Hyundai Sonata named Diesel of the Year

5 January 2007

Hyundai Sonata named Diesel of the Year

New Zealand motoring writer of the year Dave Moore has named the Hyundai Sonata his diesel car of the year.

Hailing 2006 as the Year of the Diesel, he predicts the South Korean sedan will be so popular in 2007 it will be in short supply.

"I can see every self-respecting cab owner wanting one of these," wrote Christchurch-based Moore, whose views appear in The Press, Dominion-Post and a range of other publications.

"If you're a private motorist, get into one quickly as I think the smooth operating Sonata's supply is going to be outstripped by demand during 2007.

"Its 2.0L turbo diesel engine at 103 kW is right on the money, while its 304 Nm of torque make it a cracker in all driving conditions.

"Even if it wasn't more economical (by a long chalk) I'd still opt for it over its 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder and 3.3-litre V6 counterparts.

"Well done Hyundai, the Sonata is my diesel car of the year."

Moore lauds New Zealand's new-found recognition of diesel engines.

"Since this time last year, the list of companies furnishing cars with diesel engines has grown like topsy," he wrote.

"Unless you're hoppled by unreasonable brand loyalty or a lazy, price-only oriented fleet manager, there's little to stop you from driving up the road to diesel power."

Hyundai, a leader in diesel technology and one of the first to give New Zealanders multiple diesel options in its range, confirms it will continue to add to its diesel fleet this year.

"The Elantra will have a diesel model later this year, joining the Sonata, Accent and Getz in our car range," said the General Manager Operations of Hyundai Automotive NZ, Howard Spencer.

"Plus our entire SUV fleet of Tucson, Santa Fe and Terracan has the diesel option and it's a very popular choice among New Zealand owners."

ENDS

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