The 2012 Veloster is an intriguing mix of Hyundai’s new aquatic-like design and European hatchback cool

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Don’t listed to chowder-heads tell you this is a “kids” car. If you look at the marketing demographic – then yes, it would appear to be a car for the young. But, as Scion, Honda and Mini have proved – people over 30, 40 and 50 like these types of cars too. So I won’t insult you with any “Generation Y” crap. Look elsewhere for socioeconomic clichés.

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster replaces the Tiburon as Hyundai’s front wheel drive (FWD) coupe and is aimed towards people who want some economy with their fun. Currently, the only power-plant available is the 138 horsepower 1.6 liter, four-cylinder. You have to flog it to 6,300 rpm for maximum horsepower and 123 lbs-feet of torque arrives at 4,850 rpm. That’s not a lot, but at about 2,600 lbs, the power to weight ratio is quite good.

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Here’s what you need to know:

• The 2012 Hyundai Veloster will be priced around $17,000.

• For that entry price you get a host of impressive standard equipment. “Equipped right out of the box for Bluetooth hands-free calling, Pandora internet radio streaming and Gracenote music management software with 3-D album art display, the Veloster is also capable of AVI, JPEG and MPEG image viewing via its standard USB port, video game console connectivity thanks to a 115-volt power outlet and RCA jack, and virtual CD downloading capability with storage for up to 10 discs.” –Hyundaiusa.com

• Hyundai’s Veloster has a 104.3 inch wheelbase. Its overall length is 166.1 inches and its width is 70.5 inches.

• The Hyundai Veloster has a third door on the passenger’s side, like the Mini Cooper Clubman or old Saturn coupe. The big difference is this. Its third door is front hinged like a conventional door.

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• It is a hatchback that has 15.5 cubic-feet of cargo space.

• The 2012 Hyundai Veloster comes with a comprehensive list of safety features including: six airbags, four-wheel ABS equipped disc brakes, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist with stability and traction control system. The Veloster also has a Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system which works with the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS).

• The Hyundai 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five-year roadside assistance plan is part of the package.

• Room and overall capacity is said to be best in class.

• Hyundai has the Blue Link Assurance available for free for the first six months of ownership. It’s like General Motor’s Onstar system that automatically notifies an emergency operator in the event of an airbag deployment. It can also let a parent know when junior has traveled past a certain speed and where the car has been.

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• A six-speed manual transmission is standard with a six-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission optional.

• Hyundai projects best in class fuel efficiency with up to 40 mpg highway. That’s better than many hybrids and diesels.

• The 2012 Hyundai Veloster will have a MacPherson-strut front suspension and “V” shaped torsion beam rear suspension.

Not too shabby eh? I like the design direction Hyundai has taken with their cars and I find the design of the Veloster an intriguing mix of Hyundai’s new aquatic-like design and European hatchback cool. Let’s hope it looks as good (or better) in person.

The Hyundai Veloster will go on sale in summer 2011. Look for our full review before then. Look for old people trying to use hip jargon on competing websites.

In a nutshell, this “all new” car is a cross between a Scion tC and Mini Cooper Clubman. It looks good on paper, but until real automotive journalists get a chance to drive it – we can only assume it’s a good car, which we do.

If you like the Velostar you might also like the new 2012 Ford Focus. Check out our exclusive first drive review below:

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