Hyundai Veloster set for Detroit Motor Show unveiling

Next year could see the return of the Hyundai Veloster, as confirmed by official teaser pictures of the coupe. The original model was only sold in the UK for a few years, between 2012 and 2015, featuring a quirky design with asymmetrical doors.

The teaser images appeared on Hyundai’s South Korean media website, showing three brightly camouflaged Velosters in convoy on a track. It’s not yet known if the finished product will make it to the UK.

If it does, it’s likely the 2018 Veloster will look familiar to owners of the previous model, with the biggest changes made to its grille and headlights. For a start, expect its nose to be dominated by a honeycomb mesh, bringing the Veloster in line with models including the Hyundai Kona crossover and Hyundai i30 hatchback.

There are changes at the rear, too, with the exhausts moved to the centre of the bumper and flanked by a motorsport-inspired diffuser for a sportier look and improved aerodynamics.

While no images of the interior were included, the instrument cluster is expected to be raised from its normal position, while a lower driving position should provide a more sports-car-like feel. A head-up display can be clearly seen above the instrument binnacle and sat nav is also expected to feature as standard.

Two petrol engines are likely to be fitted at launch, ranging in size from 1.4 to 1.6 litres, with turbocharging giving the larger version plenty of get-up-and-go, thanks to most of its torque being available from just above tickover. Customers will have the choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and it’s possible the powerful 271bhp engine from the i30 N hot hatch could be fitted at some point.

Technology will include Hyundai Smart Shift, which adapts to the driver’s habits behind the wheel to help judge gear changes. Autonomous emergency braking will also be included to improve safety, using a radar sensor to detect obstacles in the car’s path.

The second-generation Hyundai Veloster will be officially unwrapped at the Detroit Motor Show in January, when more details should surface we’ll be able to see its design changes more clearly.