Hyundai has dropped a sketch image of the Veloster’s interior, and it appears to be a complete departure from the outgoing model. What stands out the most is the company’s minimalist approach this time around, further distancing itself from the i30 N which it’s related to. The rendering illustrates a modern and stylishly bare centre dash, fitted only with audio and climate controls below the free-standing infotainment screen.

The manual handbrake lever is here to stay, but the driver gets an entirely new three-spoke steering wheel that is similar to the Ioniq‘s, as opposed to the sportier BMW M-inspired item fitted to the i30 N. Also on show is a more driver-focused cabin, highlighted by the “partition” on the passenger-side of the centre tunnel – not present in the outgoing model. If that isn’t enough, there’s generous splashes of red on the driver-side door card and the main dash as well.


As for the exterior, expect an all-new look, and it can be confirmed that the coupe’s unique asymmetrical door configuration – two doors on one side and one on the other – has made it past the first-gen. The front fascia gets a new strange-looking hexagonal grille and the headlamps are both smaller and sharper than before. Also on are air curtains built into the edges of the bumper.

It certainly looks quick, but will it get the firepower to match? Apparently, the Veloster may share the same engine as the Elantra GT. The base engine would be a naturally-aspirated 2.0 litre lump producing 161 hp, mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The 1.6 turbocharged unit making 201 hp may also be offered, paired with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.


What about the Veloster N? Well, that remains to be seen, but it would be nice to get the i30 N’s 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder that makes up to 271 hp (for the Performance tune, base tune is 246 hp), wouldn’t it?

Expect the Veloster to make its debut next week when the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) kicks off in Detroit, the same premise which saw the world premiere of the original Veloster, seven years ago.