being run over by a bus. Happily, a few car makers asked themselves: “Why can’t practical also be fun?” At first glance, the Hyundai Veloster N Hatchback seems designed by a 12-year-old, with one door on the driver side but two on the passenger side, a wing on the rear deck, air scoops to cool the brakes and zoomy blue seatbelts. But a closer look reveals a pocket-sized fun factory capable of 459 GPM (grins per mile) thanks to a 275-hp turbocharged engine linked to a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 8-speed paddleshifter automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, but the optional all-wheel drive gives the N supercar-level handling; Hyundai.com.