GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

New models - Hyundai - Grandeur

First drive: Hyundai's Grandeur plans

Sleek Seoul: The TG Grandeur has a drag coefficient figure of 0.29.

Only now is Hyundai confident enough to re-enter the luxury spectrum in Australia

7 Feb 2006

HYUNDAI says that the time has finally come for it to venture back into luxury land with an all-new Grandeur.

The nameplate returns to Australia this week, after the previous XG model was discontinued two and a half years ago following slow sales and negative press surrounding inadequate suspension tuning.

It was one of the first casualties of the new factory owned Hyundai Motor Company of Australia (HMCA), after it took over from the Singaporean-based Hyundai Automotive Distributors in 2003.

At the time HMCA was in no shape to offer a vehicle in the luxury segment.

"We kept it away deliberately until Hyundai’s sales were at a higher ebb," says the director of sales and marketing, Theo Van Doore.

After Hyundai’s halcyon days of the X3 Excel of the late ‘90s pushing sales to a record 59,000, they dropped to around 30,000 in 2003.

A company spokesman told GoAuto that Hyundai’s head office at the time failed to recognise the differing needs of drivers worldwide, so would not develop differing suspension tune for the old Grandeur.

Since then HMCA has become much more confident in its product, pointing to JD Power customer-satisfaction survey success with the Sonata in America.

It has also focussed by sharpening the Getz light car’s appeal and launching into key new segments with models such as the Tucson SUV.

Around 50 per cent growth since 2003 – with 48,010 vehicles sold last year – has been the result. In 2006 Hyundai is aiming for 56,000.

"The Grandeur is further indication of the maturity of the Hyundai brand… and its focus on absolute quality," says newly appointed CEO of HMCA, Steve Yeo.

The new model has also benefited form some minor suspension tuning specifically formulated at the behest of HMCA to make it more suitable to our conditions.

Revised springs and dampers are the upshot, and were achieved after using the Grandeur’s European suspension tune as a base.

Hyundai will offer two models: the V6 and the better-equipped Limited.

Both are powered by a 3.8-litre version of the new Lambda 3.3-litre V6 that debuted in the NF Sonata last June.

Equipped with continuous variable-valve timing, it delivers 194kW of power at 6000rpm and 348Nm of torque at 4500rpm to the front wheels.

1 center imageA five-speed sequential-shift automatic helps the Holden Commodore-sized Grandeur to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds. Its combined fuel consumption average is 10.8 litres per 100km.

Suspension is by independent double wishbones and coils up front and a rear multi-link arrangement, complete with anti-roll bars.

Standard equipment will include climate control air-conditioning, keyless entry, Infinity high-end CD/MP3 audio, leather upholstery and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Electronic stability and traction controls, anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, active front head restraints and eight airbags make up the Grandeur’s standard safety kit.

Hyundai says the Grandeur garnered a five-star equivalent crash-test rating in the United States from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A 24-hour roadside assistance program is also included as part of the car’s five-year/130,000km warranty.

The Limited also includes a sunroof, reactive solar glass, an electric sunshade, heated front seats, a powered steering column, Xenon headlights and a driver’s seat memory.

Speaking of which, memories of the last Grandeur have all but vanished, says a Hyundai spokesman, so it is confident of finding 1000 buyers annually – with 80 per cent opting for the Limited.

Hyundai says that ‘Old Luxury’ buyers, who are into ‘traditional’ brands, won’t bite.

So it aiming for ‘New Luxury’ consumers – creative, inconspicuous and self-confident buyers – who might also consider brands such as iPod, Diesel apparel, Starbucks and Nokia.

Nissan’s Maxima, along with the Mitsubishi 380, Honda Accord V6 Luxury and Chrysler 300C are the Hyundai flagship’s greatest foes.

Production commenced last June at the company’s Asan plant near Seoul, alongside the latest NF Sonata that it is based on.

"(With the new Grandeur) Hyundai wants to invest into the larger car market," says Mr Van Doore.

PRICING:
Grandeur V6: $42,990
Grandeur Limited: $46,990

GoAuto can help you buy a new Grandeur

Customer Terms and Conditions – New Car Lead enquires

Agreement

This is an agreement between GoAutoMedia Pty Limited ACN 094 732 457 of PO Box 18, Beach Road, Sandringham, VIC, 3191 (“we/us”), the owner and operator of the GoAuto.com.au website (“the website”) and the person wanting GoAuto.com.au to provide them with a lead for the purchase of a new car (“you”).

By completing a New Car Lead Enquiry, you agree to the terms and conditions and disclaimers and acknowledge the policies set out below.

Terms and Conditions

  • In order for us to effect a lead you must you must complete a New Car Lead Enquiry (“Enquiry”).
  • We will call you as soon as possible after you complete the Enquiry and certainly no later than the next business day. When we call, we will discuss with you your new car requirements.
  • You consent to our passing on the Enquiry and your requirements to an appropriate authorised motor car dealer as a lead.
  • We will contact you again in approximately eight days following your initial enquiry to check on the progress of the Enquiry.
  • While we will provide the dealer with the Enquiry and details of your new car requirements, we take no responsibility for what happens after passing on that material as a lead.
  • You acknowledge that we are a new car information service providing new car editorial information, pictures and prices to our customers as a guide only. Any new car prices published on the website are the manufacturers’ recommended retail prices and do not include delivery charges and on-road costs. Any authorized motor car dealer to which we pass on your Enquiry as a lead will provide you with full details of the price at which the vehicle will be sold to you.
  • You acknowledge that we do not sell motor vehicles. Any sale of a new car to you by a dealer after we have passed on your Enquiry to that dealer as a lead, is a sale by that dealer not by us.

Privacy Policy– New Car Lead Enquires

  • We take privacy very seriously. We understand that you will only complete an Enquiry if you can trust us to protect your personal information and use it appropriately. Our policy is to ensure that the personal information collected when you make an Enquiry is only used for the purposes of connecting you with an authorised motor car dealer.
  • We do not on-sell information collected from you or any other customer.
  • From time to time, we may email you with information or promotions that may be relevant for car buyers. You will continue to receive communications from us unless you tell us that you do not want to receive any advertising or promotional information in the future by unsubscribing from these communications.
close
* Denotes required field
** Australian inquiries only

Click to share

Click below to follow us on
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

Hyundai models

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here