Category: Hyundai

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FURTHER BONUS FOR FRESH-FACED IONIQ 5

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The Ioniq 5 burst onto the local electric vehicle scene more than three years ago like the greyhound favourite out of a trap at the Dapto Dogs. The Dapto dish-lickers have since gone to the dogs, with the track winding up, but the Hyundai-built Ioniq 5 crossover SUV has continued to live a storied life, which has included being named the 2022 World Car of the Year. Now the MY25 Ioniq 5 five-seat SUV locally has won styling updates, new features and technology, and two new battery sizes delivering up… Read more

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IONIQ 9 CALLIGRAPHY A CRUISE-LINER ON DRY LAND

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Hyundai Heavy Industries is the largest shipbuilding company in the world, pumping out bulk carriers, street-length oil and gas tankers and Lego-like Leviathan container ships, so it’s not out of the question that its skills should translate to producing road-going vehicles of prodigious dimensions. Take, for example, the Korean company’s flagship Ioniq 9, a three-row all electric sports utility vehicle that delivers prestigious lounge-like space and comfort, plus a range of up to 600 kilometres on a single battery charge. At the pinnacle of EV technology, the Ioniq 9 is… Read more

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EYE ON THE FUTURE – INSTER IS HARD TO IGNORE

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Ever been eyeballed by a car? Recently, while picking up a Hyundai test vehicle, I had the strange feeling the eyes (aka round headlamps with a ring of LED daytime running lights) of the Inster all-electric light SUV were following me. On top of this, positioned below was a wide grille with the superior look of a knowing smile? Creepy? The maker sees things differently, explaining the ethos of the Inster by saying the set-up makes for ‘a futuristic yet playful first impression.’ All flippancy aside, Hyundai’s smallest and most… Read more

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HYUNDAI KONA EV – ELITE PACKAGE BUT A LITTLE PRICEY

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Launched by Hyundai in 2017, the second-generation Kona was revealed in December, 2022. It is available with petrol, mild hybrid, hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, while the earlier diesel engine option is no longer offered. Unlike the first version Hyundai claims second-generation Kona was designed first and foremost as a battery-electric vehicle before it was then adapted for use as other variants. Whichever way it swings, it has been designed to blend in with the current environment, with no discernible radiator grille regardless of what’s under the bonnet. Still, accommodations must… Read more

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TUCSON ON THE HYBRID ROAD FOR HYUNDAI

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Hyundai has thrown the switch to power up the Tucson, while dimming it down, stopping at hybrid systems as opposed going for full electric vehicle status. In keeping with this are refreshed styling, plus an array of new and upgraded technology. The popular medium SUV, in its fourth generation, has retained the 2.0 MPi petrol and 1.6 T-GTi turbo-petrol powertrains with a choice of two or all-wheel drive. Three trims are now on offer with an optional N Line package available across the range. The Tucson has plenty of pull,… Read more

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TAKE A TICKET TO RIDE FIRST-CLASS

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It’s the ‘pointy end of the plane’ attractions of the Palisade that are hard to resist. With a three-metre wheelbase the cabin space is more than adequate, then there are premium design finishes, plus the versatility of seven or eight seats. The result is a first-class travel experience. Even the Hyundai people mover’s entry-level model boasts the suffix ‘Elite’. For that the MY24 Palisade gains extra standard features in the form of a heated steering wheel and an eight-way power adjustable passenger seat. Passenger mood is enhanced with a quality… Read more

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A LAST GASP OF HYUNDAI’S PETROL-POWERED PERFORMANCE

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As the battle for the streets between electric power and the internal combustion engine the latter, in one case, is putting up a stiff rearguard action with Hyundai upgrading its i30 N performance car. The new hot hatch has been given a fresh appearance, advanced technology and enhanced safety equipment’ capped off by swifter access to the fast-and-furious N Grin Shift function. All join a powertrain and driving dynamics that already have put Hyundai’s first ‘N’ at the head of the ‘grid’. With the MY25 upgrade Australia is the only… Read more

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LONG WAY ROUND FOR SANTA FE

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Millennials and Gen-Xers are not noted for being fans of the great outdoors, or so I thought, but according to research neither is averse to channelling a touch of Tarzan of the Jungle. With this in mind, Hyundai has come up with the ‘Open to More’ concept of expanding customers’ experiences by connecting inside with the outside. Enter the fifth-generation Santa Fe, a spacious and well-equipped SUV with fuel-saving hybrid technology. A triple-trim line-up is out to appeal to the young tech-savvy Tarzan or Jane with curved panoramic instrument display,… Read more

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HYUNDAI PALISADE IS BIG AND BOLD

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Launched here in late 2020, Palisade is the largest model in Hyundai’s SUV range. At a smidgeon under five metres, it’s around the same size and price as competitors such as Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, and Mazda CX-90. It’s aimed at those wanting a large vehicle to carry people so leans in the direction of comfort and ease of driving rather than full-on off-road work. An upgrade in June 2023 included a name change with the previous top-spec Highlander now called Calligraphy and a new Calligraphy Black Ink variant added… Read more

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IONIQ 5, EV TO THE NTH DEGREE

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EV power is the great equaliser, according to Tim Rodgers – big battery, big power, big tyres, zero to 100km/h in less than four seconds – and ultra-fast examples are relatively easy to do. As Hyundai Australia product development manager, he should know. Rodgers spent a year and a half on three continents helping to hone the suspension and systems of the new high performance Ioniq 5 N all-electric vehicle. The absence of ICE limitations and the scope for new technologies was daunting initially. However, it made the development of… Read more