After the F1 season wrapped up in Sao Paulo this year, the man of the moment was Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel, who easily clinched the driver’s championship ahead of the race. He’s been working with a big name behind Red Bull’s success, Infiniti (Nissan’s luxury division), to come up with a production model Infiniti FX; a performance version of the brand’s sporty crossover.

Although many top manufacturers have cars competing in Formula One (think Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Renault), Infiniti’s involvement is a little less hands-on, even though they’re one of the top sponsors behind this year’s title-winning team (Red Bull clinched it in Korea in October). But with Infiniti and Vettel it looks to be less about the race car in question and more about partnership; as this performance FX stands testament.

Vettel FX50

The Vettel FX is based on the 2012 FX, which is performance-based with sport accents, heavy on tech and extremely comfortable as well. It has a 414-horsepower V8 engine that can zip from 0 to 60mph in just 5.6 seconds, with a 186 mph top speed. Even those opting for the FX50 will get a 5.0-litre V8 that makes a very satisfying 390-horsepower, and with comparably quick 0 to 60 acceleration. The extra power is from a new exhaust system and reprogrammed ECU, otherwise the models are similar.

The Vettel edition does have stiffer springs, 20mm lower with suspension updates and supposedly 30 per cent less down force, adding just a bit more manoeuvrability than the range of Infiniti luxury cars, but reviewers suggest that those looking for the sport without the price tag will be satisfied with FX35, or even better, the FX50s models.

Infiniti has gone to some lengths to get more carbon fibre – and not applique but real carbon fibre – in exterior chrome accents such as on the grille, side sills, mirror covers and rear diffuser to the performance FX. The interior is really racy, from the Alcantara steering wheel and shifter paddles to black suede cloth seats and Vettel badging (complete with the driver’s signature on the centre console plate).

The signature is appropriate to the style of Formula One, where advertising and signage has a commanding presence, and for which Infiniti has spent upwards of $10 million in support of the German driver. Hardly surprising; CNN reported that the combined budget of all 11 teams this year was said to be in excess of $2.5 billion, of which the largest portion was provided by sponsors.

At the crowning of Vettel at the season’s close, Infiniti recognised all of its supporters; even those who won’t be in the market for the top-of-the-range performance edition. For buyers of the FX, this means an opportunity to tour Red Bull Racing’s UK factory, along with a racing graphic wrap tailored to fit the FX.

Hyundai’s model line-up has been lacking a coupe since 2009 when the appropriately named Hyundai Coupe took its final bow. This was a shame as the Coupe was actually a rather good car. Fair enough it might have been a bit cheap and tacky in places but it looked fantastic, drove rather well and could be owned for next to nothing compared to its rivals. Not to worry though, all those who want bargain coupe motoring, because Hyundai is poised to launch its all new Hyundai Veloster next year. However not everything is quite as it seems, allow me to explain.

Hyundai Veloster Review

The Veloster is no ordinary coupe; it joins a very elite club of cars on sale today which aren’t exactly symmetrical. Have you guessed what’s different about it yet? Yep that’s right it joins the Mini Clubman, featuring two doors on one side for the passengers and only one on the other for the driver. So strictly speaking the Veloster is not the successor to the Coupe, instead think of it as a coupe, hatchback, and family car hybrid. Not the world’s catchy’est slogan granted, but no matter because the Hyundai Veloster appears to be quite a good little, err, whatever it is.

For starters unlike the aforementioned Clubman, Hyundai will swap what side the extra rear door is on depending on which side of the road you happen to drive on. Handy for people who aren’t keen on their passengers or children risking death every time they get in and out.

Once inside people who still hold the notion that Hyundai’s are plastic and nasty will be pleasantly surprised. The whole interior wraps around the occupants with a clear, logical, simplistic layout with just the right number of buttons decorating the centre console, including a rather enticing start button slap bang in the middle. Legroom looks good in the front however back seat passengers might feel a little hemmed in especially the one furthest from that rear door. Despite the coupe profile the Veloster is deceptively high at the back thanks to its hatchback, so headroom shouldn’t be a problem. Similarly top models will feature a rather splendid panoramic glass sunroof to give the illusion of never ending headroom.

Outside, the Veloster certainly doesn’t look bland, some might say the design is a bit busy with somewhat unconnected lines and creases swopping over the front along the sides and over the back. However, from the front there is an air of Aston 0ne 77 about it which is no bad thing considering the price of one of them could get you about 500 Veloster’s. The Veloster starts at a very reasonable £17,995 and for that expect quite a lot of standard equipment, like mp3 stereo, sport seats, air con, airbags and that little start button.

Hyundai Veloster Dashboard

Under the bonnet there is not a lot of choice, in fact for UK customers there is only one engine to choose from a 1.6 litre petrol with a not very astonishing 138bhp. The 0-60mph sprint will take around 9 seconds which will serve to beat most light trucks but is unlikely to trouble any of its more sporting rivals like the Sirocco, however the Honda CR-Z might be fair game. It also comes with a 6 speed manual, something which will reward the more enthusiastic drivers amongst us. The upshot of course from this lack of outright pace is better economy and emission’s figures, a definite benefit in today’s climate.

To conclude then, the Veloster might not be a predecessor for the Coupe but it is a rather funky coupe in its own right. Its stylish appearance mixed with practicality will appeal to many, not to mention how cheap it will be to actually buy. The performance might not set the world on fire, but it isn’t all bad for the world’s first three door, coupe, hatchback hybrid… ok that phrase really won’t catch on.