Hyundai launches Veloster in Korea

18.03.11

A sporty new coupe from Hyundai will change the game this year. The three-door Veloster has just been launched in Korea. It’s expected in New Zealand late this year.

Among its revolutionary design features are one door on the driver's side but two doors on the opposite side, allowing easy rear seat access.

Veloster introduces a new 1.6-litre Gamma engine giving an impressive 6.2 l/100km, with a manual gearbox driven through the front wheels. An automatic transmission will return 6.5 l/100km.

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And Veloster bristles with hi-tech wizardry.

“Hyundai designers wanted to create an eco-vehicle loaded with technology that also gives people the connectivity they have everywhere else these days,” explains Tom Ruddenklau, Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai New Zealand.

“It has cost US$24 million over a 40-month period to develop Veloster – the car is a lot of fun but Hyundai is very serious about this project.”

Veloster is part of Hyundai’s new communication brand in South Korea called ‘Premium Youth Lab’ to target the younger generation by offering premium emotional values. The hard-charging auto maker is limiting numbers available to retain exclusivity.

Unlike past coupes using smaller rear-hinged access doors, Hyundai’s fresh take provides a conventionally-hinged door on the passenger side for safe and ready access to the surprisingly spacious rear seats. The passenger-side rear door handle is hidden to maintain the coupe design.

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“And with an interior size the best in its class, advanced safety technologies as standard, and sport-tuned electric power steering plus a suspension setup that’s world-class, Veloster is the coupe we are all waiting for,” said Mr Ruddenklau.

Specs (Korean market):

Overall Length (mm) 4,220
Overall Width (mm) 1,790
Overall Height (mm) 1,400
Wheelbase (mm) 2,650
Overhang
(mm) Front 1,561 / 1,557
Rear 1,574 / 1,570
Engine Type 1.6 Gamma GDI
Displacement (cc) 1,591
Max. Power
(ps/rpm) 140 / 6,300
Max. Torque
(kg•m/rpm) 17.0 / 4,850
Fuel Efficiency (km/)
(A/T) 15.3 (A/T) / 16.3 (M/T)
Tires 215 / 45R 17
215 / 40R 18

Caption: A radical three-door sporty coupe, ultra-hi-tech with amazing economy - Hyundai’s new Veloster will be in New Zealand late this year.
ENDS

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