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St. Petersburg, Florida was recently chosen as the venue for Hyundai to release their sporty three door 2012 compact car, the Veloster.

The excitement started as soon as our plane touched down at Tampa International Airport.  Amidst a flight over sparkling waters, our welcome included swaying palms, a light Florida breeze and a chauffeured driver named John. Chatting with John during our ride from the airport to St. Petersburg gave me the perfect opportunity to catch up on the comings and goings on of the Bay Area, my native home.

John took us straight from the terminal to the Postcard Inn which is located just a few blocks from the famed pink castle hotel, the Don Caesar.  Being within a mile of ‘The Don’ was a fabulous sign that we would be on the ‘nice’ end (as opposed to the touristy, dirtier and higher crime end) of the beach.

For a female, this was welcome news and a good sign that we would be in a safer and therefore more relaxing area of the beach.

Upon arriving at our home away from home for the next few nights, I must admit I was a little hesitant to enter the premises.  The Inn’s exterior almost made me cringe, especially since it looked like a 1950s Econo Lodge ..  When you hail from a tourist town on the water you know there are usually only two types of lodgings on or around any beach: the really nice kind or the roach motel kind.

After entering the lobby my trepidation turned to delight. The heart of the hotel had been remodeled and upgraded in a fashion which brought to mind a retro/indy/surfer motif.

Aces!

As an added bonus, I soon learned the inn was located directly on its own private beach. This was a sure sign that all would definitely be well.

On our first night at the inn we were greeted by many reps from Hyundai, treated to a full open bar and a dinner located in the hotels palm and oak covered courtyard.  The area was a-glow with dozens of lanterns and festive strings of lights which all accented the finely set, linen covered dining tables.

The location of the hotel was also a fine choice for Hyundai’s public relations team to introduce us to the new 2012 Veloster. There were models of the unique and striking new vehicle lined up in a beachside courtyard amongst palms, surf boards, sand and sea.  The evening and the event were not only enchanting, but also quite exhilarating as we began to simply ‘take it all in’.  After dinner, a few of us opted for beach-side walks and tiki bar tunes along with Latin tempos and Floridian libations, most of which include rum.

Fun in the sun was Hyundai programs theme for the Veloster launch. The skyrocketing manufacturer hit their mark by focusing on the sporty car’s fun image and  ride.

Day two of our trip we awoke to waves, gulls, and Hyundai executives bearing coffee and great opportunities to learn more about their super new vehicle and all of the innovations it will be bringing to this year’s new automotive line-ups.

We were first introduced to Jim Trainor, head of Hyundai’s National Public Relations Division.  Trainor guided us through the concept, design, purpose and drive of the Veloster.   Then Brandon Ramirez, Hyundai Product Development Manager, addressed the roomful of automotive media.  “Year to date retail sales are up 31 percent and Kelly Blue Book has rated Hyundai number one when it comes to customer loyalty,” Ramirez said.

Hyundai has also been making many innovative strides the last few years and their efforts can clearly be seen with the Veloster.  With its unique style and function, this three-door hatchback coupe is truly one of a kind.  It is also the only three door on the market with the rear door being hinged in the front, (which makes for a sportier yet practical auto).  The third door is ‘hidden’ behind the front passenger seat and is located by the farthest back side window at the top of the door.  The handle is also painted the same color as the car so as to not attract attention to the fact that it is anything other than a sporty two door.

Veloster also brings a GDI engine with DCT technology to the table. It adds to the impressive number of 2012 Hyundai models to achieve the lofty 40 mpg plateau.  The Veloster views the Honda CRZ and the Scion TC as primary competitors targeting providing more value and features than either.  From the base model to the top of the line it provides edgy yet complementary design lines including accessories not usually seen on a vehicle within its compact class.

From its hexagonal front grill, LED headlamp accents and wrap-around head lights to its streamlined and multi-dimensional stature this vehicle screams individuality. “Fluid sculpture character lines lead to it being best in its class for providing the most interior space for occupants,” Ramirez said.

The Veloster offers two transmission types providing 138 hp and 123 lbs. torque.  The first tranny option is a six speed manual which offers an eco-shift feature that indicates ideal shift points for better mpg.  The second transmission option is a six speed EcoShift Dual Clutch with direct injection.  Both vehicles offer 28 city/40 hwy and average 32 mpg.  The Veloster’s Active Eco-System also delivers up to seven percent better fuel economy, 138 hp with 123 lbs. torque.  This sporty vehicle is designed and built with a high strength steel body and includes many safety features.

A few of these important safety items include six air bags, Vehicle Stability Management, Safety ABS, brake assist, backup sensors, optional rearview camera, hill start assist, and electric stability control with traction control.  There is also a ‘Geo-Fence” which may be programmed to designate the area/radius where the car may be driven while alerting owner if it has gone out of the programmed range – something that can be used to monitor driving habits of ‘more adventurous’ drivers.

If the vehicle strays, it will then send a notification email to the owner letting them know when and where the vehicle has ventured past its designated area. This feature is great for families of teens, college students, and rambunctious family members who might not fully know their way around town.

Other innovative technologies featured within this exciting bundle of fun are three different entertainment packages from which to choose. This includes over 30 Bluelink® features, voice text managing, premium audio with eight speakers and 8” subwoofer.  The infotainment systems also includes a 7” multimedia touch screen, a 15 volt and power outlet,  and a tech package which provides multiple ports, jacks, and outlets.

The fun however does not just stop on the inside of the vehicle. It extends to the exterior and all of the many ways Hyundai allows customers to personalize their Veloster. These choices range from multiple body colors, graphics, schemes and options from which to choose.  Add these choices along with the coolness of an invisible third door, panoramic vista roof, dual chrome exhaust, and wrap-around headlights, and it’s easy to see that the Veloster does not just bring the party – it is the party!

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