Hyundai reveals a lightweight, tech-packed hot hatch in Detroit.
Hyundai used the Detroit Auto Show to debut its all-new sport hatch: the Veloster. It’s the Korean manufacturer’s most recent stab at a front-wheel-drive coupe and at a glance it looks like it will easily eclipse its underwhelming predecessor, the Tiburon.
It’s powered by Hyundai's all new Gamma 1.6 liter four-cylinder which produces 138 hp at 6,300 rpm and 123 lb ft of torque at 4,850. Power will go to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or optional dual clutch transmission. These aren’t exactly headline figures, but when you take into account that the Veloster only weighs around 2,500 lbs/1133 kg, it becomes clear that this little hatch won’t be hanging about.
The styling would be best described as bold, and while it may not be to everyone's liking, Hyundai should be commended for being brave enough to make this car stand apart. It’s best angle is probably the rear three quarters view, which accentuates its raised rear hatch and rear wheel arches. The asymmetric third rear door is integrated well into the body work and will switch sides based on if the car is left or right hand drive.
One of the figures that sticks out on the press release is a fuel mileage figure of 40 mpg, which Hyundai is quick to point out is superior to that of the Honda CR-Z. This frankly makes Honda’s supposedly sporty hybrid look a little silly. The Veloster is more powerful, more fuel efficient and lighter that the CR-Z. It wall almost certainly be more fun to drive too. In short, this is the spiritual successor to the CR-X that Honda should have built.
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