2012 Hyundai Veloster Is $18,999 In Canada, Loaded At $23,899

News that the price of the upcoming Hyundai Veloster would be just $17,300 in the United States had enthusiasts and automotive critics excited. For Canadians, it meant the Veloster’s base price couldn’t righteously exceed $20,000. Thankfully, Canadian executives and accountants stuck close to the U.S. pricing scheme as the 2012 Hyundai Veloster has an $18,999 price tag in Canada.

Choosing your Veloster will be easy. Opt for the $1400 dual-clutch transmission or stick with the 6-speed manual. Check off the $3500 tech package…. or don’t. Choose your paint colour. You’re done.

Above and beyond the regular $18,999 Veloster’s 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth, heated seats, telescoping steering wheel, keyless entry, push-button start, back-up camera, and 7-inch touch screen, the $3500 tech package adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, navigation, 450-watt Dimension audio, and leather-wrapped wheel and knob. This car, in any form, will represent ridiculous value, particularly if it’s as much fun to drive as everyone expects it to be.

For 2012, every Hyundai Veloster in North America will be fitted with the 138-hp 1.6L 4-cylinder from the all-new 2012 Hyundai Accent. In the Veloster, those horses must pull around only 2584 pounds (1127 kilograms). The fancy-schmancy dual-clutch gearbox adds 73 pounds.

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster is a hugely important vehicular introduction for Hyundai Canada and every other Hyundai subsidiary around the world. Of course, we say that about nearly every new car every automaker introduces, but in this case Hyundai has the chance to round out its model lineup more thoroughly while meeting youthful automotive enthusiasts at a price point that’s hugely affordable for budget-conscious buyers. 

At $18,999, the basic (but very well-equipped) Veloster is only $600 more than a top-line Hyundai Accent GLS 5-door. And while the Accent might be more practical, the Veloster is a surprisingly spacious offering for something so intent on being sporty. 

Whether you appreciate its stunning profile and bodacious backside or loathe its aggressive front-end styling (more of which you can see in the Gallery below), the 2012 Hyundai Veloster sends a strong message to companies like Toyota (a former builder of the Paseo and Celica), Mazda (former vendor of the MX-3 Precidia and MX-6 Mystere), and Honda (current builder of the disappointing $23,490 hybrid CR-Z).

The message, however, is far more important to young and young-at-heart car buyers: Hyundai is saying you can have a fun-to-drive, eye-catching, well-equipped, uniquely-packaged, fuel efficient sporty car for the price of a mid-range Elantra. They’re not lying. Not when they say $23,899 for a fully loaded Veloster. And certainly not when they say $18,999 for something you’ll want.