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Review: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT

January 31, 2013 by Tom Williams 1 Comment

As an American of British/Irish descent, I have often marveled that in spite of the fact that the USA is comprised of citizens from all walks of life, rich, poor, and from every corner of the world, there is one common perception about cars. And as Americans, most tend to snub their noses at a hatchback, and why is that? There is this crazy misconception that a hatchback is akin to flying economy class, while a formal sedan is more like flying coach. This silly rationale is one of the reasons Europeans point and laugh at us when we travel abroad.

By now, the Elantra is a household name, but in 2002, Hyundai slipped in a sleek five door hatch called the Elantra GT. One look at it, and I saw it as sort of a poor man’s Saab 9-3. The Elantra GT disappeared after 2007, but 2009 saw saw the introduction of the Elantra Touring, which was a small station wagon based on the European market Hyundai i30. The Elantra Touring is gone, but Hyundai reinvented the i30 as a hatchback, and what we get is the Elantra GT.

The Elantra GT is a fantastic looking car from any angle. Fluid lines, swooping curves make a strong statement. With the GT, Hyundai has done a fine job of designing a compact car that looks more expensive than it is. No one is going to mistake the car for an Audi A7, the Elantra GT comes off as cool and sophisticated. Rolling in to a four star hotel outside Washington DC, the GT needed no excuses or apologies, and looked right at home.

I’ll confess, I wasn’t thrilled knowing I’d be making the drive from my native Connecticut to Washington DC in the Elantra GT, but the car more than proved itself as a competent road tripper. More than enough room for a family of three and their luggage, but the Elantra GT really proved itself for a long drive beset by accidents and terrible traffic conditions. After an eight hour drive to DC, we were exhausted, but to the Elantra’s credit, we did not ache a bit. Clear gauges and intuitive controls make the Elantra easy to live with. After a 650 mile round trip, the Elantra GT passed with flying colors.

Motivation for the Elantra GT is delivered via a 1.8L four cylinder rated at 148hp. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or automatic. That’s about on par for cars in this class, but Hyundai deserves a huge thank you from enthusiasts for letting the stick be available no matter how you option out your GT, while the competition makes their most basic car the only option if you like to shift for yourself. Our test car was equipped with the automatic, which shifted smoothly and was always ready to drop a couple gears if I needed more speed. The Elantra is peppy around town, and can more than hold its own on the highway, but you won’t be winning any drag races. That said, the Elantra GT cruised comfortably for hours at 80mph. While I am told Hyundai softened the suspension a tad for Americans, this was a real tight car as far as ride and handling go.

The Elantra GT starts at a reasonable $18,545USD, with SiriusXM Radio, Bluetooth and iPod integration standard. Our test car included the Style Package, which added 17″ alloys, panoramic sunroof, leather interior and a power driver’s seat. Also, the Technology Package added a rearview camera, dual zone auto climate control and navigation. Including delivery, our Elantra GT rang in at $25,550USD, which is not bad for the amount of kit our car came with.

And so, The Garage has sampled the entire family of the Elantra-sedan, coupe and GT. Of the threesome, the GT is my pick. For style, features and panache, the Elantra GT represents a great value, not to mention excellent utility to boot. Yes, Hyundai knows the sedan will easily outsell the GT, but as enthusiasts let’s be thankful Hyundai has offered us the GT, a delightful Korean car with a European accent.

Review: 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe

November 27, 2012 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

The Garage is no stranger to the current Hyundai Elantra. After a week at the wheel of the then-new 2011 Elantra sedan, we walked away convinced the Elantra was a winner, and more than able to stand up to the best cars in its class. In an attempt to further the Elantra’s appeal, for 2013 Hyundai has added the Elantra Coupe. For years, Honda has owned the compact, economy coupe market with the Civic, almost exclusively. Hyundai wants to crash that party.

It helps the sedan was a handsome looking car on its own-lopping off two doors only adds to the style and appeal of the Elantra. Finished in Black Noir Pearl with fetching 17″ alloys, the Elantra Coupe looks like it costs quite a bit more than its sticker price. For a car with such swoopy lines and surface changes, I did wish for more luster to the car’s black paint, something worth paying extra for. If you’re going to flaunt your curves Hyundai, you better have the paint quality to back it up.

