Detroit show: Hyundai Veloster almost here

THE production version of Hyundai’s slinky Veloster concept has been partially revealed in a short backlit teaser video, in which the world’s fifth-largest car-maker has also confirmed the affordable compact coupe will make its global debut at the Detroit motor show on January 10.

Hyundai’s official pre-reveal video, which all but also confirms the compact two-door will carry the Veloster nameplate into production, states the all-new model will be powered by a direct-injection engine - matched with a dual-clutch automatic transmission – that returns fuel consumption of 40mpg (5.9L/100km).

The Korean giant previously confirmed the two-door, four-seat Veloster, which will go on sale in Australia in the final quarter of next year, will be powered by the same brand-new 105kW 1.6-litre direct-injection GDI four-cylinder petrol engine that will motivate Hyundai’s new-generation Accent, upon which the new coupe will be based.

While the five-door hatch version of Hyundai’s new Accent was revealed just prior to Christmas in China, where the Accent is known as the Verna, it will not be sold in Australia. Instead, Hyundai will import only the previously revealed four-door Accent sedan, which will be sold here alongside the i20 hatch following the discontinuation of Hyundai’s long-running Getz.

As we revealed in November, Hyundai’s first dual-clutch automatic transmission will debut in Korea in the second quarter of 2011.

Due to emerge first in six-speed configuration, Hyundai’s automated manual gearbox – developed in conjunction with German transmission specialist LUK, which it dubs it the Parallel Shift Gearbox (PSG) - will match the likes of VW’s DSG, Porsche’s PDK and BMW’s DCT by offering seven speeds within two to three years.

Hyundai is also about to release an all-new self-developed eight-speed automatic transmission, which will debut next year in the rear-drive Genesis large sedan.

Apart from the sub-Genesis Veloster coupe, Hyundai’s twin-clutch is also slated for use in the ix35 compact crossover and its sister model, the Kia Sportage. Both models currently employ a conventional torque converter-type six-speed auto, which will continue alongside both new state-of-the-art automatic gearboxes in some models.

US sources report the 2011 Veloster, which will be a belated replacement for the discontinued Tiburon coupe in Australia, will later be joined by a higher-performance turbo version.

While the redesigned RB-series Accent hatch and sedan share the front half of their stylish new bodyshell design, the new FS-series Veloster will share the Accent’s compact front-drive underpinning but comes wrapped in a three-door body that’s expected to be 80 per cent similar to the 2007 Soul motor show concept.

Due on sale here within 12 months, the Veloster will be just one of four new Hyundais due for release in Australia next year, including next-generation MD-series i35 (Elantra) sedan in the second quarter, the i25 (Accent/Verna) sedan in the third quarter and the VF-series i40 wagon in the final quarter.

In 2011, Hyundai is also expected to reveal replacements for its giant-killing i30 small hatch and mid-size Santa Fe crossover.