Want a smidgen more proof that Hyundai will develop the Santa Cruz pickup concept? Study this 3-sentence write-up from Reuters, which quoted a firm executive in South Korea, and see if you can locate the “yes.”
We cannot, but soon after our longer interview with Hyundai USA’s vice president of product preparing, we’re not shocked that Hyundai’s home base noticed the “good response” soon after the pickup’s Detroit debut. The man quoted is Park Byung-cheol, an R&D director who also talked about “hurdles” to getting it to production.
Apart from trying to sell a small, unibody, Korean pickup in the Home of the Whopper, where full-size, body-on-frame, American pickups are virtually a religion, the biggest hurdle is Hyundai’s Alabama plant. At the moment, it is almost maxed out with about 400,000 Elantra and Sonata models per year, and since the Johnson-era chicken tax levies a 25-% tariff on all imported trucks and vans, it’s ’Bama or bust.
Reports in the Korean press, even so, recommend that Hyundai will develop a second Alabama plant for the Santa Fe—currently assembled at Kia’s Georgia factory alongside the Sorento and the Optima—and add the Tucson. The Santa Cruz could potentially sidle in alongside them. According to the Detroit Totally free Press, the new plant could assistance annual production of 300,000 autos by 2017. Practically nothing is confirmed.
With the Honda Ridgeline returning, there’s at least one manufacturer that thinks a smaller, unconventional pickup is viable in this market. Compared to the Ridgeline, Hyundai’s Santa Cruz is even smaller sized and much more unconventional. But who knows, perhaps it could succeed. It is not like anyone has ever attempted a diesel, front-wheel-drive pickup with a power-extendable bed prior to.
Looking for proof of just how complex and inscrutable modern day vehicle electronics are? Here’s some fodder for your grumpy Luddite tendencies: Hyundai has had to recall practically 25,000 Genesis sedans for leaky taillights that can cause the transmission to show the wrong gear on the instrument panel or delay the engagement of reverse or drive.
In a recall announced in February, Hyundai will yank back 24,400 model-year 2015 Genesis sedans built amongst February of 2014 and January of 2015 for the potentially leaky taillights. According to NHTSA, water can leak into the rear mixture lamp assembly.
That errant moisture can apparently throw the Hyundai’s drivetrain into a spiral of confusion. NHTSA says the malfunction can “cause an incorrect gear show on the instrument panel” or even delay gear engagement when shifting out of park. We assume this has some thing to do with the possible malfunction of the reverse lights in the “rear combination lamp assemblies,” but the NHTSA document doesn’t go into certain detail.
It appears like a bit of a head-scratcher, but the danger is true, as NHTSA warns that “if the incorrect gear is being displayed, the automobile could move in an unintended path,” which is never ever very good. Hyundai will rectify the predicament by installing pads to prevent water entry into the rear lights. At the time of writing, Hyundai has not outlined a notification schedule for owners, but if you have a 2015 Genesis and you want to make certain “D” genuinely indicates the car’s in drive, you can contact Hyundai at 1-855-671-3059 and reference Hyundai Recall 128.
It can be a tough game, winning interest for a new model at an auto show, especially at this year’s Geneva affair, which is crowded with new supercars such as the Audi R8, the Ferrari 488GTB, and the McLaren P1 GTR. So Hyundai is showing its new 2016 Tucson a tiny early.
It could not be a supercar, but there’s plenty that’s promising about the new Tucson. And even though the choice to unveil it in Europe implies most of the particulars are certain to the European version, we can undoubtedly fill you in on the basics.
1st, this car is going to be called the Tucson everywhere the ix35 name that was used in some markets for the last-generation model is officially dead. The Tucson will be constructed in both South Korea and the Czech Republic, with U.S. versions supplied from Asia. Mechanically, it’s pretty significantly as before—despite Hyundai’s claim that it sits on an all-new platform—with transverse-mounted engines and the selection of either front- or all-wheel drive by way of an electronically controlled clutch ahead of the rear axle.
Exterior styling was the work of Hyundai’s European studio in Germany, and it appears like a reasonably handsome factor to us. The company’s California style center did the classy interior. The new automobile appears larger than the final 1, thanks in large element to its square-set front profile and quite tall hood, but the variations in dimensions are actually little. At 176.2 inches in length, it is just 2.6 inches longer than just before. An unusual design and style detail is the asymmetric wheel arches, which have an arc of black plastic cladding that increases their perceived size.
