Hyundai Introduces the 40 MPG Veloster Coupe

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

One More Small Car Getting Around 40 MPG on the Highway

Hyundai has been on a roll lately. After launching the all-new 40 MPG (highway) Elantra a few weeks ago, they are now debuting another small car that should get around 40 MPG on the highway (not an official EPA number yet), the 3-door Veloster coupe. It's a car aimed at the "Y generation", which is basically PR-speak for "urban, cheap, high-tech". Read on for more technical specs and photos.

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

Hyundai Veloster Specifications

Under the hood is an all-new small (for North-America) 1.6-liter direct injected gasoline engine called "Gamma". It produces an estimated peak output of 138 hp (103 kW) at 6,300 rpm and maximum torque of 123 lb-ft (167 Nm) at 4,850 rpm. It also features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), an electronic throttle control, a roller timing chain, variable induction and innovative anti-friction coatings such as CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating. Pretty high-tech, but it doesn't stop there.

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

The Gamma can be mated either to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Dual-clutch transmissions keep most of the fuel-economy benefits of manuals, but with the convenience of automatics. Pretty much a win-win.

"This powertrain also has an Active Eco mode which modifies engine and transmission control for improved fuel economy that translates into more than a seven percent improvement in real-world fuel economy."

The Hyundai Veloster weights 2,584 pounds, more than 400 pounds lighter than the Scion tC.

I would really have liked to see a stop-start anti-idling system to improve city MPG, but that doesn't seem to be in the cards for now.

Photo: Hyundai

The Veloster will be sold as a 2012 model. Pricing to come.

Always Remember

Walking, biking, and taking public transit are all greener alternatives to driving. But if you're going to buy a car anyway, get the most fuel-efficient model that fits yours needs and drive it as sanely as possible (don't speed, combine trips, etc).