Inside, the Coupe is more or less identical to the sedan, but the seats sit a tad lower for a sportier feel. Our feature-laden test car was perfectly comfortable and easy to use. The Elantra Coupe was my ride for the 2012 International Motoring Press Association’s annual Test Days event, set in the gorgeous Catskill Mountains in New York state. Despite a late start and in heavy rain, the Elantra proved to be a reliable companion on my trip from Connecticut to New York. Supportive seats, intuitive navigation and infotainment controls and a roomy interior made a long drive in less than ideal conditions bearable.

Buyers wanting a sporty ride to go along with the Elantra Coupe’s sporty looks, however, may walk away disappointed. The sole engine offered is the familiar 1.8L four cylinder, rated at 148hp. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or automatic. Our test car was equipped with the automatic. While the car is hardly what I would call quick, the Elantra gets off the line easily, with little drama, and even in uphill passing in the higher elevations of New York, the Elantra had adequate passing power. In sum, the Elantra Coupe was an easy car to live with for a long stint on the interstate, offering a good balance of power, ride comfort and fuel efficiency.

The Hyundai Elantra Coupe is offered in two trim levels-our test car was the top-spec SE. In typical Hyundai fashion, the car is well-equipped, with standard features like 17″ alloy wheels, heated seats, Bluetooth, power moonroof, sport tuned suspension, leather interior and aluminum pedals. Our test car included the optional Technology Package, adding auto headlights, two-zone auto climate control, keyless entry/start, navigation, rearview camera and premium/satellite audio. Including destination charges, the tab comes to a very respectable $23,965USD.

For style, comfort, features and efficiency, the Elantra Coupe has reset the benchmark the Honda Civic Coupe has held for so long. The Elantra Coupe proves you do not have to surrender practicality for fashion. Yet, the enthusiast in me craves a turbocharged Elantra Coupe….Hyundai, are you listening?

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Hyundai RE:Mix

October 12, 2012 by ponycargirl Leave a Comment

For the second year in a row, Hyundai is staging music events around the country to showcase a customized Elantra, Genesis, and Veloster Turbo. Called the RE:Mix Lab, it started in Chicago, traveled to New York City, and is now headed to Austin, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle, and finally, Miami in early December. Upon arrival to the event, you sign into the app in via Facebook and are given a bracelet to interact with the art and fashion displays surrounding the cars while waiting for local bands to perform. [Read more…]

Review: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

October 9, 2012 by Tom Williams 3 Comments

In case you haven’t noticed, Hyundai is a company that is not known these days for complacency. With new models being introduced at a furious pace, Hyundai is constantly evolving and improving their cars. You would expect that attention to be lavished upon the bread and butter Elantra and Sonata. And us enthusiasts are simply thankful Hyundai offers a rear-wheel drive 2+2 sports coupe at all, and we’d even forgive Hyundai for not refreshing a high-profile but niche car. But that’s not how Hyundai rolls.

The Garage reviewed a 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe and came away generally impressed. For 2013, Hyundai has revised the Genesis Coupe, and the results of some minor tweaking show a considerable improvement over what was already a fine performance car. The most obvious change from outside is the new nose treatment which gives the Genesis Coupe a far more serious look to it. The bolder design makes last year’s car look meek in comparison. The hood scoops also add some visual interest, but they are for decoration only. Apart from new taillamps, the Genesis Coupe is unchanged from before. Finished in Gran Premio Gray with handsome 19″ wheels, our Genesis Coupe showed a level of sophistication not seen in the prior car.

Hyundai also spruced up the interior for 2013. Instead of idiot lights between the speedo and tach, the driver is greeted with a more contemporary LCD screen for vital information. The center console has also been improved, again offering a more contemporary appearance. A nice touch not seen on last year’s car is the introduction of three analog gauges offering oil pressure, torque meter or turbo boost. Not a big deal, but it does a lot to add sport coupe credibility. The rest of the Genesis Coupe’s interior is untouched, which isn’t a bad thing. While I still find the location of the power window and mirror controls less than ideal, the ergonomics are otherwise excellent. Visibility remains very good for a sports coupe, and as before, I found the seats very comfortable. I loved the red and black interior color combination, reminding me of my friend’s old BMW 633CSi. Classic.