As to what’s under the hood, we know that European versions leading out with a 1.6-liter turbo that’s excellent for 174 horsepower and will be offered with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. That engine replaces the old 2.4-liter 4 in Australia, for instance, and could do so in the States, as well. Other non-European markets get a direct-injected 2.-liter 4, which we count on would be the U.S.-market’s normal engine. We’re also told there will be a performance version, carrying the branding of Hyundai’s new “N” efficiency division (all the very good letters possessing currently been taken) it will probably use a tuned version of the 1.6-liter turbo generating about 200 horsepower. Again, there’s no confirmation that this will come to the States. There’s also no word on regardless of whether Hyundai will once more offer a fuel-cell version.
In addition to the anticipated higher levels of gear availability, the Tucson is set to launch with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 2016 Tucson will go on sale right here this summer, soon after Hyundai reveals much more U.S.–specific information at the New York auto show in April, exactly where the brand will not have to shout to be heard more than the din surrounding new Ferraris and McLarens in Geneva.
Hyundai, one of the top-selling brands globally and in South Africa, saw its brand value post another 2-digit growth into the top 40 in 2014 for the first time – fueled by the successful launch of products such as the new Genesis, as well as the successful implementation of its Modern Premium brand direction.
The brand value of Hyundai Motor Company, which has been included in Interbrand’;s Best 100 Global Brands for 10 consecutive years, surpassed the $ 10 billion mark for the first time, its highest record so far. This is a 16% increase from last year’;s $ 9 billion value and a nearly 200% jump from its $ 3,5 billion value in 2005.
“Hyundai Motor is one of the fastest growing automotive brands in terms of both volume and brand value,” Interbrand said in a statement. “Hyundai Motor makes unique convenience features available across a broader range of vehicles to enhance driving experience and customer satisfaction, while its commitment to brand building extends to multiple touchpoints.
“As a result of these efforts, brand awareness of product attributes like design and the kind of brand loyalty that comes from an emotional connection are becoming key drivers over price.”
Hyundai Motor, whose brand value ranking rose 3 notches to reach the top global 40 ranking for the first time this year, is building a loyal fan base through continued enhancements in its product lineup, including innovative eco-friendly products such as the world’;s first assembly-line produced ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle.
Ongoing investment in the brand, such as active involvement in high-profile sports marketing activites with UEFA, FIFA, and the World Rally Championships also continue. In Seoul, the automaker opened its first brand experience space, Hyundai Motorstudio, while a second one is scheduled to open in Moscow later this year.
Hyundai Motor’;s ranking rose 44 notches since 2005, when it first announced its shift to brand management. Also, the brand value has increased an average of 20% each year after the company introduced its new brand direction in 2011, called “Modern Premium”, which has been creating not only a unified image for the brand worldwide, but also an emotional connection with its customers.
“We’;re implementing a wide variety of brand-related activites that aren’;t simply focused on increasing sales, but are aimed at becoming a brand that our customers genuinely love,” said Won Hong Cho, Hyundai Motor’;s chief marketing officer. “We will continue to invest in our brand, by providing Hyundai Motor’;s unique premium experience in all aspects of the customer’;s journey with our brand.”
Hyundai announced its latest brand direction, “Modern Premium”, and slogan, “New Thinking. New Possibilities.”, at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. Since then, a wide range of Hyundai Motor’;s divisions including product development, design, marketing, sales and after sales, have applied the direction to their work in a sustainable, consistent and systematic way. Enhanced global brand awareness and preference of the Hyundai brand through such efforts contributed to the increase in global sales and profits.
The Interbrand rankings are calculated using companies’; financial balance sheets combined with marketing activities, while also reflecting each brand’;s potential profit.
Hyundai, one of the top-selling brands globally and in South Africa, saw its brand value post another 2-digit growth into the top 40 in 2014 for the first time – fueled by the successful launch of products such as the new Genesis, as well as the successful implementation of its Modern Premium brand direction.
The brand value of Hyundai Motor Company, which has been included in Interbrand’;s Best 100 Global Brands for 10 consecutive years, surpassed the $ 10 billion mark for the first time, its highest record so far. This is a 16% increase from last year’;s $ 9 billion value and a nearly 200% jump from its $ 3,5 billion value in 2005.
“Hyundai Motor is one of the fastest growing automotive brands in terms of both volume and brand value,” Interbrand said in a statement. “Hyundai Motor makes unique convenience features available across a broader range of vehicles to enhance driving experience and customer satisfaction, while its commitment to brand building extends to multiple touchpoints.
