Is it a coupe? Or is it a hatchback? However you may look at it, one thing is certain: this car is of a different breed altogether. Designed to challenge convention, impressively packaged and engineered with an engine in a class of its own, the Hyundai Veloster is a game changer in the sports, coupe and hatchback categories. With great pride, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the only authorized distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, officially launches the Hyundai Veloster at the Manila International Auto Show.

Interestingly Different

One look at the Veloster and it’s sure to strike you as provocatively sporty and sensually stimulating. It’s playful like a coupe, yet boasts of functionality like your dependable hatchback. In one sweep, it’s a crossover utility vehicle that’s exceptional in character.

The Veloster instantly commands attention with its aggressive styling that flaunts confidence at virtually all angles. Hyundai ingeniously engineered the Veloster to meld the concepts of “velocity” and “roadster,” hence its quirky name.

Sporting a wide low stance and Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille at the front, the Veloster oozes with contemporary style, complimented by dynamic character lines that flow through the car in every direction, sleek contours that are every inch an expression of boldness, a short front overhang connecting with a front-to-back sloping roof, and bonnet character lines that are profiled in two planes, featuring symmetric cutouts that further enhance its unique, energetic character. The curvaceous rear is unmistakably arresting.

The Veloster’s “eyes” pierce authoritatively with projection type LED headlamps to accurately illuminate the road ahead. Increasing its dynamic and high-tech look are unique rear lamps, stylishly shaped LED side repeaters that intensify visibility when turning, rear spoiler with LED type High Mount Stop Lamp, front fog lamps that are set low on the bumper, a centered twin tip exhaust tipped in chrome, and a panoramic sunroof that lets the sunrays and fresh air in with just a push of a button.

But perhaps what’s most interesting about the Veloster’s exterior design is its asymmetrical door configuration. Yes, you got that right; it sure looks like a coupe with its two doors, but you’re in for surprise: there’s one door on the driver’s side and two on the other—with one door handle hidden from view, and can only be flicked from the corner of the passenger side window to ensure seamlessly smooth, uninterrupted bodywork. Talk about stylish functionality and safe ingress and egress.

Action-ready interior

Step inside the Veloster and you’re transported into another dimension. You think you’re still in the confines of a car? Perhaps, but it gets even better, once you realize that the Veloster’s interior space is inspired by a different kind of machine, one that embraces the thrill of the open road: the motorbike. Swooping and curving to evoke a powerful sense of motion and freedom, the Veloster boasts of generous interior space, made even more robust with high-tech features, sporty convenience, and smart finishing touches that make for an assertive, action-ready ambience.

Take command at the driver’s seat and bring the car to life with a touch of button. A futuristic-looking supervision cluster that’s dual-cylindered like the twin pipes of a motorbike exhaust lets you in on all the vital driving information you need as you cruise down the road.

Further emphasizing the Veloster’s elegant, high-tech interior is the tastefully fitted center fascia, with switches and controls that are within easy reach to access the car’s multimedia functions, plus a 7-inch LCD touchscreen that displays all the information you need. Other fine touches like metal-painted details around the center console, door handles, air vents, and gear stick make the Veloster’s cabin even more sophisticated.

Amplify the delight of driving the Veloster by listening to your favorite music. With its premium sound system, it’s easy, with its built-in CD/MP3 player, and Aux-input. You can even plug in external devices via USB connection, and go hands-free, as the Veloster is Bluetooth ready.

Extend the convenience of controlling the car’s multimedia functions via steering wheel, with controls for audio and Bluetooth hands-free system. Paddle shifters provide a tactile feel to a thrilling drive while giving you control over the vehicle without moving your hands from the steering wheel.

For a cozy ambience, a Full Auto Air Conditioner makes it easy for you to set the desired temperature and just let the system handle the rest, ensuring a customized interior climate that suits you right.

Taking the Veloster’s interior aplomb a notch higher are plush bucket leather seats that are relaxing, as well as functional with several purposeful add-ins. At the front, the driver’s seat is fitted with height adjustment and recline functions, headrest with up/down adjustment, plus power seat with electric lumbar support for excellent back support. Rear seats also have headrests with up/down adjustment, and have 60/40 split folding capacity to give extra room for bigger gear and items. A center cup holder at the rear seats keeps your refreshments within easy reach.

