The Korean car market had been around in Singapore for the past 20 years and recently I read that there is going to be a series of new models to be launch this year. I must say the land of kimchi are making their way in a progressive path to our shores. Although the China cars had also hit our land significantly these years, but the Korean cars are really a strong competitors for the Japanese automotive market.
See the number of comfort taxis on our road now, the Hyundai Sonatas are a popular demand.
For this review, I am going to share my thougths on the next 3 Hyundai models to be launched soon, namely: Avante, Verna & i45 respectively...
First, on the Avante, the existing version is already very nice, with blue illuminated lights on the interior. For the next release, Hyundai Unveils the All-New Avante/Elantra with 1.6L GDI Engine at Busan Motor Show
on 29 April 2010.
Hyundai Motor Co. staged the world-premier of the all-new Avante compact sedan—badged as Elantra in markets outside Korea—at the Busan International Motor Show 2010. The Avante/Elantra is the company’s best-selling model worldwide. Hyundai has applied the new 1.6L Gamma Gasoline Direct Injection engine, unveiled last week at Auto China 2010 in Beijing (earlier post), and a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front-wheel drive compact, the first time GDI and six-speed automatic have been featured on a compact sedan in Korea.
The new Gamma engine features a 150-bar direct injection fuel system, Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT), a Variable Induction System (VIS) and anti-friction coatings such as CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating.
The new Avante delivers a peak output of 140 ps (138 hp, 103 kW) and maximum torque of 17.0 kg·m (167 N·m, 123 lb-ft). It is also about 10% more fuel efficient than its closest competitors, thanks to GDI, the six speed automatic and other fuel economy enhancements.
Under the Avante/Elantra badge, Hyundai has sold more than 6 million units worldwide since the car’s launch in 1990. Hyundai will begin sales of the all-new Avante in the second half of 2010 in Korea. For Singapore, the date of release is still unknown at this point of time.
My next topic is the Hyundai Verna.
The exteriors of Verna Transform get a fresh, new look with features like ‘Sharp eye’ headlamps that provide better illumination and also complement the new bumper design. The stylish new front grille with body-coloured styled inserts gives Verna Transform a more aggressive look. The ‘cascade mesh’ air dam provides for a smooth yet dynamic look. New circular front fog lamps in stylish trapezoidal bezels make it much safer and easier to drive during the foggy winters. To complement the sporty looks, the Verna Transform has trendy LED Turn Indicators on Outside Rear View Mirrors that enhances visibility. A new set of rear combination lamps and dual tone chrome rear garnish along with two-tone rear bumper with smartly placed reflector gives the all-new Verna Transform an unmatched road presence and a distinctive sporty look. And as if all this was not enough, the exhaust tip with chrome finish adds to the overall sporty appeal.
The interiors of the Verna Transform have been changed to increase user convenience and driving comfort. With a view to enhance the interior appeal, a unique blue LED illumination has been introduced that gives the cockpit a refined and premium look and also makes it more soothing for the eyes. The luxurious interiors are complemented by a new instrument cluster with silver surround dials that is neatly arranged and is capable of giving vital vehicle information at a glance.
While the interior and exterior features have been given a completely fresh look, the Verna Transform retains the powerful & popular power-train of its predecessor. The petrol variants include – 1.6 VTVT & 1.6 SX VTVT – while the diesel variants include – 1.5 CRDi VGT, 1.5 SX CRDi VGT & 1.5 SX VGT (AT). In order to appeal to a larger target group, Hyundai will be offering the customer choice of factory-fitted or after-market audio system on the VTVT and VGT variants.
The 1.6 litre petrol variant develops an impressive power of 103.2PS@5500 rpm and torque of 14.9kgm@3000 rpm. The 1.5 litre diesel variant develops a whopping power output of 110 PS@4000 rpm and an impressive torque of 24kgm@1900 – 2750 rpm. The top end diesel variant will be available with both – a 5-speed manual and the unique to segment 4-speed automatic transmission
The last one I will comment is the Hyundai i45, also known as Sonata. This is a luxury class sedan and is making waves in many countries.
The i45, which, with its swoopy looks, is ready to take on the likes of the Mazda 6, Honda Accord Euro, Suzuki Kizashi and Subaru Liberty.
Opt for the Active model and you'll get six airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, stability control, auto headlights, fog lamps, LED tail-lights, cruise control, rear-seat air vents and a six-speaker sound system, with an iPod-compatible USB port and steering wheel controls. The Elite model gains full leather upholstery, 17-inch alloys, climate control, rear-parking sensors and rain-sensing wipers.
Below are some photos of this gem beauty.
We shall see how these 3 models compete in our local automotive world and the Japan market had to work hard to share the profits.
