Hyundai - From Past to Present

Korean brand Hyundai has defied all odds to become one of the largest auto manufacturers in the world today. With its broad international presence, soaring sales and an award-winning vehicle line-up, Hyundai's growing following comes as no surprise.

The beginning
It all started when founder Chung Ju-Yung created the Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company in 1947 and then later established the Hyundai Motor Company in 1967. Little did he know that this family owned business would turn into a global competitor in less than a few decades. From 1968 - 1976 Hyundai went into an assembly agreement with the Ford Motor Company during which time it produced Ford Cortinas and Ford Grenadas for the South Korean domestic market.

First Hyundai vehicle
When Hyundai decided to produce its own car, it called in the expertise from various leaders in the field of automotive engineering and design. Former Managing Director of Austin Morris at British Leyland came on board who in turn hired five more top British car engineers. For design Hyundai turned to Giorgio Giugiaro of ItalDesign while it borrowed powertrain technology from Japan's Mitsubishi Motors. The result? Korea's first independently designed and manufactured subcompact, the Pony, which was launched in 1975.

Welcome to the rest of the world
Hyundai started exporting the Pony to Ecuador the very next year and it was finally exported to Canada in 1986 where it even enjoyed top-selling car status for a while due to its 'better quality at a lower price' promise. The same year, Hyundai started exporting vehicles to the States despite the fact that the Pony didn't pass emissions standards. Soon after, the Hyundai Excel was voted 'Best Product #10' by Fortune Magazine for its affordability. By 1988 Hyundai was producing vehicles using its own technology, starting with the Sonata. After years of affordable offerings, Hyundai began to overhaul its image in 1998 to establish itself as a world-class brand and started investing in the design, quality, manufacturing and research of its cars. In the USA it launched an aggressive campaign, adding a 10 year/100 000 mile warranty to all new Hyundai vehicles sold. The world took notice and by 2004 it ranked second in the J.D. Power and Associates initial quality survey.

Hyundai here and now
Today Hyundai is rated as 1 of the top 100 most valuable brands worldwide, is 1 of the top 10 largest automakers in the world and has received top honours as the world's fastest growing car manufacturer for many years running. The company has over 75000 employees worldwide and sells vehicles in 193 countries at over 6000 dealerships. And the fact that it keeps growing just proves that Hyundai means business.

The author is an experienced Hyundai automobile engineer and has worked with numerous vehicle manufacturers across the globe. The author occasionally writes Hyundai Blog articles and is a keen vehicle company historian and an active member of the eco friendly vehicle movement.

Original article

Big Performance - The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

The Genesis Coupe is a true performance car, with power and handling to meet the needs of the driving enthusiast. The base engine is a 16 valve DOHC 2.0 litre turbocharged intercooled 4-cylinder that delivers 210 hp and 223 lb/ft of torque at a low 2,000 rpm.

The appearance of the Genesis puts it in a different league. It's wide body, powerful curves and tapered greenhouse are a nod to the more expensive Infinity G37 Coupe. One or the premium cars it was benchmarked against. It is easily the most attractive vehicle in the Hyundai lineup.

The base Coupe comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission (add $1500 for the optional automatic), along with 18-inch alloys and a full suite of safety and handling technologies that include six airbags, front active headrests, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control and traction control. The GT model enhances this capable coupe with such features as a Brembo braking package with red four piston calipers. 13.4 inch ventilated rotors in front and 13.0 inch in rear. GT calibrated suspension, front strut tower brace and big 19 inch aluminum alloys.

On the inside, you get air conditioning, six-speaker AM/FM/XM/CE/MP3 audio system with iPod and USB/aux input; Bluetooth hands free system with steering wheel controls; keyless entry; leather wrapped steering wheel with controls for audio, Bluetooth and cruise; power windows and locks, and more.

Exterior features include power heated mirrors, fog lights and wiper deicer... a lot of content for the money.

The 2.0 litre Coupe offers four more trim levels adding comfort, convenience and performance items.

Genesis is rear wheel drive, like a performance car should be!

