The 2012 Hyundai Veloster has a starting price of $18,060 (inclusive of a $760 destination charge). Set to arrive in dealer showrooms later in the year, the Veloster is powered by a 138-hp, 1.6-liter I-4; however, base models are equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, alloy wheels, and a seven-inch touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. The Veloster features a set of A/V jacks and a 115-volt power outlet.
The screen could be used to play video games as well as serving as an optional rear-view camera and navigation system. Hyundai’s new six-speed dual-clutch transmission is priced $1250 higher than the base price. Hyundai claimed that the Velosters that have the manual transmission can achieve 28 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
Cars that have the EcoShift gearbox could return 29/38 mpg (city/highway). With a starting price of $17,300 (excluding the destination cost), the Veloster is benchmarking the Honda CR-Z, Mini Cooper, Volkswagen Beetle, and Scion tC. When the basic configurations are considered, the Veloster is priced lower by about $1,000-$2,000. The car will be officially launched in September.
The 2012 Veloster is an offering from Hyundai that incorporates the functionality of the hatchback with the design elements of the coupe. It also has an additional rear door in the passenger side allowing for uncompromised access to the rear seat. Generally, the design of the coupe had limited access to its rear-hinged doors.
In order to open the rear door, the front door had to be opened first resulting in great inconvenience for both the driver and the passengers and making it difficult to use as well especially in tight parking situations. With the Hyundai implementing the conventionally-hinged door on its passenger side, it provides both easy and safe access to its rear seats. With the door handle hidden, the 2012 Veloster is able to maintain the coupe design.
The 2012 Veloster is also adapted to the digital age especially with buyers expecting to be connected all the time. The Veloster thus comes with a Pandora internet radio capability, a multi-function 7-inch touch-screen display, and the Gracenote display technology that has voice recognition. In order to save on fuel, the Veloster weighs around 2,500 pounds, making it lighter compared to the Mini Cooper and more than 400 pounds lighter compared to the Scion tC.
Aside from the improvements in the fuel economy, the Veloster has a 1.6-liter GDI engine that has 138 horsepower, which gives it the best output for any car in its class. Sales for the Veloster started during the third quarter of 2011. The main highlights of the 2012 Veloster include the 3-door design that has the functionality of a hatch with a passenger-side and forward-hinged rear door. Its 1.6-liter GDI Gamma engine is partnered with Hyundai’s proprietary EcoShift DCT or its 6-speed manual transmission.
Additional highlights include a 6-speed manual with a standard 40 mpg highway. For connectivity, it has the Gracenote display technology with voice recognition, a Pandora internet radio capability, and the standard multi-function seven-inch touch-screen display. It also has a video game console connectivity that has a power outlet of 115-volts and a hands-free Bluetooth phone system that has voice recognition.
Furthermore, it has the standard Blue Link telematics platform. The Blue Link Assurance for example provides for a free 6-month trial period of complimentary core safety services that include Automatic SOS Emergency Assistance, Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance, and Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Monthly Vehicle Report.
The Blue Link Essentials meanwhile has a free 3-month Voice Text Messaging trial period, Remote Horn and Lights and Door Unlock / Lock, both Panic and Alarm Notification, Location Sharing, Quick Tips, Maintenance Alert, Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification, Recall Advisor, Web Vehicle Diagnostics, Stolen Vehicle Recoveryand Vehicle Slowdown, Valet Alert, Vehicle Immobilization, Speed and Curfew Alert, and of course Geofence.
Finally the Blue Link Guidance provides a free Turn-by-Turn Navigation 3-month trial period of, POI Search through an advanced voice recognition system, a POI Web Search and Download, Traffic, Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices, Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition, Eco-Coach, and even Restaurant Ratings and Weather.
