Hyundai i20 receives 5-stars in Euro NCAP crash tests

The Hyundai i20 has been awarded the maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP, after the first round of tests using the organization's new rating system. Setting a new standard in the supermini segment, the Hyundai i20 five-door model scored exceptionally well in all four categories assessed - adult occupancy, child protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist.

The i20 scored 88 per cent in the adult occupant protection tests, including the new whiplash assessment. Also, it scored an impressive six out of a maximum seven points in the 'safety assist' category, receiving top marks for its seatbelt reminder and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). The supermini also scored 41 out of 49 points in the child protection tests, which puts the car ahead of even larger cars such the Vauxhall Insignia and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Allan Rushforth, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe, stated "This is a proud moment for Hyundai. The i20's five-star rating is recognition of our commitment to providing customers with superior quality and top-class safety. Across our range we offer exceptional levels of life-saving equipment as standard, and we continue to research and develop new ways to protect drivers and occupants of Hyundai cars."

[Source: CarPages.co.uk]

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Korea: Kia unveils facelifted Opirus Premium

Kia Motors has unveiled the Opirus Premium at its flagship showroom in Seoul, South Korea today. The Opirus Premium marks the second facelift since the car's debut in 2003 and a substantial revision in 2006. The automaker's flagship sedan receives both cosmetic and mechanical upgrades for this facelift.

Outside, the Opirus Premium receives a plethora of changes including the new, corporate, "tiger-tooth" grille and a revised front bumper. A revised rear fascia includes a pair of redesigned dual exhausts and new LED taillights. Larger chrome-accented 18-inch alloy wheels, body chrome molding, and LED front/side mirror/rear turn signals round up the exterior upgrades.

The Opirus Premium also gains a host of new interior upgrades including perforated cooled leather seats, cabin mood lighting, available high-gloss piano black trim, and a 3.5-inch color TFT-LCD infoscreen in the dashboard cluster also found in the Equus.

Under the hood, the big change for this revision is a new 6-speed automatic transmission. It is mated to an array of available engines, all of which gain power and fuel efficiency. The 3.3L Lambda V6 now produces 259 horsepower, a 4.9 percent raise, and a 2.2 percent improvement in torque. Its fuel economy is now rated at 10.1 km/L, a staggering 12.2 percent improvement. The more potent 3.8L Lambda V6 churns out 284 horses, while a 2.7L V6 produces 195 horsepower.

The Opirus Premium goes on sale today in South Korea. Prices range from 34.51 million Won for a base GH270 trim, to 54.53 million Won for the range-topping GH380 trim. There are no reports on whether the revision will carry over to North America.

[Source: Kia]

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UK: Hyundai finding success in scrappage scheme

Hyundai Motor U.K. has announced that its dealers have taken 4,000 deposits on new cars during the first week of the apparently successful scrappage scheme in Britain. During the week, dealers even saw a selection of luxury clunkers being traded in including a Jaguar XJ-S (pictured) for an i10 and an XJ6 for an i20. The brand also claimed dealers traded in 34 BMWs, 22 Audis and 32 Mercedes cars and vans. Customers also traded in six Mazda MX-5s, seven MGFs and several Saabs.

Hyundai said total customer orders and deposits during the week reached 5,200. The most common cars to be traded in were the Nissan Micra, over 200, and the Ford Escort with 126.

"We're geared up for scrappage. We took a risk and ordered 3,000 i10s and i20s before the scheme was finalised. We have a boat in this week with another 800 models and another one coming soon so there's no shortage," said a spokesman.

[Source: Motor Trader]

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US: Hyundai and Kia on track to meet 2016 fuel standards

Hyundai and Kia are expected to meet new U.S. fuel economy standards by the end of 2015, according to a company document seen on Thursday.

The U.S. government, under the Obama administration, has recently announced tougher fuel economy standards, which will require passenger vehicles sold in America to achieve at least 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. This has been imposed in order to cut carbon emissions and reduce gasoline consumption.

According to an internal document, Hyundai and Kia plan to increase average fuel economy of their passenger vehicles for U.S. exports to 30 miles per gallon in 2010, 31.5 in 2012 and 35 in 2015, compared with 28.7 in 2007. As part of their plan to embrace the new standards, Hyundai plans to introduce its first gas-electric hybrid version of the Sonata in the U.S. next year. The Sonata Hybrid will use the industry's first lithium polymer battery, developed by LG Chem. LG Chem is also the battery supplier for the upcoming Chevrolet Volt.

[Source: Trading Markets]

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Hyundai named Rising Star of 2009 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

Hyundai announced yesterday that it was named the Rising Star of 2009 by the U.S.-based auto industry consulting firm AutoPacific. In this year's edition of AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Awards, Hyundai was named the Rising Star as it received higher scores in 40 of the 48 rating categories in the survey compared to last year.

The survey asked 25,000 motorists who purchased new vehicles between September and December last year questions in 48 categories including performance, safety and comfort.

Aside from being named this year's rising star, the company won two segment awards. The 2009 Genesis won the award for the Aspirational Luxury Car segment, while the Sonata topped the premium mid-sized category. With three awards in total, Hyundai Kia Automotive Group ranked third in terms of the number of awards received.

[Source: Hyundai]

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Kia Sportage Receives Top Ranking in AutoPacific 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

Kia Motors America, Inc. (KMA) today announced the 2009 Kia Sportage compact SUV topped the compact crossover SUV category in the AutoPacific 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA). The AutoPacific VSA is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new car or light truck, and reflects the opinions of consumers nationwide. Sportage was recognized above other vehicles in the segment for offering superior value and satisfaction.

"Sportage, a staple in the Kia Motors lineup since the brand's inception, offers a high level of value and amenities to those looking for a low-cost option in the SUV segment, and buyers recognize that," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "We take special pride in this recognition as it is a direct reflection of consumer satisfaction and further proof that our commitment to offering vehicles with a superior blend of value, safety and convenience features is resonating with new car buyers."

The AutoPacific VSA establishes numerical satisfaction ratings for the majority of cars and light trucks in the North American market. Owner satisfaction is measured across 48 categories relating to specific areas of a vehicle's operation, comfort, safety and overall purchase or lease experience. The 2009 ratings reflect input from more than 25,000 buyers and lessees of new vehicles acquired September through December 2008.

[Source: Kia]

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VIDEO: "Hee-un-die" iLoad commercial in Australia

Brilliant, as the folks at CarAdvice tout. You have to love the Aussie accent at its best. Enjoy, and for the folks in Canada, enjoy your long Victoria Day weekend as well. I know I am.

[Source: CarAdvice.com.au]

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