The 3.8 Manual, the entry level for the V6 powered Genesis Coupe, offers some serious grunt performance. A six-speed manual transmission, the base unit, provides all the standard features found in the 2.0T Manual, and adds automatic climate control, black leather seats (heated in front), upgraded 10 speaker Infinity AM/FM/XM/MP3 audio system with 6-CD changer, smart key with push button start, auto leveling HID headlights, mirror mounted turn signals and power sunroof. You also get a touch screen navigation system with 6.5 inch display. For those who appreciate the performance of an Automatic Transmission, you can add the six speed automatic, paddle shifter. This controls the difficulty of trying to handle the clutch versus torque challenge. The traction control system is effective at keeping the wheels in check, bit it can be disabled at the push of a button for on-demand wheel-spin... or a little drifting around corners

The base unit also gets a Torsen (torque sensing) limited slip rear differential to better handle the power generated by it's all aluminum COHC 3.8 litre, 24 valve V6. It delivers an impressive 306 hp and 266 lb/ft of torque and can run on regular fuel.

Suspension for all Genesis Coupes is dual link Macpherson gas charged struts and stabilizer bar in rear.

First and foremost, this is a performance car... and as you would expect, gives flat corners, precise steering and considerable stiffness in it's ride.

This Car is yet another example of how far Hyundai has come in the past couple of decades...from building stout, value priced vehicles that blend in with the competition to those like the Genesis Coupe, that people are attracted to own.

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Original article

The New Hyundai i30

The all new Hyundai i30 was undoubtedly designed around the comfort of the driver. From its fully adjustable steering wheel, sporty seating and optimal gearshift positioning to its vivid LCD instrument display and a highly responsive drivetrain, the i30 lets the driver experience ultimate mobile comfort and control. In turn the extra legroom, exceptional air management and contoured chair support is guaranteed to make a lasting impression on passengers no matter if they are in the back or front seats of the car.

The Hyundai i30 Specs

Thanks to a much longer wheelbase the new Hyundai i30 now boasts a spacious cabin that gives all occupants more freedom of movement while also creating an increased luggage capacity. But just how much? Well, with the rear seats upright the i30's load volume now measures 340 litres and with the seats down, a HUGE 1250 litres. Beyond the obvious storage space, this compact also offers clever packing space solutions like seat rear pockets, a sunglass holder and a cooled (yes you read that right, a cooled) glove compartment to name but a few awesome features.

The Hyundai i30 1.6L and 2.0L Models

There are two dynamic petrol engines that are available in the top selling Hyundai i30 range. An economical 1.6L model and the more powerful 2.0L model - both are equipped with 5-speed manual transmissions, 16 valves and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) that allow the car to achieve optimum performance and maximum fuel efficiency in their class.

The 1.6L Hyundai i30 delivers an amazing 89kW of power at 6200rpm and 153Nm of torque at 4200rpm while the 2.0L model produces a very highly competitive 105kW at 6000rpm and 186Nm at 4600rpm. Both i30 models offer surprisingly low combined fuel consumption figures of 6.2L/100km and 7.1L/100km respectively. This makes the new Hyundai i30 both an affordable as well as an environmentally friendly motor vehicle to drive.

First-Class Features

Top quality finishes and features come standard on all of the new Hyundai i30 range. This means that leather seating, 16" alloy wheels on the 1.6L and 17" alloys and a sunroof on the 2.0L add to its aesthetic appeal while climate control, electric windows and a fully integrated radio/CD/mp3/aux/USB audio system create superior comfort for both passengers and drivers alike. And with standard safety features that include dual front, side and curtain airbags, crumple zones, side impact protection, ABS with EBD and ESP, driver peace of mind is a assured.

The author is a motoring enthusiast and Hyundai fan who was born in Korea, but now resides in South Africa. He has had a lifelong affair with writing and motoring that has ensured that these two passions are constantly used to promote vehicles from the land of his birth such as the entire Hyundai motoring range. Read more about new Hyundai i30.

Original article

The New Hyundai i10

The new Hyundai i10's clever design ensures that it isn't just incredibly practical, but also undeniably stylish. The incorporation of generous glass areas ensure increased visibility while an arched roof allows for easy passenger entry and smooth body contour lines that improve the overall aerodynamics of the vehicle. With form complementing function, the i10 promises a drive that's both enviable if you do not own one and enjoyable if you do.

The Hyundai i10 Specs

The Hyundai i10 might look small from the outside but it's surprisingly roomy on the inside. Intelligent design features ensure that it's flexible enough to comfortably seat up to five adults, while its 60/40 split-folding rear seats make room for bigger loads when necessary. Add to this some smart storage spaces like an under-seat tray, integrated tool tray, trendy cup holders and a removable parcel shelf, and you'll agree that the i10 is ready to take on any journey you can fathom.

