Scirocco Central

There could be an ill wind blowing for Volkswagen’s Scirocco! Hyundai’s new Veloster coupé is due in UK showrooms in 12 months’ time – and our spies have captured it undergoing back-to-back testing with its German rival.

The newcomer is a replacement for the Coupé SIII, and prices are set to start at around £16,000. Its sporting credentials are emphasised with a low-to-the-ground stance, raked windscreen with blacked-out A-pillars and smart central exhaust.

What’s not obvious from the pictures is that the Veloster will get asymmetrical doors. The driver’s side has a single opening, but there will be two separate doors on the opposite side, rather than a Mazda RX-8-style barn-style arrangement. This set-up is being re-engineered for right-hand drive, too.

Power will come from a new 140bhp 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine, while a 200bhp turbo version will follow. There’s speculation that the latter will feature Hyundai’s first dual-clutch transmission, too. Diesel power hasn’t been ruled out for the Veloster, but it’s unlikely at launch.

trix wrote:well clearly they don't think much of it, they've put a bag on its head!

maisbitt wrote:I'd never buy a Hyundai "ALDI TT"

Kev wrote: The question is whether people could be pulled away from the VW brand by Hyundai. I'm not sure they will.

monkeyman wrote:Surely the funny door arrangement will make it heavyer on the nearside, I woundn't want to drive a lopsided car, it would handle like a pig. And I cant stand them imatation rims either, They make me feel sick.lol. The only thing that will sell the Hyundai is the stupidly long warentee. But when its 7 odd years old and that runs out how much of that 16 grand price tag will have been lost compared to the Roc'.

Kev wrote:It's got one door on the drivers side and 2 on the passenger side!