Hyundai did not simply give the Genesis Coupe a facelift and an interior upgrade. The engine room received much attention, not that anyone was complaining for lack of power. As before, Hyundai offers the Genesis Coupe with either a turbocharged four cylinder, or normally aspirated V-6. For 2013, the base Genesis Coupe is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four rated at 274hp, a 30% boost in power over last year’s car. Our test car sported the V-6, a 3.8L direct injected powerplant generating 348hp, a full 42hp more than the 2012 V-6. Expect 0-60mph in the low 5-second range. The V-6 Genesis Coupe is one fast car, and the power delivery is so linear. The fact that the car produces one heck of a sinister exhaust note only sweetens the deal, and you’ll find yourself downshifting and blipping the throttle just to hear the fun.

If I had a complaint about the driving experience of the last Genesis Coupe, it was the shift linkage in the manual transmission. Thankfully, Hyundai heard the complaint, and for 2013 the six-speed manual is a dramatic improvement, and definitely helps make hustling the Genesis Coupe an even more enjoyable experience. Our test car was the R-Spec, meaning it has the firmest suspension and beefiest brakes offered. Even so, the car was very easy to live with, and perfectly comfortable over less than perfect roads. With summer tires, the Genesis stuck like glue to the pavement, and handling was exceptional. It’s a very rewarding and easy car to drive quickly on your favorite back road.

A base Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T starts at $24,250USD. If you can swing it, I strongly advise shelling out more for the V-6. Not that the four is slow, but the soundtrack and smooth power delivery is worth every penny. The V-6 Genesis Coupes are offered in R-Spec, Grand Touring and Track models. The R-Spec is the entry-level car, but you wouldn’t know it. The R-Spec includes a front strut tower brace, 19″ wheels with summer performance tires, Brembo brakes, Torsen limited slip differential, leather and cloth sport seats, six speaker stereo with XM satellite radio and Bluetooth. Including delivery, our Genesis Coupe R-Spec rang in at $29,625.

That represents one heck of a performance bargain. The improved Genesis Coupe has a lot going for it. More practical than a Nissan 370Z. More lively, nimble and involving than V-6 powered Camaros or Mustangs with a much better interior to boot. Hyundai’s dive into the world of rear wheel drive sport coupes was impressive, and three years later Hyundai has made small changes that have greatly improved the overall package. Well done.

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Review: 2012 Hyundai Veloster

July 25, 2012 by Tom Williams 1 Comment

Funny, it doesn’t seem that long ago when I started writing for The Garage, but longtime readers may recall a series I started known as ‘Forgotten Sporty Cars’. Odd thing is that was four years ago, and one of my featured cars was Hyundai’s first attempt at a sporty car, the long forgotten Scoupe. A modest but well-intentioned effort, the Scoupe was replaced by the far more credible Tiburon. With the Tiburon’s production ceasing in 2008, a gap was left in Hyundai’s otherwise aggressive product portfolio for an affordable, small sporty coupe. The gap was finally filled by the all-new Veloster.

Style-wise, the Veloster is speaking to a young audience, but not to the extent that a guy in his mid-40’s would look silly driving this car. The design is up to the minute without being faddish. I particularly admired the headlight design, sculpted hood scoops and our test car’s handsome and sporty 18″ alloys. Yes, color is a matter of personal choice, and our car’s Century White finish would rank last on my color choice, but it did nothing to take away from the Veloster’s good looks. The most interesting feature of the Veloster is that it is a three door hatchback. By that, I don’t mean it has two doors and a hatch, it really has three doors. The passenger side rear door can open on its own, a first in the car business. As a car journalist with a six year old son who samples a lot of coupes, this feature was a blessing. Not to mention the coolness factor that he had his own ‘secret door’.

The Veloster is an economy car, but the interior is built to a high standard and available with an astonishing amount of equipment. Even with my 6’1″ frame the Veloster offered plenty of room. The seats were comfortable and offered a decent amount on support. All controls were easy to read and use, and the infotainment was simple and intuitive. A pity the German luxury makers don’t spend some time seeing how easy it can be. For the Veloster’s swoopy styling, I was grateful our car was equipped with a rearview camera and parking sensors, a must-have given the obscured rear view. In sum, the Veloster’s interior is definitely contemporary and feature laden, is handsome in execution but felt a bit cold.