Other conveniences that embellish the Veloster’s cabin include sun visor with vanity mirror and cover with illumination and ticket holder; center room lamp plus front map lamp with sunglass case; luggage lamp; power window with auto up/down (driver), and safety window (driver); and seatback pocket (front passenger) for maps and other handy reading materials.

Another extension of convenience is the Veloster’s rear view camera fitted at the boot handle, which displays the view to the rear on the 7-inch LCD screen, making parking a cinch for you.

T-GDi — The Great Driving innovation and more

With its powerful looks, the Veloster has an equally powerful engine that matches this roadster’s passion for velocity: a Gamma 1.6-liter T-GDi DOHC engine. Delivering maximum power output of 204 ps at 6300 rpm, and maximum torque of 27.0 kg-m at 4500 rpm, the Veloster endows you a whole new sensation of sporty driving experience, and at the same time, optimizes fuel economy. Lightweight and quiet in operation, the Veloster’s engine, equipped with T-GDi, or Turbo Gasoline Direct injection technology, makes for above par responsiveness and robustness that elevate your driving experience. Hyundai’s T-GDi engine is made of a solid aluminum block and ladder frame construction, giving it less weight, while maintaining its rigid construction for less noise, vibration, and harshness. A serpentine belt system runs the alternator, idler, water pump, and air conditioning that helps lessen noise and makes the engine lighter and more durable. Maximizing fuel efficiency is its offset crankshaft design that reduces friction and shortens the time to main combustion. An acting type valve operator (Mechanical Lash Adjuster or MLA) attached between the camshaft and the intake and exhaust valves provides enhanced fuel efficiency and better engine durability.

Take advantage of the Veloster’s full engine power with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with H-Matic that provides enhanced fuel efficiency, improved driving quality, reduced noise, and better durability with performance-enhancing features that make gear-shifting exhilarating, as well as effortless. An electric motor type clutch actuator fitted in the DCT allows for practically seamless gear change with precise control and optimized response. With a double input shaft structure gear train that uses one solid and one hollow input shaft, DCT delivers excellent gear shifts with no loss of power for smoother shifts and accurate power delivery.

Comfortable and responsive steering feel is made possible by Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS). Using an electric motor, MDPS reduces steering complexity and engine load, delivering excellent steering response and helping improve the car’s fuel economy, respectively. The steering wheel also has manual tilt and telescopic function to help adjust it at a level most comfortable to you.

When it comes to driving stability, the Veloster’s suspension system comes equipped with MacPherson strut with coil spring and stabilizer bar at the front, and coupled torsion beam axle at the rear for smooth cruising. Front and rear disc brakes on the other hand give the Veloster superior stopping power.

Safety is priority

For Hyundai, it’s not just your driving pleasure that’s important; your safety as a responsible road user is of equal importance. That’s why in the Veloster, Hyundai has thoughtfully put together advanced safety technologies to help keep you in control at all times.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) keeps the wheels from locking instantaneously, and determines the brake pressure and engine output, respectively, to help you steer the car properly and safely under control. Another active safety technology is the Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), which maintains brake pressure to prevent the car from slipping backwards on inclined slopes, or when the car is starting off uphill.

The Veloster’s shell is built to be tough with high-strength B Pillar Impact Management System. The dash cross and side members, roof structure, and pillars are engineered with reinforced steel to protect the car’s occupants in a collision.

To help cushion driver and passengers and reduce the possibility of injuries in the unlikely event of an impact, front SRS airbags, side and curtain airbags deploy immediately.

Rear parking assist system with back warning camera incorporates sensors in the rear bumper to easily detect obstacles when the car is reversing, which you can conveniently check on the LCD monitor in the car. A buzzer alerts you when the car gets too close to an object, or curb.

Additional safety and security features include: central door lock/unlock (driver control); Inside Handle Override (Driver side); impact-sensing door unlock; speed-sensing auto door lock; keyless entry with Smart Key function; child safety rear door locks; and power window controls that include convenient single-touch auto up/down function.

So, is it a coupe, or a hatch? Frankly, it’s impressively the best of both worlds. Because life is meant to be enjoyed in more ways than one, there’s the Veloster to give you the unconventional privilege to enjoy them all. And why not? It’s a Hyundai.

The Veloster is available at PhP1.548M.

Colors:

Sleek Silver

White Crystal

Dazzling Blue

Phantom Black

Sunflower

Vitamin C

Veloster Red