What's the news?
Hyundai has unveiled a convertible version of its Veloster model at the LA Auto Show, dubbed the Veloster C3.
Exterior
As opposed to a conventional convertible drop-top, the Veloster C3 uses a full-length fabric roof and fixed roof bars. The 'roll-top' roof can be opened from the front or the rear, giving the car a 'ute' style load bay when retracted forwards. However, while most convertibles use regular canvas materials, Hyundai has chosen to use tarpaulin from a curtain-side lorry.
More strangeness is apparent when your eyes move down from the roof to look at the mis-matched 18-inch alloy wheels and door mirrors. The idea for these came from the original fixed-wheel bikes, according to Hyundai.
Interior
Most interior features are carried over from the coupé version of the Veloster. Folding rear seats and the single rear door remain to keep the car as practical as possible. Once again, however, weird and wonderful materials have trimmed the car; as the boot floor and seat backs have been made using recycled skateboards.
Mechanicals
One thing not radical about the C3 is its engine. The convertible uses the same 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine found in the coupé; developing 184hp and 265Nm of torque. Performance figures haven't been announced, but we'd expect a 0-100km/h time of around seven seconds, and a top speed somewhere near 209km/h.
Anything else?
The Veloster C3 is strictly a concept at the moment; however, the success of the similarly designed Fiat 500C may be enough to sway Hyundai to put the car into production.