- Hyundai took the wraps off the 2012 Veloster, saying it expects the Tiburon replacement to be priced at around $17,500 when it arrives in U.S. showrooms in July.
- The Veloster gets a 138-horsepower 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine that is expected to get up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
- It will be the first U.S.-market Hyundai to use the automaker's dual-clutch automated manual transmission.
DETROIT — The wraps came off the 2012 Hyundai Veloster on Monday at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, with the Korean automaker noting that it expects the Tiburon sport coupe replacement to start at around $17,500 when it goes on sale here in July.
"Between $17,000 and $18,000 is a pretty good window," said Miles Johnson, Hyundai Motor America spokesman in a phone conversation with Inside Line. "The old Tiburon sold for around $17,300. That's where we want it to hit. But it is possible to get the price up into the 20s, once you add the different tech features and different wheels."
As widely reported, the Veloster — which competes with the 2011 Honda CR-Z, 2011 Mini Clubman and 2012 Scion tC — gets a rear access door on the passenger side.
The Veloster is equipped with a 138-horsepower 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine that is expected to get up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway. However, the EPA has yet to rate the new front-wheel-drive sport coupe.
It will be the first U.S.-market Hyundai to use the automaker's dual-clutch automated manual transmission, an optional item that has not been formally priced, said Johnson.
The Veloster comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Hyundai said the dual-clutch automated transmission provides a 5-6 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over a traditional automatic and a 3-7 percent improvement in acceleration performance.
Exterior cues on the Veloster include black A-pillars "that give the glass a motorcycle helmet visor appearance," said Hyundai in a statement. Options include a chrome grille surround, piano black highlights, foglights and a panoramic sunroof. The Veloster comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels; two types of 18-inch wheels are optional.
The Veloster rides on a 104.3-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 166.1 inches.
Pandora Internet radio is integrated into the Veloster. An audio system with six speakers is standard; a premium audio system with eight speakers and an external amplifier is optional. Expect to pay extra for a navigation system with a rearview camera.
The Veloster concept was shown in 2007 at the L.A. auto show.
Inside Line says: Should be interesting to watch just how much Veloster shakes up the sport coupe segment. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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rayt2 says:
06:50 PM, 04/12/2011
Oh yea, I like what I see and Auto Show reports. Finally have a reason to sell my problematic 2003 Mini Cooper for my next driver.
tempesting says:
04:37 PM, 01/16/2011
I like the video his comment on the painjob "take that AMG"
hako says:
11:05 AM, 01/15/2011
It has a quirky character, but I like more at second and third look. I am waiting to see more about the new Accent.....which seems to share the same engine. Direct injection, and six-speed manual are also shared. The price of the Veloster and a premium Accent also seem comparable. I would test drive this buggy for sure.
darex says:
08:14 AM, 01/14/2011
Citroën DS4:
http://img2.netcarshow.com/Citroen-DS4_2012_800x600_wallpaper_01.jpg
darex says:
08:11 AM, 01/14/2011
@Izschneider
My comments were pretty supportive of Hyundai, and this model, if you read them.
As for no one caring about the DS4, well, that's a pretty naïve comment. It's to be sold everywhere else in the world except US/Canada, and I guarantee you people care. The DS3 is a widely-respected MINI-fighter, that's being highly praised. The DS4 was unveiled a few months ago, and there's no denying they share many design features, although the DS4 is a larger car (a tall hatch).
I'm a fan of French cars, even though I can't buy one. A true car enthusiast makes himself aware of the offerings of all the car manufacturers -- even those that are [sadly] off-limits, but as someone who visits Paris often, I will see these cars, and I enjoy being able to recognize them for what they are when I do.
bman78 says:
07:25 AM, 01/14/2011
@n2guru
Well said. I caught my self making fun of Chrysler product due to the fact I had a bad experience with one when I was a teenager. looking back I realize now that I didn't take good care of the car and many of its problems where most likely caused by a bad owner as opposed to a bad car.
I recently saw photos of the new Chrysler 200 and I have to admit its a nice looking car.
n2guru says:
08:10 PM, 01/13/2011
I agree with the comments here about all the negative viewpoints against Hyundai/Kia. It seems people are stuck in the 80s and 90s, and have probably been forewarned by the older generation and rightly so. But fast forward to 2010/11....This isn't your grandpa's Hyundai/Kia anymore. It's unfortunate that people will be stubbornly ignorant to this fact. They will surely be missing out on some really great cars coming out from them. They have painstakingly made their campaign based on quality. Their recent awards for top safety picks by the NHTSA and the IIHS can attest to this. If you actually test drove any of their recent vehicles and analyzed the details, you could come to the conclusion for yourself, that they are made in high quality, either on par or even above par for their particular segment. And they are certainly beautiful designs as well. I, for one am excited as a consumer. This gives me even more choices and will force other manufacturers to compete for my business. This is a classic underdog story that's taking place right before our eyes. So kudos to you Hyundai/Kia. It is well deserved.
tempesting says:
12:47 PM, 01/13/2011
@ lzschneider
it's human nature. haters are always going to be haters. once you are a hater you aren't likely to approach from positive direction but rather negative point of view. but i wonder why every hyundai-kia articles attract so many comments (both positive and negative)
lzschneider says:
12:28 PM, 01/13/2011
Had this car had a Toyota badge no one would say a peep about how it looks vaguely similar to some other car that no one cares about like the Citroën DS4. Moreover there are plenty of other cars from other automakers that look remotely similar to other cars and of course, once again, no one cares. Why then, for Hyundai-Kia, must there be an exception? The automaker has turned full circle from producing low-quality cars to, in 2010, becoming ranked Best in Quality in Germany. Why do some people seem to simply refuse, that Hyundai-Kia is actually doing well?
darex says:
09:50 AM, 01/13/2011
Not as pretty as I imagined, but very true to the concept, actually. However, it's EXTREMELY similar looking to the Citroën DS4, as others have mentioned. Very odd ... coincidence?
Looks aren't everything, however. I think Hyundai has achieved a very good balance of unique looks, great fuel-economy and high versatility, all at a reasonable size and weight.
I don't see how they can really go wrong with this car, and as others have said, and Hyundai's history has borne out, there will be higher-performace specs on this car to come. It's pretty hard to argue for a CR-Z or tC against this car, if not impossible, unless you still hold (irrational) anti-Korean car baggage.
Another solid work by Hyundai.