Hyundai brings everyday driving to eco rally

11.10.10

Immediate release

Hyundai brings everyday driving to eco rally

A novel approach to this month’s AA EnergyWise Rally sees a fleet of Hyundai vehicles driven by everyday owners.

Each of five driver and co-driver combinations use Hyundai vehicles as their daily transport … and now they’re being asked to compare their real-world driving figures with the super-economical.

The AA EnergyWise Rally covers about 1,780 kilometres in four days (11-14 October) over a fuel-challenging route from Auckland to Wellington and back.

“Every two years the rally produces amazing fuel usage figures and other stats … using professional drivers in prepared vehicles,” explained Tom Ruddenklau, Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai New Zealand.

“We think that’s unrealistic – surely it’s more useful to know how real people manage in regular vehicles over the same route.

“So we asked some of our vehicle owners, and they’re up for it. We will be reporting their progress and driver stories daily.”

Alastair and Jeanette Drysdale will drive a 2-litre auto i45 sedan; Sian Protheroe and Ian Caddy a 1.4-litre manual i20 small car; Kevin Connell and Bryce Wilson a 2.2-litre diesel manual Santa Fe SUV; and Lee and Val Richards a 1.6-litre manual i30 compact.

Hyundai Fleet customer NZI Insurance has provided staff members Paul Hurrell and Nick Botica who will drive a 2-litre diesel auto ix35 SUV.

For comparison, an identical ix35 will be driven by experienced eco-driver Graham Sharp. Veteran motoring journalist Eoin Young will be accompanied by photographer Terry Marshall the same Santa Fe model as the Connell/Wilson entry.

And Hyundai sponsorship coordinator Lily Clark, teamed with Philip Eustace, will pilot an i30 identical to the Richards model.

“The comparisons between the various Hyundai models, and against other vehicles in the rally, will be heightened by the experiences of our customer drivers,” Mr Ruddenklau said.

“We look forward to bringing their daily driver stories to all New Zealanders through a special section on the website www.hyundai.co.nz”

 “It seems that nothing that will stop this Korean Juggernaut from their ultimate goal of becoming the largest carmaker in the world.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media