Hyundai Veloster Shows Off New Look Ahead of January Debut

The Hyundai Veloster has always looked the part of a hot hatch, but its poor handling, rough ride, and uninspiring acceleration have dampened our enthusiasm over the years. Now, Hyundai has the chance to change things up when the next-generation model debuts in January.

Hyundai previewed the new Veloster at an event in South Korea earlier this week. Despite some colorful camouflage, it’s pretty clear the Veloster will receive design changes. The automaker says it pushed back the A-pillar to make the front end of the car look longer. The “cascading” grille is said to receive a three-dimensional effect. In one image, the Veloster wears no camouflage and reveals a more sculpted silhouette than that of the old model. It has large wheel arches, a sloped roof, and low proportions judging from the images.

The Veloster will keep its quirky three-door design. Like on the previous model, there is one door on the driver’s side and two on the passenger side.

The current Veloster here in the U.S. packs a 1.6-liter inline-four with 132 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque. An upgraded 1.6-liter turbo engine making 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque is also available. The next-gen Veloster will get a 1.6-liter turbo engine as well as a 1.4-liter turbo engine, although it’s unclear which engines will go to which markets. Hyundai has upgraded the 1.6-liter unit with max torque at 1,500 rpm. An overboost control function increases maximum torque from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. Available transmissions will include a seven-speed DCT and a six-speed manual.

We’ve also spied a Veloster N testing on the Nürburgring this year. That car is expected to pack a powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine, paired to a six-speed manual transmission.

Expect a number of safety systems on the new Veloster. These will include front collision prevention, adaptive cruise control, rear side collision warning, lane departure assist, and high beam assist. There is also a new head-up display.

The next-gen Hyundai Veloster will debut at the Detroit auto show next year.

Source: Hyundai

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