MotorYP

Hyundai Motor America has announced pricing for the 2012 Veloster three-door coupe, starting at $17,300 for the six-speed manual and $18,550 for the six-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Veloster is a playful front-wheel drive coupe targeting the likes of Mini Cooper, Volkswagen Beetle and Scion tC while delivering 28/40/32 mpg with the six speed manual and 29/38/32 mpg with the DCT.

Veloster delivers innovation to the compact coupe segment with standard features such as a unique third door for easy rear-seat access, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system, Pandora internet radio, seven-inch touch-screen display, and a new 1.6-liter
Gasoline-Direct-Injected (GDI) four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission.

Veloster combines design elements of a coupe and the functionality of a hatchback, while incorporating an additional passenger-side rear door for uncompromised rear-seat access. In the past, some coupes have used limited access rear-hinged access doors. These coupes have required opening the front door before the rear door could be opened, an inconvenience for drivers and passengers, and difficult to use in tight parking lot situations. Hyundai’s new thinking  implements a conventionally-hinged door on the passenger side, providing safe and easy access to the rear seats and a hidden door handle to maintain its coupe design.

In the digital age, buyers expect to be connected all times, so Veloster comes standard with a multi-function seven-inch touch-screen display, Gracenote display technology with voice recognition and Pandora internet radio capability. To assist in fuel savings, Veloster M/T weighs 2,584 lbs, which is lighter than the Mini Copper S, and over 400 pounds lighter than Scion tC. In addition to advancements in fuel economy, the advanced 1.6L GDI engine produces 138 horsepower, which gives it the best specific output in its class. Veloster sales begin in September.