“As a result of these efforts, brand awareness of product attributes like design and the kind of brand loyalty that comes from an emotional connection are becoming key drivers over price.”
Hyundai Motor, whose brand value ranking rose 3 notches to reach the top global 40 ranking for the first time this year, is building a loyal fan base through continued enhancements in its product lineup, including innovative eco-friendly products such as the world’;s first assembly-line produced ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle.
Ongoing investment in the brand, such as active involvement in high-profile sports marketing activites with UEFA, FIFA, and the World Rally Championships also continue. In Seoul, the automaker opened its first brand experience space, Hyundai Motorstudio, while a second one is scheduled to open in Moscow later this year.
Hyundai Motor’;s ranking rose 44 notches since 2005, when it first announced its shift to brand management. Also, the brand value has increased an average of 20% each year after the company introduced its new brand direction in 2011, called “Modern Premium”, which has been creating not only a unified image for the brand worldwide, but also an emotional connection with its customers.
“We’;re implementing a wide variety of brand-related activites that aren’;t simply focused on increasing sales, but are aimed at becoming a brand that our customers genuinely love,” said Won Hong Cho, Hyundai Motor’;s chief marketing officer. “We will continue to invest in our brand, by providing Hyundai Motor’;s unique premium experience in all aspects of the customer’;s journey with our brand.”
Hyundai announced its latest brand direction, “Modern Premium”, and slogan, “New Thinking. New Possibilities.”, at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. Since then, a wide range of Hyundai Motor’;s divisions including product development, design, marketing, sales and after sales, have applied the direction to their work in a sustainable, consistent and systematic way. Enhanced global brand awareness and preference of the Hyundai brand through such efforts contributed to the increase in global sales and profits.
The Interbrand rankings are calculated using companies’; financial balance sheets combined with marketing activities, while also reflecting each brand’;s potential profit.
Genesis, Hyundai Motor’;s new flagship luxury sedan, has achieved the highest score in the 21-year history of testing in the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), with 36,88 points out of a possible 37 and a maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
A 5-star safety rating is ANCAP’;s ultimate measure of vehicle safety protection for occupants and pedestrians. The demanding assessment includes a 64 km/h frontal offset test and a 50 km/h side impact test, along with a 29 km/h pole test, a whiplash test simulating a 32 km/h rear-end crash, and a 40 km/h pedestrian impact protection test. A minimum number of active safety assist technologies (SATs) are also required.
The Genesis’; tally of 36,88 points includes a frontal offset score of 15,88 out of 16 and a side impact protection score of 16 out of 16. Genesis also scored 2 out of 2 in the pole test and a whiplash protection test rating of “good”.
Earlier this year, the all-new Genesis was the first and only rear-wheel drive vehicle in its class to receive the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’;s (IIHS) highest honor as a 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+, continuing its segment leadership. Genesis was also the first rear-wheel drive luxury sedan to earn a “Good” rating in the IIHS’;s small overlap crash test.
“The Genesis is Hyundai’;s flagship model and as such offers a high level of physical crashworthiness and excellent safety features as standard,” said ANCAP chairman Mr Lauchlan McIntosh.
“This is one of the first times we have seen the word ‘Standard’; listed against almost every safety feature on our check list. Importantly, automatic emergency braking is one of these standard features – one that has recently been left off many new models hitting our shores.”
Structural integrity and strength has been a key priority of Hyundai Motor Company’;s engineering teams since development of the new “DH” model Genesis sedan began 6 years ago. The vehicle uses advanced high-strength steel throughout its body structure, and has been designed from the outset to pass the world’;s most demanding crash tests.
ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.
To search crash test results and learn more about safety technologies, visit www.ancap.com.au
Crash test images and video can be downloaded from www.ancap.com.au/media
Genesis, Hyundai Motor’;s new flagship luxury sedan, has achieved the highest score in the 21-year history of testing in the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), with 36,88 points out of a possible 37 and a maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
A 5-star safety rating is ANCAP’;s ultimate measure of vehicle safety protection for occupants and pedestrians. The demanding assessment includes a 64 km/h frontal offset test and a 50 km/h side impact test, along with a 29 km/h pole test, a whiplash test simulating a 32 km/h rear-end crash, and a 40 km/h pedestrian impact protection test. A minimum number of active safety assist technologies (SATs) are also required.
