Launched back in 2011, the Veloster quickly turned from a rather exotic-looking hatchback into the unfortunate, forgotten child of the Hyundai family. The coupe-style three-door gained very few updates during its first generation and there were plenty of rumors that Hyundai was thinking about giving it the axe. But the Koreans eventually decided to keep the nameplate alive brought the redesigned, second-generation model at the 2018 Detroit Motor Show.

Although far from revolutionary, the Veloster is a fresh take on the design, having borrowed the company’s recent styling language with sportier cues. The front fascia boasts the biggest changes, with more angular headlamps, a larger grille with honeycomb mesh, and an aggressive lower bumper. But while it’s definitely appealing to look at, it reminds me a bit too much of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. I know, they’re far from identical, but the narrow top grille, and angular headlamps that become slimmer toward the center and the way the hood meets with the nose makes me thing Mitsubishi when I look at it.

New Tech, Same Turbo Engine

“The new infotainment system features standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay”

Fortunately, the rear still has that authentic Veloster vibe to it and the diffuser and center exhaust on the Turbo model gives it a menacing stance. The asymmetrical layout with two doors on the passenger side was carried over.

The interior is also brand-new and looks modern and fresh (although I must say I still like the first-gen V-shaped center stack and dashboard). The new infotainment system with the seven-inch display features standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the options list includes SiriusXM Radio and next-gen Blue Link LTE-powered connectivity. The optional eight-inch display includes all of the above plus HD radio, smartphone integration, and an Infinity premium audio system. A heads-up display system is also available.

“Two engines are offered, starting with a 2.0-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-pot rated at 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque”

Two engines are offered, starting with a 2.0-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-pot rated at 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. It might not sound like much, but it’s a 15-horsepower and 12-pound-foot increase over the outgoing 1.6-liter mill. More powerful comes from the turbocharge, 1.6-liter GDI unit with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet. If it’s sounds familiar, it’s because I’m talking about the same engine in the outgoing model. A bit disappointing, don’t you think? However, Hyndai says that the new Veloster will have better handling. And the bigger news is that we’re getting a higher performance N model in the U.S.