2012 Hyundai Veloster - 40 MPG Hatchback introduced at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Find out what all the talk is about.
The recently unveiled 2012 Hyundai Veloster is a head-turner. With its sleek double-scooped front end and unusual three-door design, the passenger-friendly Veloster took the public’s interest for a joyride at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. The lightweight, sporty hatchback is Hyundai’s answer to the Honda CR-Z and the Mini Cooper. It is an affordable, good-looking and fuel-efficient car. According to ConsumerReports.org, driving impressions for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster are still under press embargo at this time, but at first glance, the Veloster is already taking the world for a spin.
Designed with today’s tech-savvy driver in mind, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster keeps drivers connected with its innovative Blue Link telematic system. Similar to OnStar, Blue Link gives directions with turn-by-turn commands, alerts drivers to maintenance scheduling and vehicle health reports, offers point-of-interest searches, remote locking and unlocking and start capabilities and allows drivers to use its hands-free texting system to keep in touch. It also features a vehicle slowdown component to assist police if the car is ever stolen. Blue Link’s inventive "geofencing" system alerts owners via text message if their car strays from a given radius or route. The Veloster also comes equipped with Pandora Internet radio, iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks and a 7-inch touch screen.
Both the exterior and interior of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster are modeled after high-performance sport bikes as illustrated by accents that include: dual centered chrome exhaust tips and blacked-out A-pillars that give the Veloster’s windows the look of a wraparound helmet shield. Alloy wheels and pedals add to the style, as do brushed metal accents that grace the center stack and controls. Other cool customizations are fog lights and a panoramic sunroof.
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster also boasts more interior room than the Honda CR-Z and the Mini Cooper. With adequate head, shoulder and legroom, its backseat reportedly accommodates an average-sized, 5-ft. 10-inch person, challenging the hatchback’s reputation for cramped space. The Veloster’s unique three-door design features one door on the driver’s side and two doors on the passenger side for easier backseat accessibility than conventional coupes.
Hyundai claims that at an estimated 40 MPG, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster “gives drivers hybrid mileage without the hybrid premium,” and the 138-horsepower, 1.6 liter, direct-injection four-cylinder engine packs a pretty impressive punch. Add to that the novel six-speed dual clutch, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, power windows, door locks and heated windows, and anyone can see why this is one of the most anticipated cars in recent memory. Look for its release in July.
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster is expected to start at around $17,000 to $18,000.