The Genesis’; tally of 36,88 points includes a frontal offset score of 15,88 out of 16 and a side impact protection score of 16 out of 16. Genesis also scored 2 out of 2 in the pole test and a whiplash protection test rating of “good”.
Earlier this year, the all-new Genesis was the first and only rear-wheel drive vehicle in its class to receive the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’;s (IIHS) highest honor as a 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+, continuing its segment leadership. Genesis was also the first rear-wheel drive luxury sedan to earn a “Good” rating in the IIHS’;s small overlap crash test.
“The Genesis is Hyundai’;s flagship model and as such offers a high level of physical crashworthiness and excellent safety features as standard,” said ANCAP chairman Mr Lauchlan McIntosh.
“This is one of the first times we have seen the word ‘Standard’; listed against almost every safety feature on our check list. Importantly, automatic emergency braking is one of these standard features – one that has recently been left off many new models hitting our shores.”
Structural integrity and strength has been a key priority of Hyundai Motor Company’;s engineering teams since development of the new “DH” model Genesis sedan began 6 years ago. The vehicle uses advanced high-strength steel throughout its body structure, and has been designed from the outset to pass the world’;s most demanding crash tests.
ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.
To search crash test results and learn more about safety technologies, visit www.ancap.com.au
Crash test images and video can be downloaded from www.ancap.com.au/media
Genesis, Hyundai Motor’;s new flagship luxury sedan, has achieved the highest score in the 21-year history of testing in the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), with 36,88 points out of a possible 37 and a maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
A 5-star safety rating is ANCAP’;s ultimate measure of vehicle safety protection for occupants and pedestrians. The demanding assessment includes a 64 km/h frontal offset test and a 50 km/h side impact test, along with a 29 km/h pole test, a whiplash test simulating a 32 km/h rear-end crash, and a 40 km/h pedestrian impact protection test. A minimum number of active safety assist technologies (SATs) are also required.
The Genesis’; tally of 36,88 points includes a frontal offset score of 15,88 out of 16 and a side impact protection score of 16 out of 16. Genesis also scored 2 out of 2 in the pole test and a whiplash protection test rating of “good”.
Earlier this year, the all-new Genesis was the first and only rear-wheel drive vehicle in its class to receive the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’;s (IIHS) highest honor as a 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+, continuing its segment leadership. Genesis was also the first rear-wheel drive luxury sedan to earn a “Good” rating in the IIHS’;s small overlap crash test.
“The Genesis is Hyundai’;s flagship model and as such offers a high level of physical crashworthiness and excellent safety features as standard,” said ANCAP chairman Mr Lauchlan McIntosh.
“This is one of the first times we have seen the word ‘Standard’; listed against almost every safety feature on our check list. Importantly, automatic emergency braking is one of these standard features – one that has recently been left off many new models hitting our shores.”
Structural integrity and strength has been a key priority of Hyundai Motor Company’;s engineering teams since development of the new “DH” model Genesis sedan began 6 years ago. The vehicle uses advanced high-strength steel throughout its body structure, and has been designed from the outset to pass the world’;s most demanding crash tests.
ANCAP is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government, Australian state and territory governments, the Victorian Transport Accident Commission, NRMA Insurance and the FIA Foundation.
To search crash test results and learn more about safety technologies, visit www.ancap.com.au
Crash test images and video can be downloaded from www.ancap.com.au/media
Is the Genesis Coupe probably too beefy for you? Effectively, it seems Hyundai may possibly have a solution in the pipe to slake your thirst for a fashionable Korean sportster. According to outgoing Hyundai Europe COO Allan Rushforth, such a machine is becoming deemed in Seoul.
Speaking to Autocar, Rushforth—on the eve of departing the automaker for a gig at Nissan—”Cars like these, such as the Audi TT, generate a large demand when they’re new, but then that dies off quickly. It is about demographics, too. The buyers of the old Coupé [sold here as the Tiburon] no longer want these vehicles.”
The TT analogy makes us believe that the new machine could somehow slot in amongst the Veloster and the Genesis coupe, which will likely move somewhat more upmarket in its subsequent iteration. There’s been open discussion about Hyundai taking on BMW’s vaunted 3-series—and by extension, the ATS, C-class, and the rest of that club—and it was explicitly suggested that the new vehicle would be a global model, but wouldnotbe a rehash of the Tiburon/Coupe. May well it then be a revival of the largely forgotten Scoupe? Possibly not, unless the Elantra abruptly finds itself replaced by a new Excel. (Which in and of itself would give us hope for a Mitsubishi Precis revival. We’ve been anxiously awaiting a resuscitated Precis. We picture Mitsubishi has, as well.)
