HYUNDAI has taken the wraps off its trio of new Velosters at the North American International Auto Show – but only two will make it to Australia.

Production of the new models, which feature some styling changes inside and out, powertrain enhancements, and a swag of new infotainment and connectivity features, begins production in March in Korea, with Australian availability in the second half of 2018.

The Veloster, unique in having an additional side rear door in its asymmetrical two-plus-one configuration, has a new grille, swoopier fenders and the A-pillar has been moved a bit further back.

Optional 18-inch alloys will fill the wheelhouse openings and the roofline has been lowered to emphasise its sporty coupe lines.

Veloster

The Oz Velosters will be sold in a choice of 150kW/264Nm 1.6 turbo or more sedate 110kW/179Nm 2.0litre engines, the turbo getting an overboost button to raise torque to 274Nm, plus driver-selectable Normal, Sport and Smart driving modes.

All get Torque Vectoring Control (TVC), utilising capabilities of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and powertrain control systems to cater for enthusiastic driving.

Veloster Turbo also has a quicker-ratio steering and uprated suspension.

Transmission is by Hyundai’s EcoShift which claims high efficiency and uninterrupted torque transfer with the lower fuel use of a manual.

 

Veloster Turbo

Safety stuff includes Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Keeping and High Beam Assist.

All Velosters get a reversing camera and a Vehicle Stability Management system, which optimally manages Electronic Stability Control and the power steering and six airbags and a state-of-the-art braking package complete the safety kit.

The infotainment system includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a seven-inch colour LCD display with AM/FM/MP3 touchscreen audio, auxiliary input jacks, and Rear View Monitor. A premium version with a ton of extra features is an option.

Veloster N

The third model, unlikely to arrive in Australia, is the high-performance Veloster N model, which uses a 202kW/353Nm 2.0litre direct-injected turbo engine.

The fiery engine is backed by a close-ratio, short-throw six-speed manual transmission, a multi-mode electronically-controlled suspension and a wide range of driver tuning preference via its N β€˜Grin Control System.’

It’s been honed for serious driving, with appropriate brakes, wheels and tyres, but you’ll need to go the US – or Europe – to get one.