The Hyundai Veloster is set to launch in the Nepali market by the first week of December. According to Laxmi Intercontinental, the sole authorised distributor of Hyundai in Nepal, the Veloster offers the style of a coupe and the functionality of a hatchback. This makes it very different from the usual autos available in the market.
Veloster is a three-door car. To make it look unique, Hyundai has placed only one door on the driver’s side. The car can easily accommodate four people.
“The car has already arrived in Raxaul,” said Rupesh Sharma Bhatta, assistant general manager, sales and marketing at Laxmi Intercontinental. “We will make a formal announcement of its launch as soon as it reaches the capital.” He added that the company was introducing the new car to enhance the line-up of Hyundai four-wheelers in Nepal and also to offer something for luxury car seekers.
According to Bhatta, the sports car will have limited buyers due to its price factor. “We have been receiving enquires from prospective buyers and auto enthusiasts. However, all these enquiries will not convert into sales as it is a premium vehicle,” he added.
The sporty machine from the Korean auto major features a Gamma 1.6 DDI DOHC engine which can produce a maximum power output of 140 ps at 6,300 rpm and a peak torque of 167 nm at 4,850 rpm. The car has a top speed of 201 kmph and can go from 0 to 100 kmph in 9.7 seconds. Veloster’s engine is mated with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission system. Laxmi Intercontinental is introducing the version with a manual transmission system as sports car enthusiasts generally prefer manual transmission over automatic.
Hyundai has prominently featured LED headlights on the front of the car to give it a sporty appeal. The signature Hyundai grill on the front and a bevelled hood with dual scoops gives the new machine an aggressive outlook and makes its exterior more aggressive among the cars in the segment.
The car has got McPherson strut type with coil spring front suspension and CTBA (Coupled Torsion Beam Axle) rear suspension. In a bid to enhance the driving experience, it uses MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) and has a turning radius of 5.2 m. The vehicle’s fuel tank has a capacity of 50 l.
To cater to the demand of sports car enthusiasts, the car has various high-tech features such as a 7-inch TFT touch-screen which displays information required for the driver and supports radio, CD, MP3 and a range of external devices through AUX, USB, iPod, RCA and Bluetooth connectivity, making the in-car entertainment system stand on top. Hyundai has also emphasized the safety features of the car. The Veloster uses the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure the safety of passengers. The car’s active safety features consist of vehicle stability management which provides shorter braking distance and secure handling on uneven road surfaces, electronic stability control, antilock braking system (ABS) embedded along with transaction control system (TCS), brake assist system and hill start assist control.
Six air bags and front seat active headrests reduce the risk of head injuries of both driver and passengers. The car uses a 280 mm ventilated disc and 262 mm solid discs braking system.
The Hyundai Veloster is likely to attract sports car lovers in the Nepali market as there isn’t a similar model from other prominent brands to give it competition. The Veloster is expected to cost more than Rs 5 million.
