Monday 7 December 2015

New Generation i20 Ushers in a Bright Hyundai Future

When the Hyundai i20 was first launched in South Africa it was not only an instant hit, but it literally forced the other car manufacturers in South Africa to acknowledge the new kid on the block. Now a few years down the line Hyundai has launched its New Generation i20 and thanks to its daring new design and advanced driving features Hyundai has shown the B-segment competition up all over again.
Looking Good and Driving Great
Just like the original Hyundai i20, this new generation i20 hatch has been designed by Hyundai's award winning European design team based in Rüsselsheim Germany. They have perfectly used the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy to create a breath-taking beauty that is ready to take on anything the South African roads can throw at it. Don’t believe us? Then take a look at these images below…


You can see for yourself that the Hyundai i20 New Generation has a much sportier look and thanks to a bigger airdam up front it literally looks like it is giving passers-by a cheeky grin as it wizzes past. At the rear the new boomerang-like taillights are also a style improvement and seem to add a little more sexiness that is usually only reserved for top level Italian cars.
The BIGGER New Generation Hyundai i20
Bigger most certainly means better in the new generation Hyundai i20 thanks to an increase in length of 45mm. This has added not only additional leg room, but also an improvement in the boot space to a very nifty 294-litres. The surprising thing here is however, despite being bigger than the previous generation of i20, this new generation i20 is lighter. Yes you read that correctly, thanks to an abundance of lightweight high-strength steel in the chassis Hyundai has managed to build a bigger car that weighs less but still provides improved torsional rigidity.
Smarter Interior and Lots of Next Generation 120 Features
There was very little wrong with the previous generation of i20’s interior, but this time around the Hyundai designers have excelled themselves. Take a look below to see what we mean…


More space, soft-touch plastics and more than a few style improvements have helped to make this one of the best looking vehicle on the inside in its class. In fact, many more expensive vehicles would be hard pressed to match the sheer good looks of this next generation i20 interior. But there is also more to this fabulous car than just good looks and comfort, it also comes standard with air conditioning, a CD/MP3/USB/Aux audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, remote central locking, front electric windows and electric exterior mirrors.
The New Generation i20 Price
At the time of going to press the new generation Hyundai i20 was available from Group 1 Hyundai, one of South Africa’s top automotive dealerships, at the following model specific new generation i20 price:

  • 2015 i20 1.2 Motion from R 195,900 or R 2,999pm*
  • 2015 i20 1.2 Fluid from R 206,400 or R 3,199pm*
  • 2015 i20 1.4 Fluid MT from R 219,400 or R 3,399pm*
  • 2015 i20 1.4 Fluid AT from R 229,400 or R 3,599pm*


*T&C’s Apply, Price Correct as at 05 November 2015

Friday 4 December 2015

2016 Hyundai IX35 Review

The first model IX35 SUV began to be produced in 2004. The first generation was produced from 2004 to 2009 and the second from 2009 to June 2015. In America, the IX35 sold under the name Tucson. The second-generation IX35 model presented to the public in 2009 in Frankfurt. At this year’s Geneva Motor Show was presented the third generation of the compact SUV Tucson 2016, which will replace the current IX35. Current IX35 will cease to be produced in June this year. There is information that Tucson will start in autumn 2016, immediately after the Motor Show and will feature, for the first time, the name Tucson globally.

2016 Hyundai IX35 side

2016 Hyundai IX35 – Exterior

The new 2016 Hyundai IX35 – Tucson will receive modern redesign and striking appearance than its predecessor. The front end will undergo major changes. It is expected accentuated hexagonal radiator grille with vertical slats and raised a “nose”. The new lights will be “borrowed” from the Sonata and Genesis models. 2016 Hyundai IX35-Tucson will have LED daytime running lights and fog lights. At the rear end of the car will be located thinner tail lights, lower bumper and redesigned tailgate. The new SUV Hyundai Tucson 2016 will share a platform with several models such as Hyundai i30, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Sorento. The new 2016 Hyundai ix35 will not exceed 6.5 cm and 3 cm wider than the current model. Wheelbase will be increased by about 3 cm. The result of this increase will be more space in the interior. The two rows of seats will comfortably accommodate 5 passengers.

