Local prices, engine specs, performance, fuel economy data, reliability and safety listings for every car
sold in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait!
The Accent is Hyundai's long-running sub-compact nameplate,
though it could be more successful than it is. The new model is a decent upgrade
over the old Accent, though still using lightly-modifed carryover engines. Now
available in only sedan form in this region, the
most basic Accent thankfully comes with power steering, air-conditioning, AM/FM
radio and cassette player with 4 speakers and a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine
with a manual or automatic gearbox at a dirt-cheap price. Step up to the higher
models, and buyers are treated to a 1.6-litre four-cylinder with a manual or an
automatic, power windows, central door locks, electric mirrors, fog lamps,
better cloth seats, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat with centre armrest and cup
holders, and not much else. An agreeably spacious interior and steel 14-inch
wheels with plastic covers are standard on all trim levels, but there is no
mention of airbags or ABS brakes in the spec sheet on cars bound for the Middle
East market.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Aveo
Honda City
Toyota Yaris
Price Range
Dhs 33000 -
35000 (US$ 9200 - 9500)
Body Styles
4-door
sedan
Weight (kg)
1188
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
1.4 I4 FWD 1.6 I4
FWD
5M/4A 5M/4A
94 109
125 145
6.2-6.7 6.8-7.2
12.3-13.0
11.7-12.3
177
190
Good
Very
cheap, fairly frugal, decently roomy at the front
Bad
Very slow,
fairly bare, decently lumpy handling
Hyundai Atos
This mini-car, also known as the Atos Prime occassionally, is
in such a rare category that few people heard about it, and even fewer have
bought one. It is amazingly cheap, but even more amazingly small, which seems to
be to its detriment in this region. Powered by either 1.0-litre or 1.1-litre
four-cylinder engines, the smaller engine can be had with a manual or automatic,
while the slightly larger engine gets only an automatic as well as better fuel
economy, Standard features
include air- conditioning, seat under-tray for the front passenger, AM/FM radio
and cassette player, a fold-down rear seat and, of course, wind-up windows. Move
up to the better trims, and available features include power steering, front fog
lamps, central door locking, power windows, rear wiper with washer, seat back pockets,
better cloth upholstery, body-coloured door handles and outside mirrors, and the
all-important seat under-tray both under the passenger as well as the driver's
seat, to store your dirty magazines. Safety features include nothing more than
the metal holding up the body panels.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Spark
Daihatsu Charade
Kia Picanto
Price Range
Dhs 25000 -
28000 (US$ 6800 - 7600)
Body Styles
5-door hatchback
Weight (kg)
884 - 900
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
1.0 I4 FWD 1.1 I4 FWD
5M/4A 4A
55
58
81
87
6.1-6.5
5.9
16.5-18.9 18.0
139-142 142
Good
Easy to
park, fuel economy, ultra-cheap price
Bad
Slower
than a slug, smaller than a snail, ultra-cheap feel
Hyundai Azera
The Azera is Hyundai's attempt at the high end executive car market,
occupied by only a handful of models which combine luxury with a affordable
price. The Azera actually offers a lot more for its price than its Japanese and
American competitors however, and this 3.3-litre V6-powered automatic sedan is
an impressive effort on Hyundai's part. A 2.7-litre V6 joined the range later. Standard features on the base model
include just a single airbag for the driver, power steering, power windows, keyless
entry, front fog lamps, radio with CD and MP3 capability and six speakers, cruise
control, dual zone fully automatic air conditioning, dual exhaust system, power
mirrors, trip computer, illuminated sun visors with vanity mirrors, rear centre
armrest with cup holders, and alloy wheels. Options include dual airbags with side
and curtain
airbags, ABS brakes, Electronic Stability Program, HID Xenon headlights, power sunroof,
leather upholstery, power front seats, integrated memory system for driver’s
seat and mirrors, in-dash 6-CD changer with two more speakers including an
Infinity subwoofer and amplifier, rear parking sensors, electric rear curtain, rain-sensing
front wipers and some wood on the steering wheel.
