It's been a long time in the coming but Hyundai has unveiled the production version of its Veloster hatch-coupe at the Detroit Motor Show and the strangely configured car is set to fill the Tiburon's shoes as a sporty C-segment car.
Says Hyundai, the Veloster differentiates itself from traditional coupes through its unique door configuration, which includes a rear door on the passenger side for added practicality.
Designers have even thrown in a hidden exterior door handle to try and ensure that the car's coupe-like design is maintained.
The Veloster's styling is an evolution of Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design theme, with highlight features including a distinctive rising window line, black A-pillars, prominent wheel arches, wraparound headlights and Hyundai's signature hexagonal front grille.
The coupe-hatch will be available with Hyundai's efficient new 1.6-litre direct injection petrol motor.
This engine is hardly going to get any pulses racing with its outputs of 103kW at 6300rpm, but it should do well as an affordable sporty car. Hyundai will have to strap a turbo to it if it’s going to fully compete with the likes of VW’s Scirocco though.
Transmission choices comprise a six-speed manual and a new six-speed double-clutch gearbox, the latter a first for Hyundai.
According to Allan Rushforth of Hyundai, "The new Veloster goes a long way to solving the inherent compromise of traditional coupe design, which sacrifices comfort and convenience for style."
"This exciting car offers progressive buyers a sleek and distinctive design in an innovative coupe form that provides practicality as well as driving pleasure."
More technical details pertaining to this car will be released when the Veloster makes its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year.
Do you think they're onto something with this unique door design or should they just have stuck to the traditional coupe format?