Detroit Motor Shownew Hyundai Veloster hatchback

Another standout car at this year’s Detroit Motor Show has to be Hyundai’s funky new Hyundai Veloster hatchback. Certain to entice members of the Fast & Furious generation with its high shoulder line, aggressive front grille and muscular rear apron, this out-and-out MINI Cooper rival comes equipped with a 1.6 turbocharged engine that puffs out a useful 102 kilowatts of power and some 166Nm worth of torque.

In particular, Hyundai will produce two different bodies for left and right-hand drive versions; BMW drew criticism when it optimised the Clubman for LHD, leaving rear seat passengers to exit RHD cars into traffic, rather than on the pavement side of the car. Also, where the Clubman's single rear side door is a small, rear-hinged affair, the Hyundai's appears to be a conventional full-sized, forward-hinged item.

Initially, the new car will be available with a 1.6-litre petrol engine in 140 horsepower and 208 horsepower (turbocharged) forms, and a DSG-style semi-automatic gearbox.
On the inside, Hyundai emphasizes a similar approach to innovation, perhaps best displayed in the car's sound system. A driver-configurable seven-inch touchscreen is the gateway to the Veloster's audio functionality, and can also be used for other vehicle systems including an available nav system (with integrated rearview camera) and Hyundai's new Blue Link telematics platform. Significantly, all this is delivered via Blue Link's agent-assisted voice-recognition technology, which combines the advantages of both automatic voice-recogntion capabilities and live Hyundai advisers.As expected in a sporty coupe, the Hyundai Veloster will offer responsive performance, courtesy of Hyundai's Gamma 1.6-liter I4 engine. Veloster drivers will have a choice of two transmissions, including the automaker's proprietary dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission, which offers the control of a manual gearbox and the efficiency of an automatic. “Today, customers do not believe that expensive cars with unnecessary technology are premium,” said Hyundai Vice Chairman Euisun Chung, speaking in Detroit.