Competitors:
Chevrolet Caprice
Ford Crown Victoria
Toyota Avalon
Price Range
Dhs 66900 -
89000 (US$ 18100 - 24200)
Body Styles
4-door sedan
Weight (kg)
1640 -
1650
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.7 V6 FWD 3.3 V6 FWD
5A 5A
192 235
247 304
9.5 10.0
9.5 8.2
210 234
Good
Value, build quality, spacious, fair power,
very quiet
Bad
Dull cabin
design, below-average fuel economy
Hyundai Coupe
The Coupe, facelifted for 2007, is probably the only sports car in its price range
among the hordes of boring sedans sold in the Middle East. It may be front-wheel-drive,
not so powerful and hardly the best handler of them all, but darn does it look
good from most angles. Powered by either a weak 2.0-litre four-cylinder or a
decent 2.7-litre V6, these new models come only with an aging four-speed automatic here. While nothing changes under the hood compared to the previous version, standard features have improved to include dual airbags, power steering, central door locks, power
windows, fog lamps, a rear spoiler with high-mounted brake lamp, outside electric
mirrors, semi-cloth seats, a CD player, rear wiper with washer,
and 17-inch alloy wheels. The full options list includes dual airbags, ABS
brakes, cruise control, keyless entry with burglar alarm, power sunroof and a leather
interior. Bumping up the horsepower would've
made it a real contender in the sports car market.
Competitors:
Nissan 350Z
Peugeot 407 Coupe
Renault Sport Megane
Price Range
Dhs 49000 -
65000 (US$ 13400 - 17700)
Body Styles
2-door
coupe
Weight (kg)
1280 -
1333
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.0 I4 FWD 2.7 V6
FWD
5M/4A 4A
138 167
186 245
8.5-9.0 10.5
9.0-9.5 8.0
208 221
Good
Space, power, handling, price
Bad
Outdated automatic, fuel economy
Hyundai Elantra
The new Elantra gets a sleeker yet bulbous new look. It's also taller and wider than the outgoing Elantra. There's also more interior space than before, and a higher seating position. Most people would probably consider the Elantra a compact sedan, but its new interior volume
is now comparable to some midsize cars. Various trim levels are available on this front-wheel-drive sedan,
including a top-of-the-line model which comes with leather seats. But all models are well-equipped with plenty of convenience features, including power windows, intermittent windshield wipers, multiple storage areas, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback, dual vanity mirrors, tinted windows, two 12-volt outlets and a tilt steering wheel.
Engine choices include a carryover 1.6-litre four-cylinder and a revamped 2.0-litre four-cylinder. A five-speed manual comes standard
with the smaller motor, while a four-speed automatic is available for both
engines. Basic models get only a single airbag and steel 15-inch wheels. The top
model gets dual airbags, ABS brakes, stability control, and 16-inch alloys.
Not
very fast,
blobby looks, basic safety in basic models
Hyundai Getz
The Getz is known for offering European levels of refinement.
We feel it is let down only by its weak range of engines, namely a tiny
1.1-litre, followed by a 1.4-litre and a 1.6-litre, all four-cylinder units,
some with a manual gearbox and others with an automatic. This front-wheel-drive
hatchback comes standard with very little, but includes air-conditioning, a rear
wiper with washer, a radio and cassette player with 4 speakers, and wind-up
windows. Options in the higher trim levels include power steering, ABS brakes, a
single airbag, power windows, central door locks, electric mirrors, sunroof, rear
spoiler, fog lamps, keyless entry system, a radio and cassette player and fake carbon-fibre
trim. The interior is well-made, with good materials. It is not too cramped
inside either, with seating for five and decent legroom both front and back. All
trim levels come with a cloth cabin and a useful rear luggage area with a
lift-up tailgate. Small 14-inch steel wheels with plastic hubcaps.
Price,
refinement, fuel economy, front cabin space
Bad
Weak, bare
minimum amenities, safety features optional
Hyundai H1
The rear-wheel-drive H1 is a contender to be the van of
choice for families, assuming you are looking just for a whole lot of space and
not much luxury features. Its tough looks are misleading, as it appeals more to
corporate groups as staff transportation rather than the jalopy of choice for
large families who would like to travel in style and comfort. Still, Hyundai is
promoting it as such. Powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder, it is available in
various configurations, ranging from a 3-seater all the way to a 12-seater. The
top spec is actually a 9-seater with power front windows, electric mirrors, an
automatic gearbox and a two-tone paint job. The other models don't get any of
those features, and manage with a manual gearbox. All trims get power steering,
radio cassette player and air-conditioning, some even with rear a/c. Boasting
uniquely configurable seats and extensive luggage space, other standard features
include cloth seat coverings, while options include central door locks and front
fog lamps.
