2012 Hyundai Veloster Priced at $17,300

That compares favorably to other sporty-minded compacts like the Scion tC ($18,575), Honda CR-Z ($19,345) and Mini Cooper ($19,500).

The manual transmission is rated at 28/40 mpg city/highway, 32 mpg combined. The dual-clutch will return 29/38 mpg city/highway and 32 mpg combined.

The Veloster will be available in just one base trim at launch, Hyundai says. It comes with heated power mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, air conditioning, power accessories, Bluetooth, 7-inch touch-screen and a 196-watt six-speaker stereo with iPod compatibility.  The touch-screen computer can stream Pandora internet radio and show photos and fuel economy tips.

The Veloster is also one of the first Hyundais to come with the carmaker’s OnStar rival, called Blue Link, standard. Blue Link comes free for the first six months, but after that, you’ll have to pay for the service. 

The Veloster is powered by a 138-horespower four-cylinder engine — the same found in the new Accent — and comes with a six-speed manual transmission standard. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is available, but a price hasn’t been announced yet.

Options include a 450-watt stereo, navigation system, 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start and leatherette upholstery, in either a Style Package or Tech Package option suite. Pricing for these has not yet been announced.

Overall, the Veloster seems to hit the same mix of features for the money and excellent gas mileage found in recent Hyundai entries like the Accent, Elantra, Tucson and Sonata.

We’ll have more details and a full review of the Veloster in September.

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