Despite the fact that Hyundai Motor America declined to comment on the story, citing its European source and relation to the company’s N overall performance brand, we get the sense that the Scoupe is the farthest issue from Hyundai’s mind at this point and that the new car could be much more akin to a Z4, while the next 2-door Genesis handles legitimate grand-touring duties. Will we see it right here? Nicely, HMA didn’t say no . . .
Hyundai, one of the top-selling brands globally and in South Africa, saw its brand value post another 2-digit growth into the top 40 in 2014 for the first time – fueled by the successful launch of products such as the new Genesis, as well as the successful implementation of its Modern Premium brand direction.
The brand value of Hyundai Motor Company, which has been included in Interbrand’;s Best 100 Global Brands for 10 consecutive years, surpassed the $ 10 billion mark for the first time, its highest record so far. This is a 16% increase from last year’;s $ 9 billion value and a nearly 200% jump from its $ 3,5 billion value in 2005.
“Hyundai Motor is one of the fastest growing automotive brands in terms of both volume and brand value,” Interbrand said in a statement. “Hyundai Motor makes unique convenience features available across a broader range of vehicles to enhance driving experience and customer satisfaction, while its commitment to brand building extends to multiple touchpoints.
“As a result of these efforts, brand awareness of product attributes like design and the kind of brand loyalty that comes from an emotional connection are becoming key drivers over price.”
Hyundai Motor, whose brand value ranking rose 3 notches to reach the top global 40 ranking for the first time this year, is building a loyal fan base through continued enhancements in its product lineup, including innovative eco-friendly products such as the world’;s first assembly-line produced ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle.
Ongoing investment in the brand, such as active involvement in high-profile sports marketing activites with UEFA, FIFA, and the World Rally Championships also continue. In Seoul, the automaker opened its first brand experience space, Hyundai Motorstudio, while a second one is scheduled to open in Moscow later this year.
Hyundai Motor’;s ranking rose 44 notches since 2005, when it first announced its shift to brand management. Also, the brand value has increased an average of 20% each year after the company introduced its new brand direction in 2011, called “Modern Premium”, which has been creating not only a unified image for the brand worldwide, but also an emotional connection with its customers.
“We’;re implementing a wide variety of brand-related activites that aren’;t simply focused on increasing sales, but are aimed at becoming a brand that our customers genuinely love,” said Won Hong Cho, Hyundai Motor’;s chief marketing officer. “We will continue to invest in our brand, by providing Hyundai Motor’;s unique premium experience in all aspects of the customer’;s journey with our brand.”
Hyundai announced its latest brand direction, “Modern Premium”, and slogan, “New Thinking. New Possibilities.”, at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. Since then, a wide range of Hyundai Motor’;s divisions including product development, design, marketing, sales and after sales, have applied the direction to their work in a sustainable, consistent and systematic way. Enhanced global brand awareness and preference of the Hyundai brand through such efforts contributed to the increase in global sales and profits.
The Interbrand rankings are calculated using companies’; financial balance sheets combined with marketing activities, while also reflecting each brand’;s potential profit.
In the early 1980s, the band Genesis pulled off one of the most difficult feats in show business: turning a critically revered nerd-rock outfit with lukewarm U.S. sales into a multi-platinum-selling household name. By the end of the decade, the band’s place in pop culture was secured. In the automotive realm, Hyundai built its domestic following on the back of economical transportation devices—minus the critical acclaim—and is now hoping its excellent new Genesis sedan will find a ubiquitous place in the consciousness of luxury-sedan buyers.
Calibration Is Key
Introduced for the 2009 model year, the first-gen Genesis earned its share of fans, but its chassis lacked the chops to play with the best in the segment. And so, for the Genesis’s 2015 redesign, Hyundai brought in Lotus to put an invisible touch on a laundry list of bits that includes the anti-roll bars, dampers, springs, engine mounts, subframe bushings, and even the calibration of the electric power steering, which now utilizes a rack-mounted motor.
The results are tangible: Broken and pitted pavement that caused the previous car to go weak in the knees is handled adroitly, the independent front and rear suspension soaking up bumps and keeping even harsh impacts well isolated. The steering is nicely matched to this sedan’s luxury mission. Weighty, direct at 2.5 turns lock-to-lock, and devoid of twitchiness, it offers linear response and decent on-center feel. It does, however, lack the feedback we’d prefer in spirited maneuvering.
