HYUNDAI’S distinctive new Veloster coupe has finally arrived Down Under, dressed in a big range of bold paint colours to attract a whole new breed of young Hyundai buyers.

Combining both form and function by offering the split personalities of sleek compact coupe on the driver’s side and convenient city hatchback on the other, the Veloster brings a swag of top-end equipment for the surprisingly affordable starting price of less than $24,000.

Beneath the unique new two-plus-on-door body, however, lies a car of real substance, with a well-sorted ride and handling package matched with Hyundai’s slick new six-speed dual-clutch auto.

Only the lack of torque from the Korean giant’s latest direct-injection 1.6-litre petrol four lets the team down, but keen drivers need look no further than the upcoming Veloster Turbo for the solution.