For 2012, the Veloster is available with one engine, a 1.6L four rated at 138hp. Transmission choices are either a six-speed manual, or a six-speed automated dual clutch tranny. Our test car was equipped with the latter, and I have to say it was pretty slick in operation, and I would argue it is far smoother in operation than the VW GTI’s. Most car writers start to get all whiny when talk comes to the Veloster’s engine. The good news for them is the Veloster Turbo is on its way. I, however, will not whine. On a gorgeous summer weekend, I whisked my wife and son to the lovely village of Katonah, New York. Carving up lush, curvy country roads from Connecticut to New York, the Veloster was a joy to drive. Steering felt sharp, and handling was comfortable, crisp, and not at all punishing. Even from the passenger seat, my wife commented the Veloster must be a fun drive.

For 2012, the Veloster is available in one single model, with optional packages. With the dual clutch automatic, our test car starts at $18,550USD. For that, standard equipment like paddles shifters, XM satellite radio and LED headlight accents as well as Blue Link (it’s Hyundai’s version of GM’s OnStar) is impressive. Our test car included the Style Package, which added 18″ wheels, a panoramic sunroof, 8 speaker premium audio, and alloy pedals, and the Tech Package, which includes back up warning sensors, navigation, rear view camera, proximity key and push button start. Our fully loaded Veloster rang in, as delivered, with an MSRP of $23,235. Not a bad price for a car with so many features and style.

Sure, the Veloster was built as an inexpensive, fuel efficient run about. But Hyundai did more than that. Sitting on the main street of upscale Katonah sipping a Stella Artois, our little Veloster looked perfectly at home as we watched the New York City dwellers hop the train back their urban jungle. Back at home, I was asked about the Veloster at the Whole Foods parking lot-lined with all the usual European and Japanese luxury brands. Yet the Veloster is what caught their eye. With the Veloster, Hyundai has built an excellent, affordable coupe, that, dare I say, carries the tradition of the Honda CR-X. As I said when I first started here at The Garage, it seemed like the affordable sporty car was forgotten. It’s back, and it’s the Hyundai Veloster.

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Hyundai Expands Elantra Family with New Coupe

June 18, 2012 by Tom Williams 2 Comments

At one time the Elantra was a one trick pony, sold only as a compact four door sedan. The times have changed, with the addition of the Elantra GT and now, the Elantra Coupe. The Coupe, which will be available later this month has its sights aimed directly on the Honda Civic Coupe. Hyundai boasts the Elantra Coupe has more power, better fuel economy and more standard features than the Honda. Hyundai is also quick to point out the Elantra Coupe offers more interior space than the Nissan Altima Coupe, and both Honda Civic and Accord Coupe.

The Elantra Coupe is powered by a 1.8L four cylinder rated at 148hp. Buyers can choose from either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, which adds an extra $1,000 to the price. Hyundai claims an Elantra Coupe with the manual tranny should be good for 40MPG on the highway. Hyundai is offering the Elantra Coupe in base GS and sporty SE trim. We have broken down equipment and pricing below.

Hyundai Elantra Coupe GS: $17,445USD

For a base model, the Elantra Coupe GS comes with a generous amount of standard equipment, starting with 16″ alloys, foglights, six speaker audio with iPod jack and SiriusXM satellite radio, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth and heated seats. The comparably priced Civic LX Coupe lacks many of these features.

Hyundai Elantra Coupe SE: $19,745

Hyundai is marketing the SE as the sporty Elantra Coupe. Upgrades include 17″ alloys, sport-tuned suspension, leather interior, sunroof, aluminum pedals and a rear spoiler. You will pay nearly $1,400 more for a comparable Civic EX Coupe, and be without the sport-tuned suspension, spoiler and settle for smaller wheels. And you cannot get the Civic with a manual transmission if you want leather.

Hyundai is guilty of the same crime. While the top-spec SE is available with either a manual or automatic, if you desire the Technology Package you must forgo the joy of shifting for yourself. For an additional $2,350, features include Navigation, rearview camera, premium audio, dual-zone auto climate control and push button start, but you have to settle for an automatic.

