Hyundai - 2009 New Car and SUV Line-Up
Hyundai has introduced three new vehicles in 2009 - including the Hyundai Elantra Touring. In addition, the Hyundai has taken steps to improve fuel economy in many of its vehicles. The manufacturer continues to have excellent reliability and is improving its safety. One shining example of its safety record is the Hyundai Genesis which also received the North American Car of the Year Award for 2009.
Let us start with the new vehicles. Hyundai has introduced the Elantra Touring for 2009. It is a 5-door mini-wagon that is the same as the European I30 despite sharing the Elantra name in North America. The Elantra Touring has the same 2.0 liter engine that goes into the Elantra.
Two other new models for 2009 are the Hyundai Genesis and Genesis Coupe. The Genesis is a rear-wheel-drive sedan that gives customers a choice between a 3.8 liter V6 engine or a 4.6 liter V8. The Genesis Coupe will have an over 200 horsepower turbocharged engine that will go on sale this year as a 2010 model. It is based on the Genesis chassis.
The existing Hyundai models also received some updates for 2009. The Hyundai Sonata has updated styling, inside and out. In addition, the suspension has been retuned to improve the ride and handling of the vehicle. The Hyundai Accent and Tucson both received fuel economy improvements in the 2009 models in the range of three to eight percent. The Tucson also has a new grille and new alloy wheels.
Finally, the Azera, Hyundai's luxury sedan, received updates to the passenger compartment and new wheels and grille in 2009. The suspension and steering system has also been redesigned for the new model.
Hyundai continues to have excellent reliability results with its 2009 line up. According to a recent Consumer Reports' study, Hyundai can compete with the best Japanese manufactures in the reliability stakes. Most of Hyundai's 2009 models scored average or better in the Consumer Reports' study. The only vehicle that did not was the Hyundai Entourage which received a below average rating.
In terms of safety, Hyundai, as all brands, has made improvements in 2009. However, overall the Hyundai models do not stand out for customers as being known for their excellent safety features and performance. One exception is the Hyundai Genesis. The Genesis was recently chosen for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick List. The vehicle received the highest rating possible in front, rear, and side impact crash tests. The Hyundai Genesis also received the coveted North American Car of the Year Award for 2009.
In summary, Hyundai has introduced three new vehicles into the US market for 2009. The brand has excellent reliability and is continuing to build its safety record with the improvements seen in the Hyundai Genesis. The Hyundai Genesis Is a rear-wheel-drive sedan that also one the Car of the Year Award.
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