2018 Detroit Motor Show: 2019 Hyundai Veloster revealed

CONSERVATIVELY similar on the outside but radically different underneath is the calling card of the all-new Hyundai Veloster, revealed today at the Detroit motor show.

Now in its second generation, the 2019 Veloster retains the original’s unusual three-door coupe body style (with an extra door on the left-hand side for easier rear-seat access), but moves to the same, highly rated platform as the PD i30, bringing the promise of sharper, more engaging dynamics.

Standard multi-link rear-suspension across the range further bolsters the Veloster’s dynamic potential, aided by local suspension tuning and stronger, more powerful engines.

Set to arrive in Australia later this year, the second-gen Veloster will be offered in two grades: the entry-level ‘Veloster’, which ditches the original’s flaccid 1.6-litre petrol four for a 110kW/180Nm atmo 2.0-litre, and the ‘SR Turbo’ that employs a 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo.

A hardcore performance variant from Hyundai’s N department, powered by a 202kW 2.0-litre turbo four, is also in the pipeline, though is yet to be confirmed for Australia.

Both regular Veloster variants will be available with either a six-speed manual or an automatic; a six-speed auto in the Veloster and a seven-speed dual-clutch in the SR Turbo.

Torque vectoring that uses wheel-speed sensors to brake the inside front wheel also debuts across the range, but it’s the suspension’s extra layer of adjustability, which goes beyond that of the PD i30’s, that has Hyundai’s Aussie engineers most excited.

A pointy front-end and engaging rear-axle were goals of the local suspension team, with both Veloster variants expected to use the same tune despite differing wheel sizes (17s for Veloster and 18s for SR Turbo).

Noise, vibration and harshness levels are significantly reduced too, according to Hyundai, with an overhauled, driver-focused cabin introducing an angular styling theme that, while similar to the i30’s, boasts a redesigned centre stack and air vents.

Final equipment levels are still being decided but expect the standard Veloster to feature a 7.0-inch central touchscreen, while SR models gain an 8.0-inch screen as well as a premium eight-speaker audio system, wireless phone charging capability, and a head-up display.

As Australian customers now expect, the Veloster will arrive with a bulging list of safety features, including AEB, reverse camera, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, rear-cross traffic alert, high-beam assist and driver attention monitoring.

Styling wise, the Veloster follows the i30’s lead in striving for a more European look, with a redesigned grille, lower roofline and beefier front wheel arches conveying a more muscular stance.

Out back, a large rear diffuser houses twin-tail pipes on SR models, while redesigned LED lights are also available.

As for pricing, Hyundai expects the new Veloster to cost around the same as the current model, meaning a possible starting price just under $30K.