Introduction
Unlike the small access-style door found on the Mini Cooper Clubman, the Veloster's third door is a normal, front-hinged door; the exterior door release has been disguised to help keep the coupe look intact.
The front-wheel-drive Veloster will be powered by a 1.6-liter direct-injected inline-4 that's good for 138 horsepower.Hyundai Veloster is projecting a 40 mpg highway rating.
The new hatchback - uniquely configured with one driver door and two passenger doors - is parked on the low end of the model range, promoted as a compact coupe offering fun-to-drive chassis dynamics, a long list of standard innovative technology and hybrid-beating fuel economy in one cool-looking package.
2012 Hyundai Veloste (Rumor says that nobody outside Hyundai's inner circle has driven the Veloster and lived to talk about it.)
While the exterior features more than handful of complex curves, from the cutout containing the standard LED running lamps to the lower bodyside door sculpture, Hyundai has still found room for its familiar high beltline A-line crease running from the front fender through the door handle.
First, let's talk about those doors. From the driver's side, the Veloster appears to be a coupe, with one large traditional entry door. The door opens and closes independent on the front passenger door - it is not a smaller "suicide" access door like those of the Mazda RX-8 or the Mini Clubman. To open the rear hatch, just find the handle conveniently hidden under the rear badge. Hyundai says the Veloster's total interior volume beats the current-generation Scion tC, Honda CR-Z, Mini Cooper hardtop and Mini Clubman, and we believe them.
We begrudgingly settle our six-foot, two-inch frame into the front passenger seat of the white Veloster - we want to be driving - with Krafcik (five-foot, ten-inches) at the wheel. Fellow Autoblog associate editor, Jeff Glucker (six-foot, three-inches) occupies the right rear seat.
2012 Hyundai Veloste reiterates that the design of its Veloster is inspired by high-performance sport bikes. The four-passenger Veloster (there are cup holders in the center of the rear bench) accommodates his frame nicely when the front passenger seat is moved up a few inches.
We depart the parking lot of Hyundai's Orange County headquarters and he immediately puts his right foot to the floor. In an attempt to demonstrate the Veloster's handling, Krafcik swerves abruptly left, right, left and then right again.
Most everyone, including Hyundai, brings up the old Honda CRX when discussing the Veloster. The Hyundai Veloster will likely deliver performance numbers comparable to the performance-oriented CRX Si of yore, but with much more interior room, refinement and better fuel economy – all while meeting much more stringent safety standards and offering a back seat.
No comments:
Post a Comment