Fitted with 18-inch Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 245/45 all-season tires, our rear-wheel-drive test vehicle managed to pull 0.87 g on the skidpad, the same number achieved by the 2012 Genesis sedan R-Spec. Perhaps more telling are the comments of the test driver, who described the car’s behavior as “surprisingly neutral and composed.”
A large portion of Hyundai’s U.S.-market aspirations for the Genesis rest on the shoulders of the V-6 model. You can of course order the V-6 Genesis with all-wheel drive—and that’s what many Snow Belters will do—but the rear-drive car tested here is expected to deliver 55 to 60 percent of 6-cylinder sales. Carried over from the 2014 Genesis, the V-6 loses 22 horsepower (now 311) and gains 2 lb-ft of torque (now 293 lb-ft) from last year, with Hyundai citing a greater focus on flat torque curves, improved low-end response, and overall drivability rather than spec-sheet racing. The company also is quick to point out that the car delivers its output with regular 87-octane fuel and that premium is not required.
We love the smooth, solid feel of the bottom-hinged accelerator; it’s hefty enough that you can tap out a tune on it while cruising without affecting vehicle speed, but the pedal is completely linear in operation when you apply real pressure. Speaking of matting it, our Genesis sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 14.4 at 100 mph—not too shabby for a 4230-pound sedan. (Those who need even more urgency can check out the rear-drive-only, 420-hp Genesis V-8.) The V-6 is a smooth operator and combines with the slick-shifting 8-speed automatic and quiet interior to make this Hyundai a great long-haul companion. EPA-rated at 18 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway, our combined mileage came in at 19 mpg, which isn’t surprising considering the amount of in-town action the Genesis saw while in our care.
Content Is King
Unusual for press vehicles, our Genesis V-6 arrived with no added-cost options, perhaps reflecting Hyundai’s confidence in its value proposition. The only line item on our $ 38,000 invoice was the $ 950 destination charge, so the as-tested MSRP was $ 38,950. But make no mistake, the Genesis isn’t a penalty box, as it includes a navigation system with an 8-inch screen, a backup camera, leather-trimmed seats (12-way power adjustable and heated in front), a leather-wrapped tilting and telescoping steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, proximity entry and start, auto headlamps, power outside mirrors with puddle lamps, Bluetooth connectivity, dual automatic climate control, and more.
The Genesis’s direct competition, such as it is, starts many thousands of dollars higher—before being fitted with much of the above equipment at extra cost. While value alone may not be enough to entice brand loyalists away from established cars like the BMW 5-series and the Mercedes-Benz E-class, Hyundai tellingly reports that the most in-demand model is the fully loaded V-6 Ultimate, which runs $ 49,950 and includes basically any luxury tchotchke you can think of. With the latest Genesis, mixing a tried-and-true value proposition with satisfying driving dynamics has paid off—no matter how you spec it.
With the new, 6th-generation Hyundai Sonata hitting dealerships now, avid followers of the car’s hybrid iteration may be asking yourself where the hybrid model is. Nicely, if these folks existed, they’d surely be curious so far, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata lineup consists of 3 gas-only powertrain combos. The outgoing Sonata gives a hybrid iteration (pictured here), and we’ve found out the new vehicle also will offer you such a model—but it won’t arrive till later this year or early next.
So what’s to become of the Sonata hybrid till it is re-launched in the new body style? At the drive occasion for the redesigned 2015 Sonata, Hyundai told us that the current hybrid will christened as a 2015 model and sold alongside the new sedan till the new hybrid arrives. Even although Hyundai enhanced the Sonata hybrid slightly for 2013—mostly to boost the EPA fuel-economy figures soon after it was caught fluffing those numbers—we’re hunting forward to seeing what the automaker’s organizing for the new version, particularly offered the efficiency improvements to the gas-fed 2015 Sonata.
The base 2015 Sonata is powered by a 2.4-liter 4 bolted to a 6-speed automatic and gets up to 25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, while the 2.-liter turbo-powered Sport 2.0T‘s window sticker displays 23/32 mpg. Nevertheless, the 2016 hybrid’s real internal competition will come from the new-for-2015 Eco model, which utilizes a modest turbocharged 1.6-liter 4 and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic to eke out 28/38 mpg—not exactly a threat to the outgoing Sonata hybrid’s 36/40 mpg functionality, but not poor, either. We count on to see the new Sonata hybrid appear at an auto show this fall or early in 2015.
