Suspense is over: Hyundai Veloster revealed

Hyundai has finally brought the teasing to an end by unveiling the production version of its three-door Veloster at the Detroit motor show.

The showroom-spec Veloster stays more or less true to the concept car revealed almost four years ago and, as we reported last month, it features a rear door on the passenger side to make for easier access to the back seat.

Hyundai claims the forward-hinged rear door makes for the functionality of a hatch without compromising its coupe-like styling. The company's blurb makes pointed reference to some rear-hinged door layouts (such as that of the Mini Clubman) whereby the rear door can't be opened without first opening the front door.

Although conventionally hinged, the Veloster's rear door features a concealed handle to maintain the illusion that it's a coupe.

The car's somewhat offbeat design was allegedly inspired by a high-performance sport bike and its blacked-out A-pillars are meant to give the glasshouse the appearance of a motorcycle helmet visor.

The Veloster's frontal detailing is distinguished by bonnet vents, LED daytime-running lights and an aggressive interpretation of Hyundai's signature hexagonal grille. Optional packages add a chrome grille surround, piano black highlights, fog lights and a vast panoramic sunroof.

It rides on 17-inch alloys as standard, but a choice of two 18-inch wheel designs is optionally available. The top-of-the-line 18-inch wheel comes with painted inserts, which Hyundai touts as a segment first.

Out back, the Hyundai has a dual-pane glass hatch, centre-exit chrome exhaust tips and blacked-out lower fascia.

The motorbike theme extends to the interior as the centre stack and controls are meant to resemble a sport bike fuel tank, while the air vents are inspired by motorcycle tailpipes and the floor console mirrors the seat of a bike.

Veloster's motive power comes from a new Gamma 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that ekes out 103kW and 167Nm, while delivering highway fuel economy of up to 40 mpg (5.88L/100km).

Drive is relayed to the front wheels by a standard six-speed manual transmission or an all-new six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) developed by Hyundai.

Hyundai boasts of "high comfort levels and smooth shift quality" in relation to the DCT, along with a five to six per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and a three to seven per cent improvement in acceleration performance.

That said, the company has stopped short of issuing any acceleration, overall fuel consumption or top speed figures.

Hyundai lists the Veloster's rivals as the Honda CR-Z, Mini Clubman and US-focused Scion tC, but says it has them all beaten in terms of interior volume.

The company also makes a song and dance about the car's relatively light kerb weight of 1175kg (in manual form), which undercuts most of the opposition. It measures 4219mm long, 1791mm wide and has a wheelbase of 2649mm.

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