Competitors:
Chrysler Grand Voyager
Mercedes-Benz Viano
Toyota Previa
Price Range
Dhs 60000 -
90000 (US$ 16300 - 24500)
Body Styles
5-door
minivan
Weight (kg)
1910 - 2614
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.4 I4 RWD
5M/4A
138
184
13.6-14.0
14.9-17.9
142
Good
Utility,
easy to drive, cabin space
Bad
Fuel economy, outer size, more of a bus than a minivan
Hyundai Matrix
The Matrix is a typical urban runabout built in Korea, but
with its own little twist. It is halfway between a minivan and a hatchback, while
looking better than neither. The Matrix is probably a great
driver in town traffic with practicality and tight proportions offering good interior space inside a compact body,
but we are not sure if the Middle East is ready for such a car. Powered by
either a 1.6-litre or a 1.8-litre, the smaller engine can be had with a manual
or an automatic, while the larger engine gets only an automatic. Basic features
include power steering, power windows, simple a/c, cloth seats, radio and cassette player with 4 speakers,
14-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, and a roof rack. Safety is apparently
optional, as only the higher models get dual airbags and ABS brakes, paired up
with other options like fake metal-look trim, central door locking, rear wiper
and washer, electrically-adjustable mirrors and a body-coloured front grille and
15-inch alloy wheels. Sometimes being named after a hit movie just isn't enough.
Competitors:
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Daihatsu YRV
Toyota xA
Price Range
Dhs 33800 -
41000 (US$ 9600 - 11200)
Body Styles
5-door hatchback
Weight (kg)
1323 -
1358
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
1.6 I4 FWD 1.8 I4 FWD
5M/4A 4A
102 121
141
160
7.2-7.7 8.3
12.3-13.0 10.9
171 184
Good
Price,
headroom, ease of parking, fuel economy
Bad
Very slow,
styling a lost cause, everything is optional
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is Hyundai's best 4WD to date, and is destined
to become the brand's bread and butter model. Hyundai went all out on the redesign of this
compact 4WD that borders on becoming a midsize. Standard features include a
2.7-litre V6 with automatic, dual mufflers, underbody skid plate, single airbag,
power steering, two-tone exterior paint job, roof rack with crossbar, fake wood
trim, power windows, central door locking, keyless entry with burglar alarm, electric
outside mirrors, front fog lamps, radio cassette player with CD and MP3
capability and 4 speakers, ABS with EBD, 18-inch wheels and finally, front and rear
manual a/c with vents in all seating rows. The top model gets Electronic Stability Program,
dual airbags, leather steering wheel, leather seats, cruise control, power front
seats, rear spoiler with brake light, power sunroof, trip computer, centre console with
cool box, auto-dimming centre rearview mirror with compass, in-dash 6-CD changer
with amplifier and subwoofer, and steering wheel controls for the stereo.
Competitors:
Honda CR-V
Nissan X-Trail
Toyota RAV-4
Price Range
Dhs 75000 -
100000 (US$ 20400 - 27200)
Body Styles
5-door
wagon
Weight (kg)
1804
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.7 V6 4WD
4A
185
248
10.4
11.3
181
Good
Likeable
looks, value for money, cabin space
Bad
Off-road
ability, on-road softness
Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata is the real highlight of the Hyundai range,
showing that this Korean company can actually build a world-class midsize sedan.
It can do everything that the Japanese class leaders can do, but at a
delightfully lower price. The choice of two competitive engines include a
2.4-litre 4-cylinder and a 3.3-litre V6, both with manually-shiftable
automatics, though the smaller engine can be had with a proper manual too.
Standard features include power windows, power outside mirrors, manual a/c, central
door lock, front fog lamps, cloth seats, 15-inch steel wheels and a radio
cassette player with 4 speakers and a hidden antenna. Options spread over the
range includes dual airbags, ABS brakes, dual exhaust, automatic a/c, electric sunroof,
cruise control, leather upholstery, electric driver’s seat, trip computer, rear
parking warning sensor, rear sunblind, fake wood and metal cabin trim, leather-wrapped
steering wheel, 6-CD changer with 6 speakers and a subwoofer and an electronic
auto-dimming rearview mirror, along with 17-inch alloy wheels.
Competitors:
Honda Accord
Nissan Altima
Toyota Camry
Price Range
Dhs 54500 -
75000 (US$ 14800 - 20400)
Body Styles
4-door
sedan
Weight (kg)
1470 -
1637
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.4 I4 FWD 3.3 V6
FWD
5M/4A 5A
162 235
222 306
8.0-8.6 9.4
8.8-10.0 7.8
212 229
Good
Decent
engine choices, spacious cabin, value for money
Bad
Key safety
features optional, soft handling, boring cabin
Hyundai Terracan
The Terracan is odd one out in the Hyundai range. It is a
capable midsize off-road
vehicle based on the old Mitsubishi Pajero, just the right size to not be too big on the roads. The problem is that
it became outdated as soon as it was released. This 80s-style 4WD does have a
fairly spacious
interior and loaded with features to compete in this class, with a low price to
boot. Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 mated to an automatic, it comes with beefy tyres
on 16-inch alloy wheels and a full-time 4WD system with active torque transfer.
