Ah, the affordable sports coupe, a market segment that thrived in the ‘80s and pretty much died soon after the year 2000. Sporty coupes priced at $20,000 are few and far between these days, so Hyundai figures there’s potential for their new Veloster, to be inserted below the Genesis Coupe.
It features a MINI Cooper Clubman-like passenger-side rear door, but this third door opens conventionally. This facilitates access to the rear seats and makes the car more practical when you decide to bring a couple of buddies along for the ride. The front doors are of unequal length; the one on the passenger side is narrower to make room for the rear door.
The Veloster’s cabin boasts a total volume of 2,543 litres, slightly more than in a Scion tC and slightly less than in a Kia Forte Koup. Cargo space is rated at 439 litres with the rear seat up. Again, better than in the Scion.
Where Hyundai’s new front-drive sportster shines less is under the hood. A 1.6-litre, direct-injected inline-4 produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque, the same engine found in the new-for-2012 Accent subcompact. Still, its power-to-weight ratio sits between the tC’s and the Honda CR-Z’s.
Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and—new for Hyundai—a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters. Equipped with the latter, the Korean brand claims a highway fuel economy rating of 40 US mpg, or 5.9 L/100 km. Using a fuel economy scoring system called Eco Coach, Veloster owners can log onto www.myhyundai.com and compare their numbers between themselves.
Other mechanical components include an independent front suspension, a torsion beam rear suspension, hydraulic power rack-and-pinion steering, 4-wheel disc brakes as well as two sets of alloy wheels and tires: standard P215/45HR17 and optional P215/40VR18.
Exterior features on the 2012 Hyundai Veloster will include LED daytime running lights, power heated mirrors and keyless entry. Inside, expect standard A/C, a tilt and telescopic steering column, cruise control, power windows, a trip computer, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat and cloth upholstery.
Aural entertainment will be provided by a 196-watt LG sound system with touch-screen, XM radio, wheel-mounted controls, six speakers, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port with iPod integration. As for safety features, the Veloster relies on six airbags, ABS and EBD as well as traction and electronic stability control systems.
Two option groups will be available in the U.S., which we assume to also be offered in Canada. The Style Package includes 18-inch alloys, a chrome grille surround, fog lamps, a power panoramic sunroof, a sound system upgrade, leatherette seat and door trim, a leather-wrapped wheel and alloy pedals. The Tech Package includes 18-inch alloys with painted inserts, a navigation system, a backup sensor, a rear view camera, automatic headlights, a 115-volt power outlet and an intelligent key system.
Hyundai cites competitors as the Honda CR-Z, the Scion tC as well as the MINI Cooper and Cooper Clubman. They also could’ve mentioned the Kia Forte Koup and Honda Civic Coupe.
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster should arrive this fall at a price that has yet to be announced. But since we like guessing, we assume it will be offered in Canada with a base price of—as we mentioned earlier—around $20,000.
By Michel Deslauriers
source : Auto123
