The LA Auto Show is happening now and Detroit is in a little over a month, and that means an endless onslaught of small and medium-sized crossovers with 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engines. So if you ask me, the world needs more weird and fun hatchbacks with three doors. The Hyundai Veloster is coming back, and here’s a tease of the next generation.
It’s hard out there for small cars right now, but it’s good to know this one’s making a comeback. While the three-door setup is kind of hidden in these photos—it’s on the passenger side, and the pics only show the driver’s side—the thicker B-pillar on the right indicates it will make a comeback.
And why wouldn’t it? That’s one of the Veloster’s quirkier and more distinguishing features. A useful one, too.
Not a ton is known about the new Veloster yet, but Car and Driver says it’s expected to continue using the 200 horsepower 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder with a 160 HP naturally aspirated four as a base engine. It will also use the same platform as the new Elantra, which is surprisingly fun. A six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual clutch are also slated.
More importantly Hyundai’s been teasing a hotter N version for years now. The Veloster has always been fun and weird, but it’s stopped short of being the best hot (or warm) hatchback in its class. Since Hyundai seems to be more serious about performance these days, maybe this time around it’ll get some extra power and be an even stronger contender.