Autos Tuning: Hyundai

Showing posts with label Hyundai. Show all posts

Saturday, January 7, 2012

2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate

Specification Modification Image Review 2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate
The 2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate is a reasonably executed flagship luxury sedan -- but should anyone care? Flagship luxury and sound financial sense just don't go together, and that's what makes the 2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate so tough to review.

Pricewise, the $66,650 Equus Ultimate -- the more expensive of two trims -- competes with midsize luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E550 and Infiniti M56, but no one is going to cross-shop those vehicles. That leaves the Equus fighting cars like the Lexus LS 460 and Mercedes-Benz S550 -- vehicles that, even in their old age, can stifle the 2012 Equus' arguments for rational luxury on a price-independent level.

Interior refinement on the Equus is exactly what you'd expect for a proper luxury flagship, though there are a few small omissions. We aren't talking about big stuff here – little amenities like power lumbar adjustment for the front passenger seat, side bolster adjustments for the front chairs or a one-touch close feature for the sunroof, for example. Still, our Ultimate-spec tester's cabin arrived positively lousy with bells and whistles – niceties like a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats all around, a refrigerator in the rear console, power sunshades and a rear entertainment system.

What separates the Ultimate from the base Equus is its rear seating configuration, ditching the three-passenger bench seat in favor of two chairs with a fixed center console. The rear passenger-side chair – the one we've named the "executive throne" – even has massage and recline functions. If you ever have the chance to sit in a four-passenger Equus, we highly recommend spending no less than five minutes exploring the features of the royalty seat. Be warned, though – even with the Equus' longer wheelbase over the Genesis, those rear seats don't offer as much legroom as you might think.

Hyundai will continue to offer its unique ownership experience for 2012 Hyundai Equus customers, including tailored dealership showrooms, “Your Time, Your Place” at-home vehicle demonstrations, valet service appointments and an interactive owner’s manual for Apple iPad and Android tablet devices.

The sales and service experience for 2012 Hyundai Equus is unlike any other in the industry, with a focus on the customer’s time and convenience. Prospective buyers can participate in the “Your Time, Your Place” valet test drive program, where a specially trained Product Champion will deliver an Equus to their home or office for a personalized shopping experience.

2012 Hyundai Equus features the industry’s first interactive owner’s manual, providing a convenient and simpler way for owners to become familiar with the full capabilities of the vehicle.
When service is required, Equus owners can schedule their maintenance and service through a simple online scheduling system or from the interactive owner’s manual. An Equus owner can also choose to have their vehicle picked up at their home or business, with a complimentary loaner dropped off. Once service is completed, the owner again chooses the time and location for the vehicle to be delivered.
source:autos.aol.com,motortrend.com,autospectator.com

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Specification Modification Image Review 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Whether it's the Elantra scrapping with the economy compacts or the Equus trading barbs with encrusted luxo-yachts, Hyundai seemingly has a fighter in every weight class. Among midsize sedans, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata is the Korean automaker's contender. In prior years, the Sonata was nothing more than a midpack player, but that all changed with last year's full redesign, in which the Sonata gained dramatic new styling, new engines and a revamped interior.
Under the hood is a choice of a powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder or, in lieu of a V6, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. With 198 horsepower (200 in SE trim), the base engine will satisfy just about everybody, especially when it returns a very impressive 28 mpg combined when paired with the six-speed automatic transmission. Equally impressive is the turbo engine, which cranks out 274 hp yet still gets nearly identical fuel economy.
Inside, the Sonata is big enough that the EPA deems it a "large" car. Its total passenger volume puts it ahead of every class competitor except the Honda Accord, and its 16.4 cubic feet of trunk space is equally roomy. As is the case with all Hyundais, standard feature content is generous, and it comes at a price that's significantly less than most competitors. The Sonata also stands out in terms of design, as its cabin is attractive and fitted with upscale and easy-to-use controls. This year's model is also notable for the introduction of BlueLink, Hyundai's telematics system that's similar to General Motors' OnStar.
From just about every vantage point, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata presents a clear alternative to the traditional midsize safe bets. It's more dynamic on its feet and in appearance than the Accord or Toyota Camry, and holds the price advantage over solid picks like the Ford Fusion, Mazda 6 and Nissan Altima. Ironically, its toughest competition actually comes from the related Kia Optima, as it matches the Sonata in nearly every way but with a more athletic and striking package. Yet one thing's for sure -- the Sonata is now a true contender for the title belt.

INTERIOR

Hyundai significantly updated the Sonata's interior for the 2009 model year with better materials. Although the cabin was redesigned last year, materials quality was unchanged; it's still competitive but doesn't notably raise the bar for the class, which is already fairly high. Interior features include:

Standard satellite radio
Standard Blue Link telematics system
Standard Bluetooth connectivity
Standard auxiliary and iPod inputs
Available touch-screen navigation system

EXTERIOR

The Sonata's sloping roof shows glimpses of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and Volkswagen CC, yet it's distinctive enough to stand out among direct competitors like the Camry and Accord. Exterior features include:

Standard 16-inch steel wheels
Available 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels
Wide chrome grille
Extensive chrome trim

ENGINE
The standard Sonata engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 198 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque. The dual-exhaust SE makes slightly more power at 200 hp and 186 lb-ft. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the GLS, while a six-speed automatic is optional on that trim and standard on the SE and Limited. Sonatas sold in California-emission states can have PZEV emissions certification, though output drops slightly to 190 hp.
A powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque is available on SE and Limited models. The six-speed automatic is standard.
In Edmunds performance testing, a 2.4-liter GLS Sonata with automatic transmission accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. The 2.0-liter turbo with automatic transmission is significantly quicker, making the same dash in 6.7 seconds. Both times are quick for the midsize sedan segment.
The Sonata's EPA fuel economy estimates are equally impressive. The 2.4-liter engine is rated at 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 28 combined, regardless of transmission. The 2.0-liter turbo, despite its significant boost in power, returns a very impressive 22/34/26 mpg.
source:edmund.com,cars.com