2012 Hyundai Veloster 3-door review

Early review of the all-new 2012 Hyundai Veloster 3-door coupe. Find info about pricing, engines, mpg and dimensions.

Stylish and sporty along with top performance, the eagerly awaited 2012 Hyundai Veloster is poised to make its U.S. debut after being first introduced as a concept years ago. It’s stunningly futuristic look is provided by door styling unlike any we have seen before.

The Veloster features three doors, with two on the passenger side, making it easier to get into the car and making parking easier. While this is a wide departure from almost every other car on the market, it gives the Veloster uniqueness and actually makes a whole lot of sense.

Powered by Hyundai’s new 1.6L GDI engine (4-cylinder), the Veloster packs 138 horsepower. This engine allows the Veloster to achieve some amazing fuel economy, up to 40 MPG highway.

While the Veloster has been compared to the now defunct Mini Cooper and the Honda CR-z, its feature set, as well as its performance beats the competition. It’s lower curb weight and high fuel efficiency, place it at the top of its class in sport performance vehicles. The unique domed hatchback that allows entry to the trunk is not a typically ugly hatchback, the updated look will make us forget about the days of driving a clunky hatchback and having to embarrassingly open it to load our groceries or get people seated.

The all-new Hyundai Veloster is a true state of the art vehicle, packing all the features that the modern car enthusiast looks for. Bluetooth hands-free calling, Hyundai Blue Link infotainment system, USB and IPod connectivity, meshes with Pandora internet radio from your smart phone. Gracenote automatic playlisting allows users to create and access a verbal playlist of songs.

Navigation is an optional addition and a user can get the standard 196 watt six speaker system or upgrade to the premium eight speaker 450 watt package. The premium package comes equipped with a subwoofer and amplifier and will really pack a musical punch and finish off a truly “cool” car.

The 2012 Veloster will initially be priced starting at $17,000, making it an affordable option for all. The interactivity, feature set, styling and fuel economy all make this vehicle have great potential when it finally arrives to market later this year. We totally expect the Veloster to outpace its rivals and provide younger drivers a great option for a futuristic car that provides all the bells and whistles for a price that screams “base car”.

The Veloster is the star of Hyundai’s 24/7 2.0 program in which seven new vehicles will be introduced. A 2.0 liter 210 HP motor is also rumored to be a possibility, something that we are hoping comes to fruition just in time for us to get behind the wheel!