20 April 2011

Hyundai keeps serving the goods with the release of its saucy new car in late 2011 – the Veloster.

Powered by a 1.6-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine, the Veloster is innovative in spades. To start, the Veloster includes a forward-hinged third door for easy rear-seat access located on the passenger side of the car, with the driver's side having a single door (think safety of entering and exiting the car only on the passenger side – smart, really).

Apparently taking design inspiration from a high-performance sport motorcycle, the Veloster has a distinctive black A-pillar, giving the glass a helmet visor appearance, and at the front is an aggressive interpretation of Hyundai's signature hexagonal front grille, bonnet scoop detailing and unique Hyundai-signature LED position lights.

Inside, the centre stack and controls also resemble a sports bike fuel tank with air vents inspired by motorcycle tailpipes and a floor console mirroring the seat of a bike. The interior is finished with modern metallic accents.

In profile, the Veloster has muscular wheel arches, body colour door handles and mirrors; and sexy wraparound headlights and tail-lights.

Safety wise, the Veloster will include the highest standards of safety equipment, including a new sophisticated Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system and full set of airbags.

As for price, stay tuned, both pricing and specification will be available closer to launch, but according to a Hyundai spokesperson, you could be looking at all of the above for under $30,000!