Exams, Exams, Exams

To put a long story short, exams are commencing for me this week. Some of you readers might know that I'm a Grade 8 student currently. For others, surprise! As a student who aims to improve on every aspects of his life (school, TheCarBlogger, etc.), I will be studying throughout this week and partly next week. The first exam starts this Monday, and the final exam will be held on Tuesday, June 10.

Final exams are worth considerably for the term average of students. Thus, I will post less this week due to the event and I would like to make a sincere apology to those who visit TheCarBlogger daily. Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget that the stream of posts will kick off again next Tuesday.

William Lee
Editor-in-Chief: TheCarBlogger

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Hyundai i10 scores 4 stars at EuroNCAP

Hyundai i10 has scored 4-star crash rating in the Euro NCAP safety ratings. Hyundai’s new subcompact failed to achieve the highest 5-star rating, but this is still on par with it’s main European rival, Renault Twingo.

For the frontal impact test, the passenger compartment remained stable in the impact. Protection of the driver’s chest was rated as weak owing to the extent to which it was compressed during the test. Structures in the dashboard presented a risk of injury to the knees and femurs of the front seat passengers.

For child protection, the i10 scored maximum points for its protection of the 3 year dummy. The passenger airbag can be deactivated by means of a switch, allowing a rearward-facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. However, information provdided to the driver regarding the status of the airbag is not sufficiently clear. No clear warning is given of the dangers of using a rearward facing child seat in that seat without first disabling the airbag.

The Hyundai i10 is already on sale in Europe.

[Source: EuroNCAP]

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Kia Sorento is Top Ranking Midsize SUV by AutoPacific

The 2008 Kia Sorento is the top ranking midsize SUV in AutoPacific's 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. In this segment, the Sorento received a higher rating than the Hummer H3, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Nitro and Nissan Xterra.

"Sorento's recognition by AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Awards shows that you don't have to spend a lot to be satisfied with your new vehicle purchase," said Tom Loveless, vice president, sales of Kia Motors America (KMA). "In these difficult economic times, it is good to know that you can still purchase an SUV with great amenities, options and standard safety features, and be satisfied with your decision."

The 2008 VSA are based on survey responses from more than 34,000 vehicle owners who purchased a new 2008 model year car or truck between September and December 2007. Respondents rate 46 attributes for importance in the purchase decision and satisfaction after purchase.

[Source: Kia]

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UK: Hyundai appoints new marketing director

Hyundai has appointed Andrew Cullis as its new UK marketing director.

Cullis has more than 18 years experience in the motor industry, encompassing a range of roles, and will be responsible for implementing the Korean brand's marketing strategy in the UK. He joins Hyundai from Citroen, where he was head of product and brand strategy and he previously held various posts at Vauxhall Motors over a 16 year period.

"I am delighted to be joining Hyundai, the world's sixth largest car manufacturer, at a pivotal point of its development here in the UK and across the world," said Cullis.

[Source: Motor Trader]

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Hyundai i30 heading to China

To reach this year’s production and sales targets, Beijing Hyundai has decided to produce another new model of Hyundai in addition to the Elantra in the second half of 2008. Sources said that the Hyundai i30 will be made in the second plant of the joint venture later this year.

When its construction is completed later this year, the second plant of Beijing Hyundai will have an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles. Hyundai aims to sell 100,000 Elantra units in 2008, thus meaning the new plant’s capacity will be used for the production of a new C-segment Hyundai.

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Korea: Six months waiting list for Kia Morning

As prices at the pump rise, tiny cars known as subcompacts have grown ever more popular in Korea. Through April this year, Kia Motors has sold over 33,000 units of the Morning (Picanto). That’s a growth of 300 percent from the same period last year. Kia says the fuel-efficient subcompact car has been so popular that it has over 32,000 units on back order, meaning a wait of up to six months for many buyers.

GM Daewoo’s Matiz has also seen a steady rise in sales with more than 5,000 of the cars sold since March and another 5,000 on back order. The two models are currently the only subcompacts made by Korean automakers for domestic sale, putting demand far above supply.

