Hyundai Veloster confirmed for Oz

Quirky sports hatch expected to reach local shores late in the year
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Hyundai's new Veloster breaks the mould for the company's otherwise conventional product range. And anything that iconoclastic is bound to be a hero model -- perhaps explaining why Hyundai Australia, committed to constantly its improving brand image, has pounced on the new car for release here later in the year.

Word came through that the Veloster was approved for launch in Australia today -- just a day after the new car's global unveiling in North America at the 2011 NAIAS Detroit motor show (pictured). As we reported yesterday, the Veloster will offer a new direct-injection 1.6-litre engine, a dual-clutch auto transmission (Hyundai's first), and rear-seat access that is made easier via a Mazda RX8-style extra door -- on the passenger's side only.

Another point of difference between the Veloster and the Mazda is that the Hyundai's extra rear door (with concealed handle) is conventionally forward-hinged and can be operated without needing to open the front door first. The concept obviously adds to the complexity of building for both right and left hand drive, But Hyundai Australia advises that the Australian-delivered cars will definitely have the rear door opening onto the footpath, not the road, ensuring safer disembarkation for rear-seat passengers-- unlike the MINI Clubman's.

On the subject of the 'three-door' MINI, Hyundai claims the Veloster has better interior space than either that car or the Honda CR-Z, as well as a decent cargo-carrying capacity of 439 litres.

The company says the Veloster's "Fluidic Sculpture" styling was influenced by high-performance sport bikes, the black A-pillars said to replicate a motorcycle helmet visor. Continuing the theme, the centre console resembles a sport bike fuel tank, while the air vents were inspired by motorcycle taillights.

The all-new, optional six-speed dual-clutch DCT transmission (regular gearbox is a six-speed manual) was developed by Hyundai and is big news for the company. Teamed with the new 1.6-litre Gamma direct-injection engine, the DCT is claimed to bring improvements of as much as six per cent in fuel economy, and up to seven per cent in acceleration times over a conventional auto. The dual-clutch box also incorporates an Active Eco mode that regulates both engine and transmission to bring even better economy.

With an output of 103kW at 6300rpm and a maximum torque figure of 167Nm at 4850rpm, the 1.6-litre direction injection engine brings a claimed best-in-class specific output figure of 64.4kW per litre -- not bad considering it employs pretty basic efficiency-improving technology such as variable valve timing (on both exhaust and inlet valves), electronic throttle control, a roller timing chain and anti-friction coating on the tappets.

What Hyundai is most keen to convey is that the Veloster is brimming with plenty of hip gear including "Pandora" radio internet, "Gracenote" displays with voice recognition, virtual CD downloading, AVI and mpeg video playback via USB, video game connectivity and, perhaps most importantly, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.

For an "introductory period", the Veloster also brings Blue Link Assurance -- which includes ACN Automatic Crash Notification, SOS emergency assistance and "Enhanced Roadside Assistance. Presumably if you have an incident in your Veloster, a world of systems eager to help descends without any action needed on your part.

The system also incorporates Blue Link Guidance with Turn-by-Turn Navigation, POI Search by advanced voice recognition system,  POI Web Search and Download, Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition, Traffic, Service Station Locations & Petrol Prices, Eco-Coach, Restaurant Ratings and Weather.

Then there is Blue Link Essentials, with Voice Text Messaging, Remote Door Unlock/Lock, Remote Horn and Lights, Panic Notification, Remote Vehicle Start, Alarm Notification, Quick Tips, Location Sharing, Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification, Maintenance Alert, Monthly Vehicle Report, Recall Advisor, Web Vehicle Diagnostics, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, Vehicle Immobilisation, Valet Alert, Geofence, Speed Alert and Curfew. Phew.

All this is in US-spec Velosters. Whether local versions will build-in some, or all of the systems, is a decision to be made some time in the future and will be contingent on how the importer will price the car and position it against competitors.

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