Hyundai has thrown the covers from the 2009 Grandeur large sedan range, highlighted by the introduction of a 2.2 litre CRDi turbo-diesel engine and a host of other upgrades.
The diesel engine is also fitted to the company’s Santa Fe. Fuel economy for the Grandeur CRDi is claimed to be as low as 7.9 litres/100 kms – impressive for a luxury sedan. It is pleading to report that Hyundai equips each CRDi Grandeur with a pack of latex-free vinyl gloves for use when refuelling at Australia’s diesel pumps (In many cases shared with heavy duty trucks).
Grandeur also comes with a 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine. Exterior changes for 2009 include new 17 inch alloy wheels, a new front grille, chrome bumper inserts front and rear and repeaters for the indicator lights in the exterior mirrors.
Grandeur has been acknowledged for its luxurious interior and the ’09 model goes a few steps further – including an upgraded 8 speaker (with subwoofer) ‘JBL’ audio system that incorporates USB audio input with iPod? compatibility, USB memory stick and blue interior illumination.
In these troubled times, it is appropriate that the ‘09 Grandeur also incorporates Hyundai’s Active Locking Operation (HALO) which prevents unwanted entry. HALO features a speed sensing central locking system which automatically locks all doors when the vehicle reaches 45 km/h.
Safety features are abundant and include ESP Stability Control incorporating Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-skid Brake System (ABS) + Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), active head restraints for driver and front passenger, child seat anchor points with ISO Fix points and 8 airbags including dual front airbags, dual side (thorax) airbags and curtain airbags (for all outboard occupants).
Hyundai has become the unofficial new car warranty champion of the Australian market and in another first, the 2009 Grandeur comes with a five year warranty with unlimited kilometres and a comprehensive 12 month Hyundai Premium Roadside Assist program.
Entry to the Grandeur family is the 3.8-litre V6 petrol model which retails for $39,990 while the turbo-diesel CRDi model retails for $41,990. Clearly the Grandeur presents a lot of car for those dollars. It’s definitely worth a look.
