Making the Carpool Cool: Hyundai Veloster Named to ‘10 Coolest Cars’ List

Racine, 06/29/2012 / SubmitMyPR /

With a hidden third door for rear passengers, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster has a distinctive design, but it was the hatchback’s function as well as funky form that recently earned it recognition from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. Landing at number two on kbb.com’s 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 list, the Veloster was honored for its mix of versatility, cutting-edge technology and status-quo-bucking style.

The editors at kbb.com required that each vehicle on their 10 Coolest Cars list be fun-to-drive and fun-to-own, as well as have a certain cool factor. Each model also needed to be priced under $18,000 according to Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price, which determines the amount that current vehicle buyers are actually paying based on changing market conditions.

“There is nothing else like the Hyundai Veloster on the road, but that doesn’t mean that it is different for the sake of being different,” said Kristin Paxton, Sales Manager of Gentile Hyundai, a Racine, WI Hyundai dealership. “The Veloster’s asymmetrical three-door design makes for an accessible, roomy and functional interior, and it returns 40 mpg on the highway, so you're not sacrificing efficiency for style.”

Though it can comfortably seat four passengers, the Veloster’s split rear seats can also fold down and make plenty of space for gear to be loaded through the car’s rear hatch. Meanwhile, drivers can stay entertained and connected with the standard Blue Link telematics system, which includes a seven-inch high-res touchscreen and the ability to make hands-free phone calls and point-of-interest searches.

For buyers looking for speed to match their style, the 2013 Veloster Turbo will be going on sale midsummer with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that produces 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. With all of its torque available at just 1,750 rpm and a lightweight chassis that gives it the best power-to-weight ratio in its class, the Veloster Turbo provides ample acceleration, but that performance doesn’t come at the expense of fuel economy. The Veloster Turbo can still return 38 mpg on the highway, much better than the Volkswagen GTI, which gets 31 mpg on the interstate.

Starting at $22,725 including destination charge, the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo is designed with sportier features inside and out. Exterior touches like a larger hexagonal grille, sculpted side skirts and dual exhaust tips give the compact hatchback an aggressive look and sound, while heated leather front sport seats, an electroluminescent gauge cluster and alloy pedals create a driver-centric interior.

“Driving enthusiasts are going to love the Veloster Turbo for its affordable performance, but also because they’ll be able to stand out on the road without having to make any aftermarket modifications,” Paxton noted. “The Veloster Turbo is a new kind of hot hatch; it breaks new ground in style and technology without breaking the bank.”

About Gentile Hyundai:
Gentile Hyundai has proudly served Wisconsin drivers for years with outstanding new and used Hyundai sales, service and parts. Featuring vehicles that range from the fuel-efficient Hyundai Accent all the way up to the luxurious Hyundai Genesis sedan, Wisconsin Hyundai drivers have come to rely on Gentile Hyundai for all their automotive needs. Visit their Hyundai dealership, located at 9503 Washington Avenue in Racine, or browse their online inventory at www.gentilehyundai.com. They can also be reached by phone at 866-994-9834 or found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GentileHyundaiWI.