Detroit 2011: 2012 Hyundai Veloster is a Swiss Army Coupe

[Sal Collaziano]

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hatchback, Hyundai

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2012 Hyundai Veloster - Click above for high-res image gallery​

Hyundai's funky, tech-packed Veloster has just debuted at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and at first blush, the unconventional three-door looks like it'll go down a storm.

While Hyundai's North American CEO John Krafcik freely admitted that the Veloster isn't going to be the quickest car to 60 miles per hour or around a race track (that's what the Genesis Coupe is for), the Korean nonetheless promises frisky performance from its 1.6-liter engine (138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 123 pound-feet of torque at 4,850) and available six-speed dual clutch gearbox. A six-speed manual will come as standard-fit, and Hyundai figures that the Veloster will be good for around 40 miles per gallon on the freeway.

In the metal, the Veloster is a funky thing, with a longer-than-expected wheelbase thanks to its third front-hinged door on the passenger side. We had a chance to sample the rear seat room, and while getting in was a bit awkward, we found it more useful than the clamshell-style doors on vehicles like the Mini Clubman. Inside, our five-foot, nine-inch frame had adequate head- and legroom when the front-seat passenger had his seat positioned for a similarly sized-frame, but clearly this isn't for long journeys.

Tech-savvy types will be particularly interested in the standard Blue Link system, Hyundai's new telematics gadgetry that integrates everything from service schedule alerts to restaurant ratings, remote start and stolen vehicle slowdown. Some of the more advanced features will be available through a three-tier subscription service, but the seven-inch touchscreen is standard-fit, and a full-featured navigation system is optional (though even non-nav equipped models will have turn-by-turn guidance available through the aforementioned Blue Link).

While pricing has not been finalized, Hyundai is shooting for a base price in the $17,000-range while targeting such various vehicles as the Scion tC, Mini Cooper and Honda CR-Z.


Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Veloster: Detroit 2011



Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Veloster



Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOLContinue reading Detroit 2011: 2012 Hyundai Veloster is a Swiss Army Coupe

Detroit 2011: 2012 Hyundai Veloster is a Swiss Army Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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[dataguy]

Me no likey. It's like an awkward cross between a Santa Fe, a new Ford Fiesta, and a Mini Clubman. Colors are incredibly obnoxious too. Maybe I'm getting too old...

 

[OBCT]

Terrible color choices; agreed, dataguy.

As for the car itself. I don't mind it, actually. I could see myself driving it ... maybe ... it the color was just right. It doesn't compare to a Genesis, obviously!

I'm a little on the fence with it until I see it in person with better colors. As per usual with Hyundai, the price-to-options ratio looks good.

 

[mikec]

Rather ugly looking to me. I despise the current trend of tall+narrow "maw" style grills. I know auto designers like to think it looks aggressive but I don't know when "obnoxious" and "ugly" became synonyms for "aggressive." The horrible color doesn't help either. The current Sonata has a good looking face... until you get to the hybrid model that also gets the ugly maw scoop nose.

It looks like rear seat passengers will need DS3 toys since they won't have any visibility through those high & narrow windows. Another odd trend of current styling. Adults/teenagers in the back seats look like they'll have no headroom.

What are the red reflectors/lights on the back edge of the rear wheel arches?

mike c.

 

[Veloci_G]

BUT did anyone notice the 40mpg??????? This car kicks ass over any other 40mpg choice out there now! C'mon, a few thousand more and 5mpg less than a "smart" coffin...I mean car. Fiesta/Mazda 2 are the only thing comparable at that mpg I'd even consider. Maybe a Nissan Versa but it's ugly IMO and not thinking it gets more than low 30s mpg. I'd be down for this to replace my aging 03 Mazda 323F (Protege 5) that still gets 25-28mpg with sportauto and with AC running. Bring it on, as long as they aren't all pink.