[Source: Chosun Ilbo]

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Priced: Hyundai Genesis V6 starts at $33K , V8 at $38K

Hyundai Motor America has announced prices for its new flagship, the all-new Genesis sports sedan, starting at $33,000 for a well-equipped 290-horsepower V6 and $38,000 for the 375-horsepower V8 model.

While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Lexus ES, Chrysler 300 and Cadillac CTS, Genesis’ performance capabilities and luxury features are comparable to sedans costing tens of thousands of dollars more. With base prices of $33,000 for a well-equipped 3.8-liter V6, and $38,000 for a 4.6-liter V8, Genesis makes a premium driving experience accessible to a wide range of customers. Genesis goes on sale at Hyundai dealerships in July, delivering the kind of value equation American car buyers have come to expect from Hyundai.

NOTE: The above is an excerpt from the press release

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading to view the full press release.

PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI ANNOUNCES ALL-NEW FLAGSHIP GENESIS SEDAN PRICING

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIF., 05/28/2008 Hyundai Motor America has announced prices for its new flagship, the all-new Genesis sports sedan, starting at $33,000 for a well-equipped 290-horsepower V6 and $38,000 for the 375-horsepower V8 model.

“When we first showed the production Genesis earlier this year, we committed to deliver the interior package of flagship European luxury sedans, world-class driving dynamics, and pricing comparable to entry-level premium brand vehicles,” said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America “Today, we’re delivering on a key part of that commitment, with a very well-equipped Genesis sedan priced below the most basic Infiniti G35 or BMW 3-Series.”

While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Lexus ES, Chrysler 300 and Cadillac CTS, Genesis’ performance capabilities and luxury features are comparable to sedans costing tens of thousands of dollars more. With base prices of $33,000 for a well-equipped 3.8-liter V6, and $38,000 for a 4.6-liter V8, Genesis makes a premium driving experience accessible to a wide range of customers. Genesis goes on sale at Hyundai dealerships in July, delivering the kind of value equation American car buyers have come to expect from Hyundai.

Genesis is built on Hyundai’s all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture, with an advanced five-link suspension at all four corners. It offers two powertrains, the 290-horsepower Lambda 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission, and Hyundai’s all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a ZF six-speed automatic transmission. Both deliver outstanding fuel economy. The Tau produces 375 horsepower using premium fuel and 368 horsepower using regular unleaded, leading all competitors in specific output (horsepower per liter), while also outperforming all V8 performance sedans with a projected fuel economy estimate of 17 city/25 highway. Genesis 3.8 achieves EPA fuel economy estimates of 18 city/27 highway, which outperforms the V6 engines in many smaller, mid-size cars (e.g., Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion) on the highway. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, Genesis showcases features such as XM NavTraffic, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Lexicon® audio systems and electronic active head restraints.

Genesis 3.8 – Standard Equipment

All Genesis 3.8 models come very well-equipped, including a 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine, Aisin six-speed automatic transmission with ShiftronicTM, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and 17-inch alloy wheels with P225/55R17 tires. Additional standard equipment includes advanced front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags, roof-mounted side curtain airbags, electronic front head restraints, fog lamps, automatic headlights, dual power heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, leather seating surfaces with heated front seats, power seats, cruise control, Hyundai’s signature white and blue interior lighting with electroluminescent cluster, proximity entry with electric push button start, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls, dual front fully automatic HVAC, electrochromic auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with Homelink and compass, AM/FM/CD/MP3/XM (3-month subscription) with iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth and floor mats.

Genesis 4.6 – Standard Equipment

The Genesis 4.6 builds on the standard equipment found on the Genesis 3.8, adding a 4.6-liter DOHC V8, ZF six-speed automatic transmission, unique 18-inch hyper-silver alloy wheels with P235/50R18-inch tires, chrome lower bodyside moldings, ultra-premium leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped dash and door trim inserts, power glass sunroof with tilt and slide, power tilt and telescopic steering column, integrated memory system, Lexicon 15-speaker surround sound audio system, six-disc CD changer, illuminated scuff plates, wood-trimmed leather steering wheel, electrochromic auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with Homelink and compass, power rear sunshade and rain-sensing wipers with auto defogger windshield.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 790 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

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