Hyundai priced its sporty new Veloster in America from $17,300 for the manual, and $18,550 for the one with EcoShift Dual Clutch.

That’s cheaper than almost all its rivals, and a whole two grand cheaper than the closest rival, Honda CR-Z. The CR-Z is a hybrid of course, but the Veloster with its 138 hp 1.6-liter GDI I4 engine is more sprightly and delivers 28/40/32 mpg with the six speed manual and 29/38/32 mpg with the DCT, which are not bad at all.

The Veloster party piece that sets it apart from the rivals is the unique third door for easy rear-seat access. This door in on the passenger side for safety reasons.

It also comes with Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system, Pandora internet radio, seven-inch touch-screen display, and a new 1.6-liter Gasoline-Direct-Injected (GDI) four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission.

Veloster sales begin in September.

EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE 2012 VELOSTER

• Three-door coupe design
• Coupe design with the functionality of a hatch and a passenger-side forward-hinged rear door
• 1.6-liter GDI Gamma engine paired with proprietary Hyundai six-speed manual transmission or Hyundai’s first EcoShift DCT
• Standard 40 mpg highway with the six-speed manual
• Standard multi-function seven-inch touch-screen display
• Pandora internet radio capability
• Gracenote display technology with voice recognition
• Video game console connectivity with 115-volt power outlet
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition
• Standard Blue Link telematics platform
• Blue Link Assurance provides a free six month trial period of complimentary core safety services including Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance, SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Monthly Vehicle Report
• Blue Link Essentials provides a free three month trial period of Voice Text Messaging, Remote Door Unlock / Lock, Remote Horn and Lights, Panic Notification, Remote Vehicle Start (delayed availability), Alarm Notification, Quick Tips, Location Sharing, Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification, Maintenance Alert, Recall Advisor, Web Vehicle Diagnostics, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, Vehicle Immobilization, Valet Alert, Geofence, Speed Alert and Curfew Alert
• Blue Link Guidance provides a free three month trial period of Turn-by-Turn Navigation, POI Search by advanced voice recognition system,  POI Web Search and Download, Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition, Traffic, Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices, Eco-Coach, Restaurant Ratings and Weather

Standard and Optional Features

Veloster starting MSRP is $17,300, plus $760 freight, and includes the following standard features:

• 1.6-liter GDI DOHC D-CVVT four-cylinder engine with engine cover and hood insulator
• Six-speed manual transmission
• 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R17 tires
• Chrome dual center exhaust outlet
• ESC with TCS and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• ABS with EBD and four-wheel disc brakes, TPMS
• Six airbags
• Air conditioning
• Seven-inch high resolution LCD video touchscreen
• AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and iPod/USB/video auxiliary input jacks
• Gracenote Technologies (iPod album cover art and Advanced Voice Recognition)
• Steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition
• Blue Link – Hyundai Telematics System
• Trip computer
• Power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm and bodycolor power heated mirrors
• Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
• Illuminated vanity mirrors with extensions
• Six-way adjustable driver’s seat and armrest storage box
• Front LED headlight accents
• Map lights with sunglass holder
• Front passenger seatback pocket
• Rear wiper

Options:

Six-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters, Hillstart Assist Control, and Active ECO System ($1,250 MSRP)

Style Package ($2,000 MSRP):

• 18-inch alloy wheels with P215/40R18 tires
• Chrome grille surround with piano black highlights
• Front fog lights
• Panoramic sunroof
• Piano black interior accents
• Dimension premium audio with eight speakers, external amp and subwoofer
• Leatherette bolster seats and door inserts
• Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Alloy pedals
• Driver auto-up window

Tech Package ($2,000 MSRP):

• Requires Style Package
• Unique 18-inch alloys with painted inserts
• Backup warning sensors
• Navigation system with rearview camera
• Automatic headlights
• Proximity key entry with electronic push button start
• 115-volt outlet