Hyundai’s new C-Segment hatch (Golf, Focus, Auris, Megane etc) won’t go on sale in Funny how a tasteful bodykit and a new set of rims spice up an utterly boring design into something Paris Hilton wouldn’t be embarrassed to receive a DUI in… -One more picture after the jump
Still wondering why Hyundai announced a 10-year/100.000 mile powertrain warranty on certified used vehicles? According to Strategic Vision, Hyundai produced the most leaders on the San-Diego-based research firm’s Total Quality Index (TQI), leading in three segments Large Car – Hyundai Azera, Minivan – Hyundai Entourage and Small SUV – Hyundai Santa Fe. The only other brand to produce three leaders was Nissan. The TQI is the premier measure of new vehicle owner satisfaction. It asks buyers to rate all aspects of the ownership experience, from buying and owning to driving.Hyundai Motors had a total of five leaders (the Kia brand earning two more), Ford Motor and BMW Group each earned three (one for BMW, two for Mini); GM, Honda, and Mercedes each earned two with Dodge, Lexus and Volkswagen each earning one. BMW repeated as the top scoring brand, the eighth time in nine years, and Volkswagen of America kept its claim as the best full-line corporation. See someone missing here? We’ll help you out; starts with T and ends with oyota. -Continued: Click "Read More…" below
Despite the fact that
“With automotive corporations now doing a terrific job in providing vehicles with minimal problems, the Cues of Quality (those product attributes that signal quality and create customer Trust) have a greater impact on the purchase decision. Perceived Quality has the power to change customer’s perceptions of a vehicle from being ‘interesting’ to eventually considered and purchased,” says Alexander Edwards, Strategic Vision President. “In the past, one could count the number of problems per vehicle; but for automotive customers today and tomorrow, a comprehensive and integrated perception of the ownership experience will be what drives the decision making process.”
“Even though Hyundai is often overlooked by the
“Unlike last year, we’re seeing many new or redesigned vehicles not ranking near the top of their segments.“ says Alexander. “These vehicles typically have the potential to deliver more rational and emotional elements which are relevant to buyers. Although the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris all did well, they did not hit the same emotional chord which resounded in the DNA of the Volkswagen Rabbit buyers."
Via: Strategic Vision
To appeal to a larger market Hyundai is now offering Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty on used vehicles going back five model years with less than 60,000 miles. If the “brand new” used Hyundai you’re buying falls in this category you’ve just won yourself a brand spanking new powertrain warranty with all 10 years/100,000 miles included.
The warranty resets itself with the new owner. This new option for Hyundai buyers stems from a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty that was launched in 2001. Some “reading in between the lines” reveals that cars manufactured post 2001 would now be pretty much less than five years old. Seems like Hyundai began to take some pride in what it was manufacturing. In fact, Hyundai bets its bank book on it. Via: Autoblog.com -Press Release after the jump
Posted by Dani
PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI ANNOUNCES ENHANCED PRE-OWNED PROGRAM WITH AN INDUSTRY FIRST, 10 YEAR/100,000 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY
"We are very excited to launch an industry first," said Kimberly Walker, Hyundai Motor America's national manager of Assurance Products. "Hyundai's new vehicles feature
Additional options available to the Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty include service contracts such as the Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned Wrap Contract which raises the comprehensive coverage on non-powertrain components, Hyundai Vehicle Care Maintenance Program and Hyundai Road Hazard Tire and Wheel option.
Hyundai Motor America is working with Jim Moran & Associates, Inc. and its affiliated companies comprising the JM&A Group on this industry first, enhanced certified pre-owned program.
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in
Technorati: Hyundai, Hyunda+Warranty, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles
A couple of months after its Seoul Show debut, Hyundai introduced its all-new full size van to the members of the press on May 25th in Technorati: Hyundai+H1, Starex, cars, Carscoop, blogs, automotive,
All-New Hyundai H-1 Van (pictures below)
With its sophisticated lines, the all-new H-1 (project codename TQ) improves on its predecessor in every measurable respect. More spacious, more comfortable and more convenient, the new H-1 reinvigorates Hyundai competitiveness in this hotly contested segment. The new H-1 comes in passenger van and commercial van versions. The people mover is available in a variety of seating layouts: eight, nine, 11 or 12 passenger while the commercial van comes in two, three, five and six seater versions for a a high degree of versatility.
