Hyundai Grandeur 2008 Review

That’s Hyundai’s revised focus on the premium Grandeur.

With sales of the Korean manufacturer's top-end offering averaging just 10 a month to the end of September, the price `adjustment’ and new powerplant are sorely needed.

"How the segment will take to a diesel is a bit of a mystery as there isn't one at the moment," Hyundai's product planning manager Manuel Tyras says. "There should be an attraction for people who drive considerable distances ... people who commute from semi-rural communities."

The revised Grandeur was revealed this week along with a gentle cosmetic makeover for the Santa Fe SUV.

Tyras says Hyundai hopes the refreshed model can lift sales to around 40 a month, taking the Grandeur back to the level of popularity it enjoyed when the current shape was first launched in 2006.

The new pricing structure will see the Grandeur available in a single specification level with the choice of the current 3.8-litre V6 and the new 2.2-litre turbo diesel.

The base price for the petrol model drops $3000 to $39,990 while the diesel is a $2000 premium at $41,990.

"There is no longer a Limited trim level and there has been a re-think on standard equipment with the sunroof, Xenon low-beam headlights and the pop-up rear headrests deleted," Hyundai's Ben Hershman explains.

"The car gains rain sensitive wipers, heated front seats along with a more stylish interior trim. Overall the value adjustment is an extra $4500-$5000 over the old model."

The diesel, shared with the Santa Fe SUV, develops 114kW of power at 4000rpm and 343Nm of torque from 1800rpm to 2500rpm. Drive is through a 5-speed automatic with the option of manual selection.

The petrol V6 is a carry-over from the current range with the same 194kW at 6000rpm and 348Nm at 4500rpm. It shares the 5-speed auto with the new diesel.

Styling changes are minor with the exterior highlighted by a new chrome grille treatment, the addition of indicator flashers on the side mirrors and a new style of 17-inch alloy wheel.

For the interiors the biggest visual changes are a revision of the beige leather option with a more subtle treatment of the wood trim.

As far as equipment is concerned there is an upgraded eight speaker JBL audio system with an USB audio input with iPod compatibility, new subtle blue interior illumination and an auto-lock system that locks all doors above 45km/h and unlocks them when the ignition key is removed.

Electronic stability control is standard — the life-saving safety feature is standard on more than 80 per cent of all Hyundai's sold — as are eight airbags, active headrests and pre-tensioning front seatbelts.

On the road it quickly becomes obvious that the transition from SUV to large family car has not fazed the diesel.

Apart from a little rattle on start-up the Grandeur offers noise isolation levels that should be the envy of more than a couple of other luxury pretenders.

There is a slight hesitation under initial hard acceleration but once the engine gets down to business it pulls strongly right through highway overtaking.

The only real noise intrusion into the cabin is from the tyres over rough and broken surfaces.

Steering feel is still light — not of itself a major issue — and quite vague on turn-in. It is not something that will concern an average driver but it is also not a car that lends itself to any real enthusiasm through the twists.

Ride quality is good — on the plush side but without any uncomfortable floundering — and interior space and comfort in the cabin are unchanged from the previous impressive levels.

For the mid-sized Santa Fe the spit-and-polish makeover for 2009 really is a case of pick it if you can.

The exterior upgrades mirror those for the Grandeur with a chrome grille treatment and indicators in the wing mirrors while on the inside there are some fresh interior trims, an upgrade to the sound system and integration of i-Pod and MP3 compatibility.

Prices remain unchanged with the base 138kW/248Nm 2.7-litre V6 petrol starts at $33,990 with the 114kW/343Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder CRDi turbo-diesel from $36,990.

The gearbox options are a 5-speed manual or auto for the diesel while the petrol drives through a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual.

Gone — at least for the time being — is the 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine but Hyundai plan a similar capacity replacement early next year, but only in a front-wheel drive model.

The Santa Fe continues its three-trim strategy — SX, SLX and Elite — with five or seven-seats in both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.

If you are planning to take the Santa Fe off the beaten track — and it is quite capable of moderate bush bashing — the new Trek 'n' Tow kit is a useful addition offering an extra 20mm in ground clearance, a slight increase in towball load (to 180kg) and better towing balance.

All Santa Fe models come standard with ESP, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, active head restraints for the two front occupants, and six airbags including curtain bags extending to the third row.