Hyundai

Country of Origin:
South Korea

Models:
Accent
Atos
Azera
Coupe
Elantra
Getz
H1
Matrix
Santa Fe
Sonata
Terracan
Trajet
Tucson
Veracruz
 Key:
* Top speed electronically limited
2.5SC 2.5-litre supercharged engine
2.5TC 2.5-litre turbocharged engine
2.5D 2.5-litre diesel engine
2.5TD 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine
I4 4-cylinder engine in inline configuration
V6 6-cylinder engine in V-shaped configuration
FWD   Front-wheel-drive platform
RWD   Rear-wheel-drive platform
4WD   Four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive platform
5M   5-speed manual
5A   5-speed automatic
5AM 5-speed automanual
CVT Continuously variable auto transmission
l/100km   Litres of fuel consumed every 100 kms

Hyundai Accent

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.


 Sub-Compact Sedan



Road Tests & Articles:
none

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.


 Mini Hatchback



Road Tests & Articles:
none

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.


 Premium Large Sedan



Road Tests & Articles:
2006 Hyundai Azera road test

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.


Sports Coupe



Road Tests & Articles:
2005 Hyundai Coupe road test

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.


 Compact Sedan



Road Tests & Articles:
none

Competitors:
Mazda 3
Nissan Tiida
Toyota Corolla
Price Range
 Dhs 40000 - 55000 (US$ 9700 - 13600)
Body Styles
 4-door sedan
Weight (kg)
 1190 - 1249
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
1.6 I4 FWD
2.0 I4 FWD		 5M/4A
4A		 121
143		 145
186		 7.0-7.4
7.8		 11.0-12.0
10.7		 185
200
Good
 Value for money, price, fuel economy
Bad
 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.


 Sub-Compact Hatchback



Road Tests & Articles:
none

Competitors:
Ford Fiesta
Honda Jazz
Peugeot 206
Price Range
 Dhs 25000 - 37000 (US$ 6700 - 9900)
Body Styles
 5-door hatchback
Weight (kg)
 994 - 981
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
1.1 I4 FWD
1.4 I4 FWD
1.6 I4 FWD		 5M
5M/4A
4A		 62
95
103		 93
125
144		 5.6
6.0-6.5
6.8		 15.6
11.4-13.8
9.8		 150
168-177
175
Good
 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.


 Large Minivan



Road Tests & Articles:
none

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.


 Compact Crossover Hatchback



Road Tests & Articles:
none

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.


 Compact 4WD



Road Tests & Articles:
none

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.


 Midsize Sedan



Road Tests & Articles:
none

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.


 Midsize 4WD



Road Tests & Articles:
none

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..


 Large Minivan



Road Tests & Articles:
none

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.


 Sub-Compact 4WD



Road Tests & Articles:
none

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.


 Midsize 4WD



Road Tests & Articles:
2007 Hyundai Veracruz first look

Competitors:
GMC Acadia
Honda MR-V
Ssangyong Rexton
Price Range
 Dhs 94000 - 130000 (US$ 25500 - 35300)
Body Styles
 5-door wagon
Weight (kg)
 1939
Version
Performance
Engine
Gearbox
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Econ (l/100km)
0-100 kph (sec)
Top Speed (kph)
3.8 V6 4WD 6A 260 348 11.5 8.5 176*
Good
 Seats seven, pleasant exterior, nice interior, quiet ride
Bad
 Off-road ability, third-row legroom, safety is optional






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