A prototype model of Hyundai's long-awaited Veloster sport hatch that will essentially act as a replacement for the Tiburon, otherwise known as the Coupe, across the pond and other markets, was spotted running around public roads in Europe.
We're not sure if Hyundai will keep the "Veloster" name of the concept car, but we do know that the South Korean automaker's proposal will compete head on with other low roof sport hatchbacks like the VW Scirocco and the more recent Honda CR-Z hybrid.
From what we can tell, the production version will remain close to the 2007 Veloster Concept in all but one aspect; as you can see in the video after the jump, the road-going model features an asymmetric body with a longer door on the driver's side. This could indicate the presence of a second, suicide-style, door on the passenger's side - think MINI Clubman.
Under the hood, Hyundai has already confirmed one powerplant, the firm's new 1.6-liter four cylinder engine with direct injection pushing out 140-horsepower in entry-level trim. The company said it expects this model to return a combined fuel economy of over 40 mpg US (5.8lt/100km or 48mpg UK).
Rumored, but not confirmed, are a turbocharged version of the 1.6-liter petrol unit producing close to 200HP and a diesel engine for the European market as well as a more powerful four-cylinder petrol for North America.
The production version of the Veloster is expected to make its European debut at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show at in September and its U.S. premiere at the 2011 Detroit show next January, with sales following shortly after.
Source: Youtube/AMS
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HYUNDAI VELOSTER CONCEPT
