Hyundai Veloster Launched in Malaysia
Hyundai Veloster – Interesting 2 + 1 Body Concept.
Shah Alam, 30 November 2012 – The Hyundai Veloster, launched today by Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors today to the media, is an interesting car. Seen from the driver’s side, it is a 2-door Hatch. Look at it from the passenger side, and it seems to be a 4-door hatch. We cannot call it a 2-door, 3-door, or 4-door hatch, because these definitions throughout the years will invoke certain images in the minds of the motoring public. This means some new terminology has to be utilised – I suppose we should call it a “2 + 1 – Door Hatch” or something like that.
The fact of the matter is, there is only one door on the driver’s side, and two doors on the passenger side. The rationale is interesting – the two doors on the passenger side are to allow easy rear passenger ingress and egress, while the single door (which is wider than the front door on the passenger side) gives it the impression of being a 2-Door hatch. Interesting concept – it makes a great conversation piece, but I wonder if this is taking niche-marketing to the extreme. Then again, it remains a question of creating a market demand for this particular door configuration.
Getting into the car as a driver, you actually do feel like you are in a 2-door hatch – the front door orifice is wider, because the ‘B’ pillar is set back further, and the sporty-looking front buckets in two-tone seat colours do help to make it look like a sporty hatch. On the passenger side, a cursory glance will give you the same impression, as there is no visible rear passenger door handle, and the only thing that gives it away is the outline of the rear door. Sitting inside the car, you may or may not notice the ‘B’ pillars are slightly off-set in relation to each other. Interestingly, the driver’s seat cannot lean forward – all rear passengers have to get in and out on the passenger side – like I said, the Veloster is an interesting conversation piece, at the very least.
The overall shape is that of a sporty-looking hatch and looks pleasing to the eye, from any angle – I would even venture to say that Hyundai has done wonders in terms of design in the last few models it has launched, starting with the current model Sonata, Tucson and Elantra. I have also seen the yet-to-be launched Santa Fe (story is embargoed) and it looks great too. The exterior design concept of the Veloster is to look as if it has been carved by ‘rays of light’. Bold and dynamic lines, with a curved and sharply-raked windscreen, and blacked out A and B-pillars are meant to give it a ‘lively motorcycle helmet visor’ appearance. The front mask carries Hyundai’s new signature hexagonal grille to maintain its genre, and the under-bumper incorporates aerodynamic spoilers to reduce air resistance to the front tyres. Wheel base is 2,650mm, whilst overall width is generous at 1,790mm.
The Premium variant comes with a panoramic sunroof and LED lamps. The overall profile continues the Hyundai ‘fluidic sculpture character lines with muscular wheel arches, chrome door handles, aerodynamic doors, mirrors and wrap-around head and taillights. The Veloster boasts a drag coefficient of 0.32, comes with 17-inch alloy wheels with an option of 18-inch alloys for the Premium variant. All models come with a rear spoiler.
The design team must be motorcycle enthusiasts, because the interior centre stack and controls are also designed to resemble a sports bike fuel tank, with an engine Start/Stop button located on the stack. The air vents are inspired by motorcycle tail pipes, while the floor console resembles the seat of a bike.
In-car entertainment comes in the form of a premium range audio system with a 7-inch LCD touch screen, steering-mounted audio controls, and the system comes with MP3 and AUX input. The Premium variant has Bluetooth and upgraded speakers. The Veloster comes with parking sensors, while the Premium variant comes with a reverse camera.
In addition, the car comes with a ‘Blue Max’ application that is built into the entertainment system. This application tests one’s eco-driving styles by displaying one’s eco-driving score.
The Veloster’s drive train is based on Hyundai’s Gamma 1.6 litre DOHC engine (which is also found on other models of the Hyundai range), with Dual Continuously Variable Valve timing (D-CVVT), and an electronic throttle. Peak power is 132 PS at 6,300 rpm, and maximum torque is rated at 158Nm at 4,850 rpm. Transmission is an option of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. Drive is to the front wheels. Front suspension is McPherson Strut type while the rear is a torsion beam. Front and rear stabilizers are standard. Brakes are discs all round, with the front ones being ventilated.
Standard equipment for the Veloster automatic transmission models includes a Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system. ABS, Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution are standard equipment, while automatic transmission variants come with Hillstart Assist.
The most attractive feature of the Hyundai Veloster, considering the bells and whistles that come with it is of course the very attractive price – there are 3 variants available:-
1. Veloster Gamma 1.6 Manual – RM116, 888
2. Veloster Gamma 1.6 Automatic – RM121, 888
3. Veloster Gamma 1.6 Automatic Premium – RM132, 888
All prices are OTR (On-the-Road), and includes a 5-year or 300,000 kilometre warranty. The Veloster is available in six colours – Green apple, Sleek Silver, Sonic Silver, Veloster Red, Vitamin C, and White Crystal. All models are available for viewing, booking and test drives at Hyundai showrooms nation-wide.
