Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has launched the Hyundai Veloster in Malaysia – the car, which made its official debut earlier this evening, has been much-awaited to say the least, having supposed to arrive in Q1 this year.

In any case, it’s finally here, it’s arrival already hinted at last week. Three variants of the novel three-door (or 2+1) coupe are be available here, these being the Veloster Gamma 1.6 M/T, Gamma 1.6 A/T and 1.6 A/T Premium.

All are powered by a normally-aspirated 1.6 litre Gamma D-CVVT engine, mated to either a six-speed auto and a six-speed manual transmission. Output numbers for the MPI mill are 132 PS at 6,300 rpm and 158 Nm at 4,850 rpm.

The manual is the entry-level offering of the range, and in terms of equipment shares most of the same kit with the standard auto version.

Common to both are 17-inch five-spoke alloys wrapped with 215/45 series tyres, smart key with start-stop ignition, fog lamps and a seven-inch TFT touchscreen, six-speaker audio system.

Both versions also feature manual air-conditioning and fabric seats (with an option to upgrade to leather for RM2,000 more), and in terms of safety the manual makes do with dual airbags and ABS. The auto version adds on ESP, VSM (vehicle stability management) and HAC (hill-start assist control). All variants come with a high mounted rear spoiler.

Going the Premium route throws in a fair bit more. The variant wears larger 18-inch alloys and 215/40 rubbers, and the complex surface reflector headlamps of the basic manual/auto versions are replaced by LED projection headlamps.

The rear lamps are also different, the ones on the Premium being LED combination units. It also gets leather seats, and the entertainment system adds on a centre speaker, subwoofer and external amplifier as well as Bluetooth hands-free capability (with a dedicated switch on the steering wheel)

That’s not all the Premium gets – there’s also a panoramic sunroof, full auto AC, and reverse camera. Incidentally, the wheels on the Premium feature inlays that is colour-matched to the body shade.

Speaking of exterior shades, the Veloster is available in six colours, these being solid White Crystal, Sleek Silver, Sonic Silver (both metallic), Veloster Red, Green Apple and Vitamin C, the last three all three pearl finishes.

The eagle-eyed among you will probably notice a different bodykit on the white example in the photos; that’s the kit from the Turbo variant, but it’s just to dress up the particular launch vehicle, and isn’t available for sale here.

Pricing-wise, the manual Veloster goes for RM116,888, while the auto version is priced at RM121,888. The Premium auto, meanwhile, retails for RM132,888. The car comes with a five-year or 300,000 km extended warranty.