Engines: For all markets outside of
The base gearbox is a five-speed manual but an automatic is available as an option, in either four- or five-speed versions, depending on local market requirements. For markets requiring gasoline propulsion, the 2.4-liter Theta engine is a new offering to the range. Delivering 170ps and 22.8kg m of torque, the Theta can propel the new H-1 to a maximum speed of 185km/h and has a fuel economy rating of 7.1km per litre. Key new exterior features include the addition of dual sliding side doors, twin swing rear doors (commercial van only), enlarged wheels and tires (205/70R15 -> 215/70R16), back-up warning system (passenger van only) and a sliding side window (wagon only).
New touches to the interior include the mounting of the transmission gear shift lever to the center fascia for obstructionless movement between the driver seat and front passenger seat and the addition of an overhead storage console. The new H-1 is also fitted with an electro-chromic rear view mirror and new roof-mounted air vents for improved cooling and heating throughout the cabin. The new H-1 gets 16-inch front disc brakes providing better braking power than the H-1's 15-inch discs. And for improved handling, it's fitted with a MacPherson strut front suspension. Production of the new H-1 diesel edition starts in August 2007 while the petrol version won't be available until after November 2007.
An Australian survey concerning vehicle ownership cost? As strange as it may seem, not only do we like knowing that Lexus is Japanese and Land Rover is British (…), but we also find interesting totally useless stuff like how many bucks will an Aussie block pay to own his 6cylinder Commodore or Falcon. For the record, your average Mike will pay 233.40 & 229.13 AUD par week respectively that translates to €142.1 & 139.5 and $191.2 & 187.7 again, respectively. The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria’s (RACV) conducted this particular survey and the calculations include the cost of financing the vehicle, depreciation (hence the high numbers we mentioned above), as well as operating costs including scheduled services, registration, insurance, fuel, tyres, etc. We don’t know why, but the Aussies only included Australian and Japanese carmakers along with a couple of Kia’s and Hyundai’s. Follow the jump (click "Read More...") to check out analytical ownership costs per vehicle category.
Key to the tables
Standing costs include those incurred on a periodical basis, such as depreciation in the value of the vehicle, interest on the loan, registration, driver’s license and RACV roadside assistance membership.
Running costs include those that result primarily from usage of the vehicle, such as fuel, tyre replacement, service and repairs.
Total Costs combine both Standing and Running costs. They are calculated as an average, based on costs incurred over the first five years of ownership and 15,000 km annual travel distance.
Via: RACV
Judging from these cell-phone camera images, the latter seems to be in the last phase of testing’s, about a year before it goes for sale. Although official information is scarce for the time being, it’s evident that Hyundai’s designers took a really close look to the 2004 Detroit Show Concept, the HCD8 Sports Tourer when they penned the new Tiburon. We’ve heard rumours that the Hyundai will base the sports coupe on the rear-wheel drive platform of the Genesis sedan, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the Koreans decided to continue using a front-wheel drive platform. The scoop images also give us a glimpse of the interior with a typical, for a modern Korean car, design and a view of the engine bay that seems to house an inline, 4cylinder engine. –Follow the jump for the image gallery
Pics via: Hyundaiexchange
Technorati: Hyundai+Tiburon, Coupe, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures
Technorati: Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007
One of the candidate agencies for the job, Siltanen & Partners has already created a few spots and characteristically, in one of them the Sonata is put against the BMW 525i touting the advantages of Hyundai’s mid-sized sedan in power (235Hp vs 215Hp), interior space and pricing levels. The spot closes with the phrase “Sonata - Smart Move”.-Continued: Click “Read More…” below
Likewise in another ad, the Azera is compared with the Lexus LS 460L concentrating on the fact that the Lexus has a self-parking system while the Korean top-range sedan doesn’t. Due to the price different though, the Azera owner can… afford to pay someone to park the car so the ad ends with the phrase –you guessed it, “ Azera – Smart Move”. You can imagine what’s going to happen next year when Hyundai launches the sub-30.000 USD V8 powered Genesis… Via (sub. Req): Automotive News
Technorati : Advertisement, Hyundai, +news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007
According to Hyundai the Veloster, who’s name is a compound of velocity and roadster, has been designed to cater to the tastes of the Y-generation. “With Veloster, we wanted to try something really different. We’re keenly aware that we need radically new products for the Y-generation, the first-time twenties something buyer,” said Oh Suk-Geun, Hyundai’s vice president of design. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below
SPECS: Hyundai Veloster HND-3
Length - 4,100 mm
Width - 1,790 mm
Height - 1,450 mm
Wheelbase - 2,600 mm
Tires - 245/35 R 20
Powertrain - FWD 2.0-liter DOHC Theta inline 4-cylinder
Gearbox - 5-speed automatic
Hyundai introduced the second version of its Euro designed i30 compact hatch at the Seoul Motor Show which runs from April 7 to 15. Measuring at 4.475 mm (176-inches) the i30 Estate Wagon is 230 mm (H9-inches) longer than the 5door hatch. Hyundai’s talk about European style makes you wonder what the i30 would have looked like if it were designed in 
PRESS RELEASE: Hyundai FD Estate Wagon
Following the unveiling last month of the i30 5-door hatchback at the Geneva Auto Show, Hyundai is proud to introduce an extension to the i30 family, the FD estate wagon which marks Hyundai’s long-awaited return to this popular and hotly contested segment in Europe. Like its 5-door hatchback sibling, the FD Estate Wagon was styled at the
Thoughtful design touches include projection headlamps, a USB port for connecting portable music players, a smart folding key system for convenient access to the vehicle, a built-in roof rack for maximum cargo-carrying utility and repeater lamps built into the side view mirrors housings.
SPECS
FD Estate Wagon (5-door i30 Hatchback)
Length 4,475 mm (+230)
Width 1,775 mm
Height 1,530 mm (+50)
Wheelbase 2,700 mm(+90)
Tires 205/55 R 16
Powertrain FWD 1.6-liter DOHC Gamma inline 4-cylinder 1.6-liter U CRDi with Variable Geometry Turbo
Technorati: Hyundai+i30+Estate, Seoul+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images
Penned at the Korean’s R&D center in Namyang, the HND-3 Veloster Coupe is powered by a 2.0-liter engine and equipped with a 5-speed auto gearbox. According to Hyundai, the Veloster has been designed to attract the "Gen Y" generation. Unfortunately that’s about all we could get from the poorly translated Korean press release but we’ll try to find out more on Hyundai's latest Coupe concept that could be previewing the Tiburon replacement, later on the day. Technorati: Hyundai+Veloster, Seoul+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures
Who’d have thought a decade ago that a Korean car-manufacture would choose another Asian country to build one of its best selling models? Where’s the world going too… And this is not a first for Hyundai since this move follows an earlier decision concerning the Atos Prime which is also made in Technorati: Hyundai+Getz, India, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007
Following our earlier report this morning on Hyundai’s Genesis luxury V8 sedan concept, we just got our hands on the full official press release -specs included- and a high-res image gallery that you can check out by clicking “Read More…” below.
PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI TO UNVEIL CONCEPT GENESIS PREMIUM SPORTS
Rear-Wheel Drive and V-8 Engine Promise World Class Dynamics and Refinement
"Concept Genesis extends our product range into new territories from a performance, design and packaging perspective," said Steve Wilhite, chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor America. "When it arrives in 2008 it will catapult Hyundai into competition against some potent rivals, and Genesis is up for the challenge."
Concept Genesis rides on a prototype of Hyundai's all-new rear-wheel drive platform, signaling the brand's desire to broaden its appeal to discerning driving enthusiasts. Concept Genesis is powered by Hyundai's newly developed Tau DOHC 32-valve V-8 powertrain. Concept Genesis marks the beginning of premium performance for the Hyundai brand.
"Concept Genesis is a manifestation of Hyundai's extraordinary desire to deliver world-class products across all model segments," said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "With Genesis, we've got a unique product position -- an all-new, highly capable, rear-wheel drive platform; a high-performance powertrain; and premium, progressive design - all at a price starting well under $30,000."
NEW REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE IS A FIRST FOR THE
Concept Genesis features a rear-wheel-drive architecture, its first application in a U.S. Hyundai model. Rear-wheel drive provides a 53:47 front/rear weight distribution for optimal handling as well as more refined steering characteristics. Concept Genesis' premium handling and steering performance is further controlled by Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the industry's most important new safety technology. Hyundai leads all popular car brands in the standard application of ESC, with more than 70 percent of 2007 Hyundai sales volume featuring this life-saving technology as standard equipment. ESC continually analyzes road speed, steering input, throttle position, lateral yaw rate and other factors. An onboard microprocessor determines if the vehicle is starting to understeer or oversteer, and can brake appropriate wheels and reduce engine power to keep the vehicle safely on course.
Utilizing ultra high-tensile steel in critical areas in the unibody provides Concept Genesis with a 12-14 percent higher dynamic torsional rigidity and a lower body-in-white weight than the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This stiffer, lighter, larger body provides a terrific foundation for world-class dynamics and lowering noise levels inside the vehicle.
TAU V-8 POWERTRAIN
Adding to the Concept Genesis' performance factor is the all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control and a limited-slip differential. The Tau delivers well over 300 horsepower to fit the demands of performance-oriented consumers. This powertrain combination will launch Genesis to 60 miles per hour in well under six seconds. The Tau engine is built with flexibility for the future. Future Tau variants may offer larger displacement, forced induction options and other technology enhancements.
INNOVATIVE AND SOPHISTICATED SPORT-TUNED SUSPENSION
Genesis features a suspension design that is among the most sophisticated and refined anywhere, at any price. The front five-link suspension features upper and lower arms linking the front wheels to the chassis. This artfully articulated arrangement creates a virtual king pin axis which dramatically reduces unwanted kickback through the steering wheel as well as improving responsiveness. The five-link independent rear suspension is equally sophisticated, enabling precise suspension geometry for an incredible level of ride and handling prowess. The capabilities of the advanced front and rear-suspension are maximized through driver selectable dynamic settings allowing tailored ride and handling characteristics according to need … or desire.
MODERN DESIGN
Genesis' design is a progressive interpretation of the modern rear-wheel drive sports sedan. To match its dynamic powertrain capabilities, Genesis combines strong, sculpted forms which integrate precise details, natural materials and innovative lighting to provide a well-crafted, premium design aesthetic.
SAFETY FEATURES
Maintaining Hyundai's emphasis on delivering leading safety technology, Concept Genesis boasts world class active and passive safety features to both prevent accidents, and maximize the well being of its occupants in the event of a collision. The Genesis continues the Hyundai tradition of standardizing key life-saving active safety technology such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control, eight airbags and active headrests.
Concept Genesis is brought to a halt by large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The 12.6-inch front rotors have single-piston floating calipers and the rear brakes feature 12.4-inch rotors with single-pistons.
TECHNOLOGY
- Advanced adaptive cruise control - Navigation with backup camera
- Electronic Stability Control - Electric parking brake
- Eight airbags - Bluetooth technology
- Heat / cool seats - USB / Auxiliary input jack
- High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with adaptive leveling - HD Radio Receiver
- Push-button start - XM Satellite Radio
- Infinity Discrete Surround Audio System
GENESIS PREMIUM SPORTS
- Configuration: FR Engine RWD Sport
- Wheelbase: 2935 mm / 115.6 inches
- Overall length: 5005 mm / 197.0inches
- Overall width: 1863 mm / 73.3 inches
- Overall height: 1490 mm / 58.7 inches
- Track, f/r: 1575 mm / 62.0 inches, 1580 mm / 62.2 inches
- Wheels: 20-inch multi-spoke
- Engine type: V8
- Estimated horsepower: Well over 300HP
- Estimated torque: Over 300 lb. ft
- Displacement: 4,627 cc
- Block material: High pressure die casting aluminum block
- Cylinder head material: Aluminum
- Valvetrain: Dual Over Head
- Valve timing: Continuous variable valve timing
- Variable induction system
- Fuel delivery: Multi-port fuel injection
- Bore & stroke: 92 x 87
- Estimated 0-60 mph: well under 6.0 seconds
- Top speed: 130 mph (restricted)
- Recommended fuel: Unleaded
- Transmission type: ZF 6-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC manual control
- Suspension: Front multi-link (5-link) / Rear multi-link (5-link)
- Stabilizer bar (front/rear): 26 mm/18 mm
- Weight distribution front to rear: 53:47
- Brakes: Power-assisted 4-wheel disc
- Front brake diameter (mm / in): 320 / 12.6 ventilated disc
- Rear brake diameter (mm / in): 314 / 12.4 solid disc
- Steering type: Speed-sensing rack-and-pinion
- Steering ratio: 14.86
Technorati: Hyundai+Genesis, New+York+international+Auto+Show, NYIAS, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures,