Standard features include power steering, single airbag, a nifty limited slip differential,
central door locking system, side steps, roof rack, power windows and electric mirrors,
front and rear a/c, front fog lamps, radio and cassette player with 4 speakers
and hidden antenna, and rear wiper with washer. Options include dual airbags,
ABS brakes, keyless entry with anti-theft system, leather interior upholstery,
useless rear spoiler, fake wood trim, cruise control, digital multi-metre, electric
driver’s seat, CD player with 6 speakers, and a few more storage areas.
Competitors:
Ford Explorer
Honda MR-V
Nissan Pathfinder
Price Range
Dhs 73000 -
90000 (US$ 20000 - 24500)
Body Styles
5-door
wagon
Weight (kg)
1977
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
3.5
V6 4WD
4A
192
294
15.6
10.7
180
Good
Low base
price, cabin utility, decent off-road ability
Bad
Outdated
looks, fuel economy, body roll, slow
Hyundai Trajet
The Trajet is Hyundai's latest attempt at conquering the
world of minivans, but it is a completely typical minivan, with nothing over the
competition except a lower price and an underpowered 2.7-litre V6. Standard
features include power steering, front and rear a/c, roof rack, front and rear power
windows, radio and cassette player with 4 speakers, central door locks, funky
tail lights and an automatic transmission. Options include a sunroof, fog lamps,
All models come with 15-inch wheels, though the lower model gets steel rims with
plastic covers, while the top model gets alloys. Unique features include four
forward-opening doors, which is a rarity in the large minivan set. The basic
model actually comes with 8-seater capacity, thanks to a bunch of bench seats,
but the top model is more of a 7-seater, with more comfortable accommodations.
The cabin is of course versatile, with movable and foldable seats to increase or
decrease luggage space as needed. Safety features are conspicuously absent in
the Middle East model, though overseas versions get all sorts of airbags,
traction control and ABS, some of which you could probably special-order..
Competitors:
Chrysler Grand Voyager
Kia Carnival
Toyota Previa
Price Range
Dhs 60000 -
90000 (US$ 16400 - 24500)
Body Styles
5-door minivan
Weight (kg)
1790
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.7 V6 FWD
4A
178
245
12.2
13.1
177
Good
Utility, space, value for money
Bad
Slow, dull
looks, size, lacking key safety features
Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is a player in the rare breed of tiny 4WD vehicles
that offer little off-road capability, but drive rather well on the road. It
comes with either a weak 2.0-litre 4-cylinder or, surprisingly, a 2.7-litre V6,
with a range of manual or automatic transmissions depending on model. It also
comes in either a blasphemous front-wheel-drive version or a more realistic
four-wheel-drive version with full-time 4WD. Standard features include power steering,
power windows, power outside mirrors, central door locking, roof rack, cloth seats,
front fog lamps, rear wiper with washer, AM/FM radio and cassette player with 4
speakers and a range of storage spaces, while riding on 16-inch alloy wheels. Optional features include dual airbags,
sunroof, probably faux leather upholstery, two-tone paint job, body-colour outside mirrors, AM/FM CD
and cassette player with 4 speakers and tweeters, dual mufflers and a whole lot
of cuteness for an affordable amount of cash.
Competitors:
Daihatsu Terios
Kia Sportage
Suzuki Jimny
Price Range
Dhs 50000 -
75000 (US$ 13700 - 20400)
Body Styles
5-door
wagon
Weight (kg)
1503 -
1667
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
2.0 I4 FWD/4WD
2.7 V6 4WD
5M/4A
4A
142
175
184
241
8.1-9.2
10.9
12.1-13.5
10.5
180
190
Good
Utility,
low price, fuel economy, headroom
Bad
Slow,
off-road ability, legroom, shameless 2WD model
Hyundai Veracruz
The Veracruz is a midsize crossover 4WD that aims for luxury and onroad performance. Hyundai positions the Veracruz as an alternative to luxury crossovers but with a lower price. However, it is still the company’s most expensive 4WD model, and base models are pretty bare on safety. The Veracruz is longer and wider than the Santa Fe, and comes standard with three rows of seats for seven passengers. The Veracruz comes in three trim levels here. All are powered by the same 3.8-litre V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic. All models ride on 17-inch wheels, and come standard with all-wheel-drive and ABS with EBD. Basic features include power windows, electric mirrors, keyless entry, alarm, CD/MP3 with 6 speakers, manual air-conditioning, side steps, and only a single airbag. The mid-level model adds cruise control, faux leather and a power liftgate. The top model adds xenon headlights, power driver seat, sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, six-CD changer and more speakers, dual-zone a/c, stability control, dual airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags.
Navigation is optional, but there is no low-range gearing.
