New Veloster launched in Detroit

Koo Min-chul, director of Hyundai Motor’s exterior design, explains the design elements of the newly launched Veloster at the North American International Auto Show on Monday. [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

Hyundai Motor debuted the all-new 2019 Veloster and high-performance Veloster N at the 2018 North American International Auto Show which started its 14-day run in Detroit on Monday.

The Veloster N is the first vehicle with the high-performance N trim to be launched in North America, following the i30 N introduced to the European market last year.

The new Veloster and Veloster N will launch in North America in mid- and late-2018, respectively.

The exterior of the revamped Veloster hasn’t changed much, although the front grille has been replaced with Hyundai Motor’s signature cascading grille.

The three-door asymmetrical style and the central dual-tip exhaust, two of the most recognizable features of the Veloster, are unchanged.
The technology inside the car, not its exterior, is where Hyundai has really changed things.

The 2019 Veloster includes Hyundai’s “smart shift” function, which alters the driving mode — between sports, normal and echo — according to the user’s driving style.

This is the first time the function has featured in one of Hyundai’s midsize vehicles, according to the automotive company.

The automaker’s sound equalizing technology, dubbed Active Sound Design, has been updated in the new Veloster to enhance the sound of the car’s exhaust.

The forward collision avoidance system comes as a basic option for all trims. Smart cruise control, lane keeping assistance and wireless smartphone charging functions are also available in the new Veloster.

“The all-new Veloster maintained its innovative design elements such as one-plus-two asymmetrical doors, but made it more sleek and distinctive by connecting the hood and belt line in a more dynamic way,” said Koo Min-chul, director of Hyundai Exterior Design.

The high-performance Veloster N, which targets the Korean and North American markets, implements design features that resemble a racing car.

It is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, enlarged intakes and an exclusive N logo on the front and rear. The interior of the car also features the shade of blue that is reserved exclusively for N-brand vehicles.

The Veloster N’s seats, steering wheel and drive modes are designed and made exclusively for Hyundai Motor’s high-performance line.

The all-new Veloster is equipped with 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter turbo engines. The Korean version, scheduled to launch this year, will come with a Kappa 1.4-liter gasoline and 1.6-liter turbo engines. The Veloster N is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo engine that generates a maximum of 275 horsepower.

Kia Motors unveiled the all-new Forte, also known as the K3, at the Detroit Motor Show.

Genesis also participated, displaying the G80, G80 Sports and G90, also known as the EQ900.

BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]