THE Hyundai Veloster has claimed the number one spot in Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com ‘10 coolest cars under $18,000.’ The Korean company’s innovative hatchback received the award for its “unique exterior design, stylish interior and wealth of modern technology,” all of which have contributed to its increasing popularity in the Middle East.

Two criteria – being fun-to-drive and fun-to-own - are critical among the deciding factors for Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com), which is a trusted new and used car information resource in the United States. Having been named one of the 10 coolest cars under $18,000 in 2012, the Veloster has gone a step further this year to claim the overall title. This latest honor comes after the model was named Best Hatchback at the 2012 Middle East Motor Awards (MEMA), one of the most prestigious automotive award ceremonies in the region.

Launched globally in August 2011, the Veloster has enjoyed sales growth of 54 percent in the Middle East in the first half of 2013 in comparison to the same period last year. The biggest market for the stylish hatchback is Saudi Arabia, while increased sales were also recorded in Bahrain, Lebanon, Oman, and Syria.  In the UAE, year-on-year sales were up by as much as 353 percent.

Tom Lee, Hyundai’s VP and head of Middle East regional headquarters, commented: “With the Veloster we aimed to create a car that stands out from the crowd, allowing owners to express their individuality on the roads. Winning the Kelley Blue Book award proves we have been successful, and this has been reinforced by the fantastic first half sales figures recorded in the Middle East.”

The 2+1 door hatchback continues Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design ethos, its flowing lines combining to create a distinctive form with strong proportions and an immediate sense of movement and balance. The Veloster boasts a truly unique feature, with one door on the driver’s side and two on the passenger’s side. This helps aerodynamics and safety, ensuring the model stands apart from any other car on the market.

Making it ideal for cool urban living, the Veloster features a wealth of standard kit that includes an engine stop/start button, cruise control, fully automatic air conditioning and an advanced multimedia system with a seven-inch color touch-screen display and MP3 compatibility/iPod connectivity.

In the Middle East the Veloster is available in a variety of fun and vibrant colors and is powered by a 1.6-liter MPI petrol engine, delivering 130 PS @ 6300 rpm and torque of 157 Nm (116 lb.ft) @ 4850 rpm, powering it to a top speed of 200 kph.  To maximize fuel economy, reduce emissions and enhance refinement, every Veloster is fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission.