Hyundai Launches V6 Model
Illawarra Mercury
Saturday October 2, 1999
NOT content with dominating the four-cylinder market, Hyundai has set its sights on the six-cylinder models made by Toyota, Mitsubishi, Ford and Holden.
The new Hyundai Grandeur V6 has been priced to out-muscle the Aussie-built cars in the value-for-money stakes, offering an assortment of luxury items as standard or optional equipment.
Easily the largest, roomiest and most refined Korean car yet, the front-wheel drive newcomer is the first in its class with a five-speed automatic transmission.
The new auto operates on Porsche's Tiptronic principle, providing a choice between full automatic and full manual shifting.
Grandeur is also the first full-size family car sold in Australia with a five year-130,000km warranty.
Powered by a 141kW V6 engine driving the front wheels, it has conventional chassis engineering, four-wheel independent suspension and ABS braking.
In equipment, it is more than competitive. The standard Grandeur will sell for $34,000 complete with twin airbags, auto transmission, 141kW V6 engine, CD audio system, airconditioning, power windows, remote security system and a fold-split rear seat.
The more upmarket Grandeur XG costs $40,000 and has leather upholstery, electronic traction control, door mirrors that tilt downwards while reversing, driver's trip computer, burglar alarm, cruise control and imitation walnut fascia inlay decoration.
Side airbags are not available.
Boasting a length of nearly 4.9m and width exceeding 1.8m, the Grandeur matches its Australian counterparts in passenger space and luggage space.
Mr Doug Croker, managing director of Hyundai Automotive, the Australian importers, said Hyundai was fully competitive against Australian manufacturers in quality control.
As evidence, he said a 4.5-litre Hyundai-made V8 sedan would soon be sold by Mitsubishi as its flagship model in Japan. Hyundai expects to sell 2000 Grandeur models in Australia in the first full year through a nationwide network of 143 dealers. In total, 51,000 Hyundai cars will be sold in Australia in 1999.
Mr Croker said an unprecedented 10 new Hyundai models would be released during the next 18 months, including a full-size 4WD, a people-mover, a replacement for the Excel (named Accent) and a new Lantra range.
He said the Sonata would remain in production and that a face-lifted model was due to arrive next year.
A drive of the Grandeur over a 150km main road circuit confirmed that it's unusually quiet and agile and should prove very competitive in its target market.
© 1999 Illawarra Mercury