By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We were intrigued by the futuristic looking Hyundai Veloster with its sporty demeanor, hidden third door and useable hatch when we first saw it; but after 30 miles behind the wheel our excitement over this unusual car was melting faster than a snowman on a warm spring afternoon.

What cooled off our enthusiasm was the 1.6-liter 138-horsepower four-cylinder engine, the only one available. Adequate, yes, but we felt the small four was more suited to the entry-level Accent in which it also resides, not a car that looks like this with such sporty pretensions. The performance didn't match the persona. To Hyundai's credit it wasted little time upgrading the Veloster with an engine that should have been available from the get-go, a turbocharged version of the 1.6-liter pumping up horsepower to 201 and torque to 195 pound-feet — running on 87-octane gas.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We were impressed with the totally redesigned Hyundai Azera during a short driving event earlier this year. Our admiration increased after a 1,300-mile road trip that included long stretches of interstate highway as well as miles of winding, narrow mountain roads.

It delivered everything we want and expect in an entry-level luxury sedan  — comfort over long stretches of road, a quiet cabin, pleasing performance for all eventualities, respectable gas mileage, and generous room for four adults and luggage.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

If you like the styling of the compact Hyundai Elantra sedan, you will like the all-new Elantra coupe. If you like the performance, ride and handling of the sedan, you will like the coupe. If you like the excellent gas mileage of the sedan, you will like the coupe. If you like the interior design....well, you get the picture the coupe is very nearly an exact copy of the sedan, but with two fewer doors.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Hyundai’s first foray into the premium sedan market was the 2009 Genesis, proving that the South Korean maker of low-budget economy cars could build a premium sedan. It was received favorably as a true luxury car at a price that undercut virtually all competition.

It no longer sits atop the Hyundai family tree, replaced in 2010 with an even more upscale model, the Equus.

The original Genesis is still very competitive against such stalwarts as the Lexus ES 350, Acura TL, Mercedes E-Class and Cadillac CTS. But Hyundai decided not to wait until the next complete remake before seriously upgrading the sedan. And for 2012 the Genesis gets more powerful engines, an eight-speed transmission, and exterior and interior styling updates.

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman