First drive: Diesel for Hyundai flagship

HYUNDAI has renovated its premium sedan for 2009 with a new diesel engine option together with revisions across the range, including minor exterior and interior cosmetic and feature changes, and a $3000 price reduction for the V6 model.

The Grandeur is based on the NF Sonata platform and initially introduced here in February 2006.

In its first calendar year on sale, the Grandeur sold 541 units. By last year, the number halved to 267 sales and this year, to the end of September, only 90 Grandeurs have found a buyer.

Any big luxury car is a hard sell at moment, especially when it is from a company that made its name by selling cheap small cars. Hyundai believes the updates, with the inclusion of an economical turbo-diesel engine, will go some way to countering the sales slow-down of Grandeur this year.

The 2009 Grandeur will be offered with either the existing 3.8-litre V6 petrol or a new 2.2-litre CRDi turbo-diesel, as first seen in the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV.

The 2.2 CRDi develops a claimed maximum of 114kW of power at 4000rpm and 343Nm peak torque at 1800 to 2500rpm. It is linked to a five-speed automatic transmission with Selectronic and its fuel consumption average is a claimed 7.9L/100km.

The 3.8-litre petrol V6 has the same claimed 194kW of peak power at 6000rpm and 348Nm peak torque at 4500rpm as the outgoing 2008 model. The 2009 V6 also has a five-speed automatic with Selectronic and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 10.8L/100km.

The 3.8 V6 has been reduced in price from $42,990 to $39,990, while the 2.2 CRDi comes in at $41,990. The only notable option is metallic /mica paint at $375.

The changes to the exterior include a new grille, chrome inserts for both front and rear bumpers, indicators in the door mirrors and a new design of 17inch alloy wheel.

Inside, there is an upgraded eight-speaker (including subwoofer) JBL audio system with an USB audio input with iPod compatibility and new blue interior illumination.

Hyundai will also issue a supply of latex-free vinyl gloves with the CRDi model to avoid spilling diesel fuel on hands when refuelling.

The 2009 Grandeur also features Hyundai’s Active Locking Operation (HALO) system. HALO is a speed-sensing central locking system, which automatically locks all doors when the vehicle reaches 45km/h. The doors automatically unlock when the ignition key is removed, or when front seat occupants alight.

Standard safety equipment includes electronic stability control (ESP)incorporating traction control (TCS), an anti-skid brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), active head restraints for driver and front passenger, child seat anchor points with Isofix points and eight airbags including dual front airbags, dual side (thorax) airbags and curtain airbags (for all outboard occupants).

Other luxury features include power tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, IMS (Integrated Memory System) for the power driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, an electro-chromatic interior mirror, rain-sensing wipers, auto dusk-sensing headlights, powered folding outside mirrors with three-mode auto-dipping in reverse.

The 2009 Grandeur exterior colours are matched to either new black or beige leather interior.

2009 Hyundai Grandeur pricing:
Grandeur 3.8 V6 (a)	$39,990
Grandeur 2.2 CRDi (a)	$41,990