Hyundai makes a splash by going small
Automaker rolls out Velosters as Kona makes debut in Ontario on the show floor
Hyundai Canada is going big by going small at the Canadian International AutoShow, where its headline debuts include the latest generation of its sporty Veloster hatchback and all-new Kona subcompact SUV.
Here’s what you’ll find when you stop by the booth on the 300 level in the North Hall of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Hyundai Veloster and Veloster Turbo The second-generation Hyundai Veloster, first revealed to the world last month in Detroit, carries on the tradition of its asymmetrical twoplus-one door layout, meaning the rear seats are more accessible — and the car is therefore still practical enough to accommodate a growing family.
Its newly designed grille can be flanked by optional LED headlights and running lights, and an available darkened roof treatment adds drama to its appearance.
The base Veloster’s powertrain is an efficient 2.0-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine paired with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
It delivers 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque at an estimated 4,500 r.p.m.
In the Veloster Turbo, a1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine puts out 201 hp at 6,000 r.p.m. and 195 lb.-ft. of torque between an estimated 1,500 and 4,500 r.p.m.
Then there is also an over-boost function that brings that up to 202 lb.-ft. under maximum acceleration.
While you’ve got the pedal down, a feature called active sound design enhances the sounds of the intake and exhaust inside the cabin.
This model comes with two shifting options: a standard six-speed manual, or an available seven-speed dualclutch transmission.
These versions of the new Veloster are due to arrive in Canada in the second quarter of this year. Hyundai Veloster N This is the first car to arrive in Canada carrying Hyundai’s new N performance line badge.
Stand-alone features on the Veloster N include an exclusive front fascia and grille with dedicated front air ducts, unique rocker side sills and 19-inch alloy wheels with exclusive-compound Pirelli P-Zero summer tires.
A larger N-design rear spoiler graces the rear along with an integrated diffuser and high-flow dual exhaust.
The engine in the Veloster N is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that spits out 275 hp and up to an estimated 260 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,450 to 4,700 r.p.m., paired with a close-ratio, short-throw six-speed manual transmission.
In the performance-oriented N driving mode, Hyundai says the Veloster N will deliver overrun exhaust crackle during spirited-driving upshifts and rev-matched downshifts.
Production begins in September in Ulsan, South Korea, with cars expected to arrive in Canada near the end of 2018. Hyundai Kona Marking an all-new offering in the rapidly growing subcompact SUV segment, the Hyundai Kona is making its Ontario debut on the show floor in Toronto.
The Kona features distinct styling, including slim headlights and tail light.
It can also be finished with a twotone colour scheme and a variety of playful colour variations.
The base engine has the same configuration and output as the base Veloster mentioned above and comes with the same six-speed automatic transmission.
The optional 1.6-litre turbo engine is tuned here to make 175 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 r.p.m. and is matched only to Hyundai’s seven-speed DCT.
The Kona is due to arrive in Canada next month and the base model is priced at $20,999.
The top-of-the-line version, with the turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, dual-clutch transmission and finished in ultimate trim with the colour pack, comes in at about $31,999. Hyundai Ioniq — for show and for test drives All three models from Hyundai’s Ioniq line of alternative-powertrain vehicles are on display — the hybrid, which in its blue model receives a best-in-class Natural Resources Canada fuel-efficiency rating of 4.1 L/100 km in combined city and highway driving; the pure electric, which has a range of 200 kilometres; and the plug-in hybrid, which runs on electric power for up to 47 kilometres but has a gas tank in reserve for longer distances.
The fully electric Ioniq is also among the vehicles available for test drives direct from the auto show floor. Drivers 21and older who hold a valid driver’s licence can take a spin in the Hyundai Ioniq EV, the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid and Bolt EV, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Honda Clarity, Volvo XC40 and Ford Focus Electric.
If you’ve been wondering whether an electric car is the right fit for you, this feature at the AutoShow helps you explore electric-vehicle (EV) living while skipping the long slog to different dealerships for test drives.