As if the new Veloster three-door sports coupe from Hyundai wasn't exciting enough, Hyundai is bringing the price in below some major competitors.
The 2012 Veloster will start at $17,300 for the six-speed manual transmission version when it goes on sale later this year. The one with the six-speed dual clutch will go for $18,550. To both prices, add a $760 destination charge.
Unlike so many look-a-like cars, Veloster might just set hearts on fire. Among other things, it has two doors on the right side and one on the left side. Hyundai says at 2,584 pounds, it will weigh less than a Mini Cooper S and will be 400 pounds lighter than a Scion tC.
Those prices compare well with other sporty-minded compacts such as the Scion tC ($18,575), Honda CR-Z ($19,345) and Mini Cooper ($19,500).
The Veloster will be available in just one base trim at launch, Hyundai says. It comes with heated power mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, air conditioning, power accessories, Bluetooth, 7-inch touch-screen and a 196-watt six-speaker stereo with iPod compatibility. The touch-screen computer can stream Pandora Internet radio and show photos and fuel-economy tips.
The Veloster is also one of the first Hyundais to come with the carmaker's OnStar rival, called Blue Link, standard. Blue Link comes free for the first six months, but after that, you'll have to pay for the service.
The Veloster is powered by a 138-horsepower four-cylinder engine — the same found in the new Accent.
Hyundai says the Veloster should get 28 miles per gallon in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway with manual. The automatic is only slightly less: 29 mpg in the city, 38 on the highway.