We've talked about Hyundai's Veloster on a few occasions here at DailyTech. These days, many companies are using expensive electric motors and lithium-ion batteries to achieve 40+ mpg in their vehicles. Hyundai, however, is sticking to lightweight platforms and advanced engines to achieve the same feat.

The latest "40 mpg" addition to the family is the 2012 Veloster, which is quite odd being that it has three passenger doors in addition to a traditional rear hatch. The driver's side of the vehicle has a single door, while the passenger's side of the vehicle has a shortened front door and a small rear door to aid in accessing the rear seat. 

When it comes to the vehicle specifications, Hyundai has managed to keep curb weight to a minimum at just 2,584 pounds in 6-speed manual form. The six-speed, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) version weighs in at 2,657 pounds. Power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that develops just 138 hp.

Hyundai says that a Veloster equipped with a DCT will get up to 40 mpg on the highway. The company, however, has not disclosed EPA city ratings for either transmission or highway ratings for the Veloster equipped with a 6-speed manual.

The Veloster will come standard with a 7" touch screen with integrated Pandora Radio support. Hyundai's new BlueLink telematics system will also be included as standard equipment.

Now we come to the styling. The Veloster is likely to draw love it/hate it comments from people who lay eyes on it. While its style is certainly distinctive, it's asymmetric design, bulges, and gaping front bumper are sure to find a fair share of critics.

However, there are two things that play into the Veloster favor. First off, Hyundai officials state that the vehicle will start at a relatively affordable $17,000, which is not bad for a sporty vehicle with good EPA numbers. The second "plus" for the Veloster won't come until sometime next year. Edmunds Inside Line reports that the Veloster will get the a turbocharged version of the 1.6-liter engine good for around 175hp -- the Sonata Turbo's 274hp, 2.0T engine is also a distant possibility. That should make for quite a little "pocket rocket", but won’t do Hyundai any favors when it comes to EPA numbers.