Hyundai sedans rated top

15 March 2007
Immediate release

Hyundai sedans rated top

A prestigious new award for Hyundai’s Sonata and Grandeur sedans.

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine in USA named the models Best in Class in its annual buyer’s guide Best of 2007 Cars awards.

The editors and analysts evaluated nearly 500 new models, assessing recommended and dealer prices, projected resale values and fuel costs.

The Sonata GLS won Best in Class in the under US$20,000 sedan category.

Kiplinger’s editors stated “A full array of standard safety features plus 16 cubic feet of cargo room push the Sonata to the head of its pack. With 162 horsepower, this fuel-thrifty four cylinder is no slouch. Speaking of slouching, long-legged drivers and passengers rejoice - no car in this class matches the Sonata’s 44 inches of front legroom and 37 inches in the rear.”

The Grandeur Limited (marketed as Azera in USA) beat the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima for Best in Class in the US$25,000 - 30,000 sedan category, which included a cross-section of midsize and large sedans with premium features.

According to Kiplinger’s editors “Entry-luxury features, such as heated leather seats, dual zone climate-control air-conditioning, power rear sunshade and 17-inch wheels, are standard, at a value price. With the $2,500 Ultimate package, you also get a moonroof, ten-speaker Infinity audio system and rain-sensing windshield wipers … Azera also offers standard safety technologies including an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and side and curtain airbags.”

“Both Sonata and Grandeur demonstrate Hyundai’s commitment to outstanding quality, standard life-saving safety technologies and unbeatable value,” commented the Managing Director of Hyundai Automotive NZ, Philip Eustace.

“It’s rewarding that Kiplingers has recognised both cars for their segment leadership.”

• Hyundai is on a meteoric rise in New Zealand with almost 400 percent growth in four years and numerous new locations among its 23 dealerships. The brand has been imported into New Zealand by the Giltrap Group for the past 25 years.
• Worldwide Hyundai was the sixth largest automaker last year, selling in 193 countries and employing 50,000 people. Forty years old, Hyundai has targeted customer satisfaction as its 2007 keynote, part of the brand's overall aim to become global quality leader.
• Hyundai is a committed sponsor of sports and cultural organisations in New Zealand and worldwide. See www.hyundai.co.nz

• For free broadcast-standard and streaming quality video content about the new i30 Elantra please log onto www.thenewsmarket.com/HyundaiMotor. You can download hi-resolution photos as well as preview and request broadcast-standard video which will be delivered digitally or by tape. Registration and video is free to accredited media.
• For further information about Hyundai vehicles in New Zealand, including high resolution images and an archive of press releases, log onto the dedicated Hyundai Media website at www.hyundai.co.nz/media

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