The Hyundai i10 1.1L and 1.25L Models

The new Hyundai i10 offers a choice of two petrol engines that allow for a fun and affordable driving experience while also doing its bit to help protect the environment.

The 1.1L Hyundai i10 delivers a comfortable 50kW of power at 5500rpm and maximum torque of 99Nm at 4500rpm, while the 1.25L model boasts an impressive top power output of 64kW at 6000rpm and peak torque of 119Nm at 4500rpm.

Constantly Variable Valve Technology (CVVT) is available on the 1.25L Hyundai i10 model ensuring maximum fuel efficiency and translating into a low combined fuel consumption figure of only 4.7L/100km and a mere 113g/km CO2 emissions figure. That means the 1.25L is as easy on fuel as it is on the eye...

Value-for-money Features

Hyundai didn't take any short cuts when designing the i10. It's packed with top quality features that are seldom found in cars of this class and they guarantee an enjoyable and safe drive. All models come equipped with power steering, central locking, a radio/CD/mp3 system, air conditioning, front electric windows and driver airbags. The 1.25L Hyundai i10 also boasts passenger airbags, ABS Brakes with EBD and an alarm system as standard.

Great Resale Value

The Hyundai i10 is an affordable car that has great resale value in the second hand market. This means that when you are almost guaranteed a great price when selling your second hand Hyundai i10 if you decide to upgrade your vehicle in a few years time.

The author is a motoring enthusiast and Hyundai fan who was born in Korea, but now resides in South Africa. He has had a lifelong affair with writing and motoring that has ensured that these two passions are constantly used to promote vehicles from the land of his birth such as the entire Hyundai motoring range. Know more about Hyundai i10.

Original article

The New Hyundai i20

The all-in-one Hyundai i20 ticks every box on the driver requirement list! Incorporating novel ideas and clever solutions this new sub-compact isn't just safe, reliable and spacious but also versatile, economical and very, very affordable. Add to the mix a fresh modern design and it's easy to see why the i20 is now considered a serious class contender and one of the most popular new cars in both Europe and South Africa.

The Hyundai i20 Specs

The i20's athletic stance, distinct lines and striking front and rear light fittings can be attributed to its European design architecture. This Euro look and lean aerodynamics have resulted in a reduction in wind noise, while flattening of the floor, optimised ground clearance and fuller bumpers ensure a much low drag coefficient than previous models. The Hyundai i20's interior echoes its exterior achievements, boasting class-leading boot storage capacity and offering a generous array of comfort features that are normally only found in luxury vehicles.

The Hyundai i20 1.4L and 1.6L Models

Hyundai i20 drivers get to take their pick from two dynamic petrol powertrains, a 1.4L and 1.6L variant. Both of these are built on Hyundai's Gamma engine design and feature Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) as well as Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) to ensure optimum fuel efficiency.

The 1.4L i20 produces a maximum 74kW at 5500rpm and 136Nm at 4200rpm and offers a low combined fuel consumption figure of 5.8L/100km on the manual model. A 1.4L automatic transmission option is also available. The 1.6L Hyundai i20 in turn has a power output of 91kW at 6300rpm and torque of 156Nm at 4200rpm allowing it to accelerate from 0 - 100km/h in 9.5 seconds and to a top speed of 190km/h.

Flexible A-Z Features

The Hyundai i20 has it all. Top world class safety features include ABS brakes with EBD, driver and passenger airbags, side impact protection and crumple zones while comfort features range from keyless entry, alarm and central locking to a radio/CD/mp3 player and a 'best in class' cooling and heating system.

All New Styling

As with all new 2012 Hyundai Models the i20 takes its cues from the companies Fluidic Sculpture Design Philosophy. This means that each and every curve on the car has been inspired by the interplay of wind and the natural form. The result is a sleek, assertive and highly distinctive design that is guaranteed to command attention from even the most jaded car lover.

The author is a motoring enthusiast and Hyundai fan who was born in Korea, but now resides in South Africa. He has had a lifelong affair with writing and motoring that has ensured that these two passions are constantly used to promote vehicles from the land of his birth such as the entire Hyundai motoring range. Know more about Hyundai i20.

Original article