With the Elantra Coupe, Hyundai has expanded the line but the real story here is how the press release was worded. Hyundai is making no bones that it is going for the jugular with Honda. With Honda’s weak redesign of the Civic which seemed little more than a retread of the older car, Hyundai is churning out new, and most importantly, very good cars at a positively feverish pace. The momentum Hyundai has built up in recent years is nothing short of astonishing, and shows no sign of slowing.

2012 Hyundai Veloster

March 26, 2012 by Gary Grant 1 Comment

When Hyundai debuted the Veloster at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, there were more than a few journos on the show floor that were scratching their heads a bit. I have to admit that I was among them. While the little runner was certainly cool looking to my eyes, the third door was a little gimmicky and the back seat it allowed access to offered headroom for a 10 year old and not much more. With only 138 ponies under the hood, the Veloster wasn’t even remotely about performance either.

To be fair, auto manufacturers were locked in a battle to outdo each other in the fuel economy wars at the time. Hyundai promised to be the first manufacturer to offer a full line of 30 mpg plus machines, while the high mileage variants from their competitors required consumers to spend extra money up front. The Veloster was positioned as a fun and funky car for around town, not a performance car. Then, at Chicago, they confused the message by showing off the purpose built racer that Rhys Millen would campaign in the US Rallycross series.
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Review: 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec

March 8, 2012 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

The Hyundai Genesis sedan has been around since 2009, but here at The Garage the Genesis we were most interested was always the Coupe. We applauded Hyundai for expanding its line, and having the guts to go out and build a large, rear wheel drive luxury sedan, but for power-hungry enthusiasts, the Genesis sedan had little to offer. That changed in the Fall of 2011, when Hyundai quietly announced the addition of the range-topping Genesis 5.0 R-Spec. The name itself suggests something deadly serious, and it was time for The Garage to get behind the wheel for some serious seat time. As this was our first time with a Genesis sedan, our question was twofold: one, can Hyundai convincingly pull off a luxury sedan, and two, an interesting high performance luxury sedan to entertain a car guy? Read on….

For starters, the Genesis is one handsome looking car. For a large sedan, it is perfectly proportioned, and there simply isn’t a bad line on the car. The combination of the Black Noir Pearl exterior color and R-Spec specific 19″ wheels conspired to an elegant but sinister exterior. What struck me more about the pleasing styling was the reactions heard and overheard about the Genesis. One day I parked the car in front of the finest Tex-Mex restaurant in town, and I could hear a group of guys at the table behind me talk about it. One fellow thought it was an Infiniti, until another corrected him and said it was a Hyundai ‘but they decided to have no logo on the front end of the car.” Other reactions were shock that it was, in fact, a Hyundai, how bad-ass it looked, and one onlooker simply saw the 5.0 badge on the rear decklid and he knew this car was not to be messed with. In sum, we all agreed the Genesis looks good, especially our 5.0 R-Spec, but it does lack its own distinct personality.

Regulars here at The Garage will know Hyundai is perfectly capable of building comfortable, competent interiors, but we’re not talking compact cars here. From a style point of view, the Genesis takes fewer risks than say, a Sonata, but that is less likely about Hyundai and more about the buyer they are seeking. The Genesis offers a roomy and comfortable cabin. Though feature-laden, controls are simple and intuitive to use, never overwhelming. Construction and quality of materials are very good, but the quality of the leather didn’t seem quite as good as my personal favorite, Lexus. The Genesis lacked nothing for features, but at no time did I ever feel like I was at the wheel of a truly special automobile. And apart from embroidered floor mats, Hyundai has done nothing to separate the 5.0 R-Spec’s cabin from its lesser siblings. So yes, Hyundai can certainly pull off a luxurious interior, it just doesn’t leave much of an impression.

Where things do start to get interesting is under the hood. The heart of the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec is a, you guessed it, 5.0L direct injected V-8 belting out an astonishing 429hp powering the rear wheels. Amen. All that power meets those wheels via an all-new eight-speed automatic, which will be featured in all Genesis sedans. And yes, I take delight the Genesis is more powerful than a Camaro SS with its 6.2L of displacement. Yet the R-Spec is a model of refinement. You really need to get your foot in it to finally hear that V-8 soundtrack-otherwise the car is stone silent. Hyundai claims the R-Spec will do 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds, and I believe them. The car pulls like a freight train, never runs out of steam, and does so with no drama whatsoever. You’d think Hyundai’s been building this type of car for a couple decades, not their first time around. While some critics complained about a harsh ride on the R-Spec, I disagree. Sachs shock absorbers and a sport tuned suspension are R-Spec specific, but did nothing to take away from the ride quality, while still providing decent handling for such a vehicle.

