2012 Hyundai Veloster

Exterior

Inspired by a high-performance sport bike, the Veloster features distinctive black A-pillars that give the glass a motorcycle helmet visor appearance, an aggressive signature hexagonal front grille, hood scoop detailing, and unique Hyundai-signature LED position lights. The rear gets dual centered chrome exhaust tips and a black lower fascia that complements the assertive front fascia. The car sits on a set of standard 17" alloy wheels. Further customization of the car can be had with a chrome grille surround, piano black highlights, fog lights, a massive panoramic sunroof and 18-inch wheel with painted inserts.

The list of exterior colors include: Century White, Ironman Silver, Triathlon Gray, Ultra Black, Marathon Blue, Electrolyte Green, 26.2 Yellow, Vitamin C, and Boston Red.

Getting access to the rear seat in a coupe is sometimes a difficult task, but Hyundai has taken this into consideration as well with a conventionally hinged door on the passenger side that provides safe and ready access to the surprisingly spacious rear seats. This door’s handle is hidden to maintain the coupe design.

The Interior

The same motorcycle inspired theme also continues on the interior. The center stack and controls resemble a sport bike fuel tank and incorporate an available push-button starter. The air vents are inspired by motorcycle tailpipes, and the floor console mirrors by the seat of a bike. A distinctive sporty look is being offered by alloy pedals and a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The 2012 Veloster is being offered with Pandora internet radio that can stream internet radio from an iPhone, Android, or Blackberry. A 196-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jack is offered as standard equipment, but Hyundai also offers a 450-watt Dimension Premium Audio system with eight speakers including an eight-inch subwoofer and external amplifier or a Touchscreen navigation system that also integrates a rear-view camera.

Engine and Drivetrain

Under the hood of the 2012 Veloster, Hyundai has placed an all-new Gamma 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 38 HP at 6,300 rpm and maximum torque of 123 lb.-ft. at 4,850 rpm. Mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission or an all-new, six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the engine delivers an impressive 40 mpg (est). It also has one of the most impressive specific outputs out there; 86.3 HP per liter (for comparison’s sake, a 2012 Scion tC is 72.0).

The new engine features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts that provide optimum power, efficiency, and refinement. Using CVVT on both camshafts has several advantages when compared to using it only on the intake camshaft including an improvement in performance (increased volumetric efficiency) and fuel economy (reduced pumping loss), and a reduction in hydrocarbon emissions.

For a fun to drive experience, the Veloster is fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, coil springs, gas shock absorbers, and a 24 mm diameter front stabilizer. Hyundai also offers a sport-tuned electric power steering that adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system.

Pricing

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster will go on sale in late 2011, with prices to be announced at a later date.

The Competition

As Hyundai itself said, the 2012 Veloster was built to target models like the Honda CR-Z, the Mini Cooper, and the Scion tC. The CR-Z is powered by an IMA hybrid system made up of a 1.5 Liter gas burning engine combined with an electric motor that provides an additional 14 HP for a grand total of 124 HP and 131 lb-ft of torque. It is priced from $19,200.

The Mini Cooper is powered by a 1.6 liter engine that delivers 121 HP. Priced from $18,275, the Scion tC is powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with dual VVT-i that generates 180 HP.

 Offers much more performance than any of its competitors
 Impressive technology package
 Blue Link comes as standard

 Front design is "interesting"
 Only one engine option
 overall look does not impress