2012 Hyundai Veloster (photos)

Under the hood of the 2012 Veloster is a 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine boasting 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. The front-wheel-drive, six-speed manual gearbox, or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, offers an estimated 40 highway mpg.

The 2012 Veloster will compete with the Volkswagen Beetle, the Mini Cooper, and the Scion tC.

Standard tech for the 2012 Veloster includes a multifunction, 7-inch touch-screen display, Pandora Internet radio capability, voice recognition, video game console connectivity with 115-volt power outlet, and a Bluetooth and Blue Link telematics platform.

The Veloster three-door coupe has the functionality of a hatchback and a passenger-side forward-hinged rear door, providing safe and easy access to the rear seats.

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster offers a chrome dual center exhaust outlet.

Two choices include the six-speed manual or the six-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Hyundai estimates 40 mpg highway with the six-speed manual.

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R17 tires. The $2,000 style package includes 18-inch alloy wheels with P215/40R18 tires, and the $2,000 tech package includes unique 18-inch alloys with painted inserts.

As a hatchback, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster offers plenty of cargo room.

Starting at $18,060 the 2012 Hyundai Veloster competes in price with the Scion tC at $18,575, the Honda CR-Z at $19,345, and the Mini Cooper at $19,500.