July 3, 2014 at 2:00 pm by Steve Siler | Photography by YouTube/TestDriven and Michael Simari
Awesome vehicle ads are not uncommon, but awesome car ads that demonstrate security features—well, these don’t pop up each and every day. Hyundai has released just such a spot that may possibly just live up to our lofty standards of awesometude. The 2-minute video, which was put on YouTube by TestDriven, is called the “The Empty Auto Convoy” and demonstrates the 2015 Genesis sedan’s lane-keeping assist, radar cruise manage, and emergency auto braking features in a rather clever way.
[embedded content material]
We don’t want to tell you as well a lot about it, as the video does have a good construct-up of suspense to it, but we can say that it requires several stuntmen, a semi truck, and the high-speed oval at Hyundai’s California desert proving grounds. Oh yeah, and the following disclaimer: “Hyundai insists that you do not, below any circumstances, try any of the following tests.” You’ll see why when you watch it, but it does strike us as curious that Hyundai would select such a blatantly risky premise for an ad about safety features.
Over its life span, the Hyundai Sonata has seldom produced a potent styling statement. (We’re not counting the powerfully ugly ones.) But the final Sonata stood as the looker in its set until it was eclipsed by its elegant Kia Optima stablemate and Ford’s new David Brown Fusion-Martin. For 2015, Hyundai has dialed back the radical in favor of an automobile constructed to blend.
In the interest of tractability (and fuel economy, no doubt), the engineers have gone light on energy at the prime of the line, equipping the prime-spec 2.-liter engine with a smaller turbocharger. As a result, horsepower drops to 245 from 274, and the new Sonata gives up a considerable 1.9 seconds to our 2011 lengthy-term 2.0T in the -to-60-mph sprint. The base car sallies forth with a naturally aspirated, 185-hp 2.4-liter 4, while a turbocharged 1.6 arrives as the Eco-badged fuel-miser specific. The 2.4 and the 2. turbo are paired with a 6-speed autobox, but the 1.6 gets Hyundai’s 6-speed dual-clutch unit. The hybrid soldiers on with the old physique style until 2016.
Back on the topic of styling, Hyundai seems to have lost some momentum right here with the Sport version. The new design simply doesn’t hang with each other as well as did the previous hewn-from-soapstone model. The chrome on the sill extensions of our loaded Sport 2.0T looks unnecessary and slightly chintzy, whilst the rear spoiler appears as if somebody stuck it on as a test and then forgot to remove it. The lesser cars are more aesthetically effective.
In contrast, the interior is nicely believed out. There are no glaring ergonomic flaws, and the supplies are at least typical for this very competitive class. Rear-seat occupants acquire an inch of legroom over the outgoing car. The Sonata registers BMW 7-series quiet on the decibel meter, even though the noises that get in are not the most pleasant. Wind roars about the A-pillars, and overt turbo whoosh pairs inharmoniously with some ’90s-hangover engine thrash. The visibility’s great and the seats are comfortable, and family people and traveling salesmen won’t discover driving the automobile fatiguing.
Our test automobile was a preproduction unit that Hyundai had driven out to California from its Montgomery, Alabama, plant, and it did suffer a considerable mishap. An undertorqued hose clamp let go between the turbo and the intercooler. The resultant lack of enhance at altitude in the Angeles National Forest left the auto with what felt like a third of its rated horsepower.
We limped to a gas station for an ad-hoc repair with an undersize screwdriver, which held until our 30-to-50-mph test run at Hyundai’s high-desert proving ground. Facility techs torqued it back down and the car presented no additional concerns. But all of this could have resulted in compromised—read: slower—performance numbers, and we will be executing our battery of tests on another 2.0T as soon as feasible.
We can’t say that the Sonata Sport shone as brightly as the Mazda 6 or Honda Accord on the mountain back roads prior to its loss of enhance, but it’s every single bit as rewarding to drive as a Fusion. Nor can we pan it as a disconnected machine. The grip-averse tires, which served up .80 g on the skidpad, nevertheless transmit enough warning to keep issues from going hairball, whilst feedback by means of the wheel was present, welcome, and surprisingly vibrant. The Koreans have typically been excoriated for engineering the numbest steering in the enterprise, but the Sonata Sport 2.0T is one more signal right after the 2015 Genesis sedan that the trend could be reversing. The rack—unique amongst 2015 Sonatas—even betters those in some a lot far more expensive iron from Europe.
