Can an affordable coupe provide premium car features? It can if it’s the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, a brand-new entrée into the compact coupe segment that not only provides the fun of a coupe, but the accessibility and practicality of a three-door hatch. Fuel-efficient, smart and exciting to drive, the Veloster once again marks Hyundai as a leader in delivering a fascinating, real-world driving experience.
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster (MSRP starting at $17,300) is an all-new, three-door coupe design that derives a lot of its aesthetic appeal from a completely different mode of transportation: The high-performance sport motorcycle. The distinctive blacked-out A-pillars were designed specifically to give the windshield glass the appearance of a full-face motorcycle helmet’s visor. The coupe’s front features the Hyundai signature hexagon grille with details like LED position lights that bring to mind cars that cost significantly more. Hyundai “Fluidic Sculpture” character lines, big, bold wheel arches and monochrome door handles and mirrors are accented with standard 17-inch alloy wheels with two 18-inch wheels on the options list for even further customization. Not long ago, you’d be lucky to find power locks in the compact coupe segment; with today’s Hyundai Veloster, you have access to features like a massive panoramic sunroof, optional chrome grille surround, piano black highlights and foglamps.
With the functionality of a hatch, and a passenger’s side, forward-hinged rear door, Hyundai brings practicality to the aesthetically exciting coupe segment. Hyundai provides a conventionally hinged door on the passenger’s side of the Veloster for safe access to the spacious rear seats, and its door handle is hidden to maintain the coupe design. Compared to rivals like the Scion tC, the Honda CR-Z, the MINI Cooper and the MINI Clubman, the Veloster provides significantly greater overall interior volume and greater passenger volume as well.
The Veloster features an all-new, 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Gamma four-cylinder engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway – greater highway fuel efficiency than the Honda CR-Z Hybrid. “Gasoline direct injection technology allowed Hyundai engineers to create an engine that is powerful, fuel-efficient and has fewer emissions,” said Hyundai American Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) Powertrain Director John Juriga. “Despite its small size, it generates some big numbers with both impressive horsepower output and 40 mpg on the highway.”
The Gamma 1.6-liter GDI engine produces a peak horsepower output of 138 hp at 6,300 rpm, and maximum torque of 123 lb/ft at 4,850 rpm. Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing and electronic throttle control, a roller timing chain, variable induction and anti-friction coatings mean that the Veloster can extract an amazing amount of energy out of every drop of gasoline while providing legendary Hyundai durability. The Veloster provides a best-in-class specific output of 86.3 hp per liter of engine displacement, Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification and a 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty.
The Veloster is a blast to drive with a MacPherson strut front suspension, coilsprings, gas shocks and a huge, 24mm diameter front stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a lightweight V-torsion beam with an integrated 23mm stabilizer bar for greater stiffness and reduced body roll. The rear suspension uses monotube shock absorbers for premium ride quality.
Electric power steering adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system thanks to its lack of a belt-driven pump that robs engine power. A quick-ratio steering rack is used for crisp feel on turn-in, and a 34.1-foot turning diameter beats all of its conventional rivals.
The Veloster features a standard seven-inch multi-function touchscreen display on the instrument panel. The screen offers three interface layouts for user customization. Pandora Internet Radio is integrated with the audio system, allowing drivers to stream Internet radio from an iPhone.
Gracenote provides amazing music access and management functions with enhanced voice recognition commands that integrate with your iPod. Gracenote Media VOCS® technology allows voice recognition capabilities for music search, letting drivers find bands, artists and albums, even with hard-to-pronounce names, irregular spellings and nicknames. The Veloster integrates a USB port, RCA jack and 115-volt power outlet to support gaming consoles and other electronics.
A standard 196-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satellite Radio audio system features six speakers, iPod connectivity and USB and auxiliary input jacks. The optional 450-watt Dimension Premium Audio system includes eight speakers with an eight-inch subwoofer and external amplifier. XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the head unit. The Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition, address book download and audio streaming is a standard feature in the Veloster. A touchscreen navigation system is optional, and features an integrated rear-view camera and backup warning sensors. The Hyundai Blue Link® system seamlessly connects smartphones with in-car navigation and entertainment systems while providing key safety services including Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) and Assistance, SOS Emergency Assistance and Enhanced Roadside Assistance. After a free introductory period, Veloster owners can choose to extend these and other services through a subscription fee.
The Hyundai Veloster blends coupe fun with amazing practicality, in a car that’s as efficient as it is exciting to drive. Drive one today and learn how Veloster can be an integral part of your driving life.