So, what does all this power and luxury cost? For what you get, not a heck of a lot. Consider the standard equipment list: rain sensing wipers, auto de-fogging windshield, front and rear heated seats, cooled driver’s seat, navigation, leather-wrapped seats, dash, and door inserts, smart cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rearview camera, adaptive xenon cornering headlights, a stunning 17 speaker Lexicon stereo with HD Radio, XM Radio and XMTraffic. Price, you ask? $46,500USD. And yes, that includes the 429hp V-8. In fact, the R-Spec comes standard with so much there really aren’t any options, apart from dealer installed accessories or summer performance tires. No, it is not cheap, but just try to get a premium Japanese or German car that compares to the R-Spec’s, um, specs with those features and the difference is over five figures.

As little as five years ago, if I told you Hyundai would be building a car like this, you’d call me criminally insane. I would have too, for that matter. But the reality is this is 2012 and Hyundai, on their very first try, has brought to market a superb and utterly competent luxury rear wheel drive automobile. What is shocking is the amount of power, features and refinement The R-Spec offers for the asking price. It’s simply staggering. Sure, some of you may dismiss this car simply because it is a Hyundai, but know this. The R-Spec is a howitzer aimed directly at the Infiniti M-Class. And Infiniti has been building rear-drive luxury sedans for over 20 years. Hyundai has already mastered the basics of the recipe, and I’ve no doubt it will soon find that elusive special touch to set it apart from the pack.

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Hyundai Announces Return of the Elantra GT

February 12, 2012 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

When the first Hyundai Elantra GT debuted in 2002, many saw the sporty five-door hatchback as sort of a ‘poor man’s’ Saab 9-3. The handsome, versatile, sport-tuned Hyundai was well-equipped and raised the eyebrow of many critics. The Elantra GT disappeared with the arrival of the fourth generation Elantra in 2007. However, in the spring of 2009 North America was introduced to the Elantra Touring, a four door station wagon based on the European-market Hyundai i30. For 2013, Hyundai is coming full circle, as the i30 Will now be a 5-door hatchback, and the Elantra GT is being resurrected.

Just recently introduced at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, the Elantra GT will be powered by a 1.8L four cylinder rated at 148hp, with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. In keeping with its European focus, the Elantra GT will retain a sporty ride, and will even offer driver-selectable steering settings for comfort or sport. Additionally, the Elantra GT boasts class-leading fuel economy, interior volume and aerodynamics.

In the tradition of the last Elantra GT, the 2013 model is laden with a bevy of premium standard features, including a rear view camera, two-zone auto climate control, a CleanAir Ionizer, Bluetooth, SiriusXM Radio, panoramic moonroof, cooled glove box, heated leather seats, and a power driver’s seat. The notion of heavily equipped small car is hardly new in Europe, but is definitely gaining traction in the US and Canada. Whether the Elantra GT remains a niche car for Hyundai we cannot say, but we welcome the return of a sporty alternative hatchback on our shores. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra will be available in the summer of 2012.

Hyundai makes dreams come true in Detroit with launch of Veloster Turbo

January 14, 2012 by Gary Grant 1 Comment

I can’t remember a car that has been so universally loved as the Hyundai Veloster and yet causes auto writers to squabble over whether it was underpowered or people were just missing the point. The point is that the Veloster was not marketed as a sports car, rather as a sporty urban runabout. The problem is that it is so damn cool, not to mention so well balanced, that it practically screams out for more power. There is a reason that AJAC members voted the Veloster as a top contender in its class for the Canadian Car of the Year scoring though, as it is just that good.

The rumours have been coming so hard and fast about the launch of a Veloster Turbo that it had to be a case not of if. It had to be a case of when. The when turned out to be earlier this week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, when the company announced that the 2013 Veloster would indeed be available with a 201 horsepower, turbocharged 1,600cc four cylinder.

All is right in the World when one of the best cars on the road receives the one thing it needed most!

Check out our gallery and the Hyundai press release with all the deets after the break.
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