The chassis improvements are striking, and braking suffers only 1 demerit: a pedal that’s a bit too eager to bite at very first. The rest of the pedal’s travel is nice and linear, and our measured stopping distance is class-competitive at 178 feet from 70 mph.
Nevertheless, we query the company’s choice to get in touch with this model “Sport,” unless the sport to which they’re referring is curling. With that extra rear legroom and a trunk measuring 16.3 cubic feet, the Sonata will happily carry a burly 4-man squad, a complement of stones, a set of brooms, and sufficient cold ones to hold the game heated.
So will it blend? Hyundai is betting that consumers in the segment will like the smoothie it has served up. We like it just fine, regardless of the Sport model’s distinct absence of sportiness. Despite the fact that we have a feeling its mixed bag of strengths and demerits would location it midpack in a class-wide comparison test, its finer qualities are in the end these that win the day.
This is the estimated typical annual insurance coverage premium becoming charged in your state. The premium has been determined primarily based on annual premium data for defined coverages (liability, complete and collision) from a significant insurer.
Whilst this data is specific to automobile make, model, model year and physique variety, your private info is not taken into consideration and could greatly alter the actual premium quoted by an insurer. Elements that will affect your rate consist of your age, marital status, credit history, driving record, and the garaging address of your automobile.
The Edmunds TCO® estimated month-to-month insurance coverage payment for a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe in NJ is:
This is the estimated average annual insurance premium being charged in your state. The premium has been determined primarily based on annual premium information for defined coverages (liability, extensive and collision) from a major insurer.
Although this info is distinct to car make, model, model year and physique kind, your personal details is not taken into consideration and could drastically alter the actual premium quoted by an insurer. Elements that will impact your rate incorporate your age, marital status, credit history, driving record, and the garaging address of your car.
The Edmunds TCO® estimated month-to-month insurance coverage payment for a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe in NJ is:
We’;re nearly through a year with our lengthy-term 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe and we’;ve just realized we missed an critical aspect of this car’;s functionality: Blue Link.
General, we’;ve been content with the infotainment program in the Santa Fe. It is effortless to use and looks sharp. But considerably like Jerry’;s dad with the tip calculator, Blue Hyperlink can do a whole lot more…
Blue Link is broken up into 3 packages. The very first, Assurance, is cost-free for the first year of ownership and has automatic collision notification, SOS emergency help, a monthly vehicle overall health report, upkeep alerts with automatic dilemma alerts and a recall advisor.
Stepping up to the Remote Package expenses $ 99 per year and consists of remote door lock/unlock, automobile start, horns and lights automobile finder (for parking lots) stolen automobile recovery (Hyundai says they’;ve recovered 180 stolen automobiles so far for a 25% good results rate) stolen automobile slow down and immobilization (for use by law enforcement) curfew and boundary alert and a speed alert. Very good luck, teens attempting to sneak out to have exciting.
The final package is also $ 99/year (on best of the mandatory Remote Package) and is the guidance package. It involves turn-by-turn navigation, Google-powered location search and POI Web search.
We got every little thing.
We’;ve only got a couple of months left with the Santa Fe, so anticipate a blitz of Blue Link posts as we dig in to see how these functions actually operate.
The far more I drive our 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe the far more I like it. And even though there are plenty of options for a 3-row crossover SUV these days, the Santa Fe would undoubtedly be appropriate in the mix of models I’;d take into account heavily.
Much of this comes down to the Santa Fe’;s all-about goodness. Here are the 5 highpoints for me:
1) The seating is roomy and comfortable for passengers, and there’;s adequate luggage space for most every day, family-oriented tasks. Yet the Santa Fe does not really feel bulky or unwieldy when you are driving it.
2) The V6 engine is suitably strong, and the transmission shifts are nicely matched to the engine’;s power.
3) I really do like the way it appears. This may well be a sensible, household-oriented car, but it doesn’;t look it. It really is sleek and handsome.
4) The interior is solidly constructed, and there’;s a great amount of storage offered. The touchscreen interface also works nicely.
5) Value. Our test automobile is loaded up, but you can still get a well-equipped 2014 Santa Fe GLS with the Premium Package for someplace in the low $ 30,000 range. That appears quite agreeable to me.
Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor @ 19,835 miles
