Hyundai SA unveils ground-breaking Veloster coupé at Johannesburg International Motor Show
The innovative spirit of the fast-growing Hyundai Motor Company and its comprehensive range of vehicles are celebrated at the Johannesburg International Motor Show by the unveiling of the Hyundai Veloster – a novel approach to the compact coupé segment with an unique third door.
The all-new Veloster – with a new 1.6-litre direct-injected four-cylinder petrol engine mated to Hyundai’s first EcoShift™ dual-clutch transmission – brings to a younger customer group a “2+1 door” coupé design with the functionality of a hatch back and a passenger-side forward-hinged rear door for easy rear-seat access.
The Veloster with its perky 1.6-litre GDI Gamma engine adds even more variety to Hyundai’s comprehensive range of new models – including the recently launched all-new Elantra and Accent sedans and their bigger sibling the Sonata, the i10, i20 and i30 hatch backs, and the ix35 and Santa Fe SUVs.
Revealed for the first time at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Veloster delivers innovation to the compact coupé segment with its 2+1 door configuration for easy rear-seat access and is a perfect example of the company’s brand slogan: New Thinking. New Possibilities.
The 4,22 m sports-coupé Veloster is destined to give young, progressive buyers a sleek and distinctive design in an innovative three-door coupé form that provides practicality as well as driving pleasure. Hyundai expects the Veloster’s unique combination of style, practicality and economy to re-shape its segment and attract new buyers to the brand.
Design inspired by nature
The Veloster represents the next evolution of the Hyundai’s unique design language, “fluidic sculpture”. This Hyundai design DNA is recognizable by flowing lines inspired by nature which combine to create an innovative form, underpinned by strong proportions and a sense of movement and balance. Not only does the design of Veloster offer emotional appeal, but its fundamental aerodynamics ensure a smooth exterior profile, which reduces fuel consumption.
The car’s lines are bold and dynamic, with tough-looking shapes and polished graphics. The hexagonal radiator grille and audacious lamp design express progression and modernity, while the 2+1 door configuration maximizes practicality. The sleek profile of Veloster conveys sportiness and a unique styling very different from existing coupés and hatch backs.
The door configuration for Veloster has been adapted for right-hand-drive markets, ensuring that customers not only benefit from the great practicality of the rear door but also from high levels of occupant safety.
Inside the cabin
Despite its coupé styling (overall height is 1,39 m), clever interior packaging means the Veloster offers class-leading cabin and cargo space. It has a wheelbase of 2,65 m, and Hyundai engineers have sculpted the interior to provide generous front headroom (990 mm), legroom (1 114 mm) and shoulder room (1 412 mm) for superior comfort. Cargo capacity in the Veloster’s boot is 440 liters.
The interior is designed to meet the demands of younger buyers. The inclusion of 60:40 folding rear seats offers a flexible luggage compartment, while high-tech gadgets and technological features are stylishly integrated within the cabin design. These elements combine to add visual appeal as well as ensuring the Veloster is a fun car in which to travel, whether behind the wheel or in the passenger seat.
Convenience features and sound system
The Veloster’s impressive audio system supports radio, CD, MP3 and a range of external devices thanks to an AUX, USB, iPod and Bluetooth® connectivity.
Further innovations, such as a panoramic sunroof, a 115-voltage power outlet and air conditioning make the Veloster a fun and comfortable space to spend time.
Powertrains
The all-new Hyundai sports coupé will be powered by a lively, efficient 1,6-litre four-cylinder GDI petrol engine, generating 103 kW. Buyers will be offered a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or the company’s first dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
The new DCT builds on the benefits of a manual gearbox, including low fuel consumption and engaging driving characteristics, by adding the advantages of a traditional automatic transmission, such as high comfort levels (particularly during city driving), and super-smooth shift quality. Other benefits of the DCT include a 5 to 6% improvement in fuel efficiency, as well as a 3 to 7% improvement in acceleration.
Fun to drive The Veloster is fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a 24 mm diameter front stabilizer. The rear suspension is a light-weight V-torsion beam, a Hyundai-first with an integrated 23 mm stabilizer bar to allow bracing of the arms for greater stiffness and to further control body roll. The rear suspension also uses monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort.
Veloster features sport-tuned electric power steering that adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. A quick-ratio steering rack is used for crisp feel on turn-in.
Eco-credentials
By creating a low coupé profile and smooth contours, the vehicle’s aerodynamics have been enhanced to give it a drag coefficient of just 0,32 Cd – lower than key segment rivals. Further design features ensure that the Veloster is economical, such as a rear spoiler that reduces drag and improves stability, an aerodynamic flat engine bay floor and low rolling-resistance tyres.
The GDI engine also benefits from lightweight aluminium construction and an offset crankshaft that reduces frictional energy losses.
Hyundai has continuously highlighted its commitment to lead the way along the road to long-term environmental sustainability for the auto industry, and Veloster furthers the company’s commitment to delivering economical and fun-to-drive models.
Reduced Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH)
The NVH package in the Veloster aims to provide a quieter and more comfortable driving environment. The new acoustic package in Veloster utilizes materials such as air-permeable carpet and sound-absorbing layers in the engine compartment and behind the dash, while thicker, optimized swelling sealer and damping materials reduce road noise.
Safety
The Veloster uses the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure maximum occupant safety at all times. These safety features deploy under all conditions and road surfaces. Active safety features, fitted as standard in several countries, include Vehicle Stability Management (which provides shorter braking distances and secure handling on uneven road surfaces), Electronic Stability Control, ABS/TCS (Traction Control System) and a Brake Assist System.
The Veloster has six airbags – a driver and passenger airbag, curtain airbags and side airbags –and a strengthened, rigid safety cell for its occupants to ensure their safety in the event of an accident.
Hyundai expects the Veloster to continue the company’s excellent safety record and attain the maximum 5-star result under Euro NCAP’s impact assessment.
Hyundai Veloster technical specifications
Gasoline Direct Injection engine
1.6-litre 140 ps
Type / capacity Gamma GDI, four-cylinder, 16-valve
Power / torque 103 kW @ 6300 r/min. / 167 Nm @ 4 850 r/min.
CO2 emissions 142 g/km
Transmissions
Manual / speeds 6
Automatic / speeds 6 (DCT)
Suspension & Damping
Front MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
Rear Coupled torsion bean axle and gas-filled monotube shock absorbers.
Steering
Type Motor Driven Power Steering
Gearing 2,88 turns lock-to-lock
Turning radius 5,2 metres
Brakes
Front 280 mm ventilated discs
Rear 262 mm solid discs
Wheels & Tyres
Standard 215/40 R18
Dimensions (mm)
Exterior
Overall length 4 220
Overall width 1 790 (excluding door mirrors)
Overall height 1 399
Wheelbase 2 650
Front overhang 830
Rear overhang 740
Front track 1 561
Rear track 1 574
Interior (mm) Front Rear
Head room 990 896
Leg room 1 114 805
Shoulder room 1 412 1 371
Capacities (litres)
Fuel tank 50
Luggage 440 / 1 015 (rear seats up / folded down)