2016 Hyundai IX35 – Interior

2016 Hyundai IX35 interior

The interior will be significantly enhanced in comparison to the outgoing model. It will pleasantly surprise you with a premium look and premium feel, soft materials and optional “Red Wine” leather. Expect more room, a larger trunk, front seats with heating and ventilation. A number of keys that were located on the instrument panel have been replaced by large-screen multimedia system. Dynamics and car control will be improved. The new 2016 Hyundai IX35 – 2016 Hyundai Tucson will have a telescopic steering wheel, which helps to not jeopardize the ability of the driver, regardless of terrain in which to run. There will be 5 various equipment packages, but will further raise the price of the vehicle. For the safety of passengers and drivers will take care of numerous systems such as: system of automatic braking in the event of a collision, the system helps the driver to stay in lane in which it moves, the detector other vehicles that are in the blind spot, the Smart Parking Assist.

2016 Hyundai IX35 – Engines
The new 2016 Hyundai IX35 – Tucson will offer the European market a range of five engines. Market America will be offered only two engines. Tucson Euro 6 engines will feature lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. Later versions are expected to fuel cell.
For the European market will be offered:

1) An aspirated 1.6 liter GDI petrol engine with 135 hp combined with a 6 – speed manual transmission.
2) Powerful turbo version of the engine of the same volume (1.6 liter) with 176 hp paired with an optional 7 – speed transmission with double clutch.
3) Diesel engine 1.7 liter CRDi with 115 hp and 6 – speed manual transmission.
4) Turbo diesel engine in two variants: 2.0 liter with 136 hp
5) 2.0 liter with 184 hp – a standard version with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 7-speed transmission with double clutch.

For the US market are offered only two engines: a 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter GDI engine.
This year in March at the Geneva Motor Show Hyundai introduced the Tucson 48V Hybrid. The drive system consists of a diesel engine with 136 hp which is paired with a 6-speed manually scholars and an electric motor that produces 14 hp. The total combined strength will be 150 hp and 413 Nm of torque. Emissions reduced to 109 g / km. Hyundai presented and plug – in hybrid model consisting of 1.7 liter diesel engine with 115 hp, with a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox and an electric motor with 68 hp, which transmits power to the rear wheels resulting in a 4×4. The total combined power systems will amount to 183 hp and 474 Nm of torque. C02 emissions will amount to just 48g / km.

As originally posted on: http://2016newbestcars.com/index.php/2015/05/24/2016-hyundai-ix35-review/

Friday 30 October 2015

The Top Gear car review: Hyundai i20


The new Hyundai i20 has been drawing some much deserved attention in the market. Read this review found on www.topgear.com.

WHAT WE SAY: “ Impressive follow-up to the mediocre original. The all-new i20 may have the competition worried. ’’




WHAT IS IT?


It’s Hyundai’s new-generation i20. The previous model was a decidedly average car that surfed into the marketplace on a wave of scrappage scheme trade-ins. Its replacement is a far more style and quality-led product, and while it still represents decent value for money, saving cash is no longer its number one priority. This is Hyundai getting serious about the supermini sector.

DRIVING
Comfort and ease-of-use are the key factors here. The ride is soft (though it’s occasionally perturbed by more broken roads) and the handling balance safe, though its body control is very well managed and it displays talent on twistier roads. It’s not fun or feisty like a Fiesta, though.
The initial engine range consists of three naturally aspirated petrol and two turbodiesel engines, with 85 per cent of i20s expected to sell with petrol power. The 99bhp 1.4-litre is the one to have, as it’s the most potent, but in truth they’re all a little uninspiring and need revs to unleash their tame performance. The upcoming 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol will likely be the pick of the range when it arrives.
Of the diesels, a 75bhp 1.1-litre is most interesting. Not for its pace, which could be politely described as lethargic, but for its claimed 88.3mpg and 84g/km CO2. It’s a remarkably civilised engine once you’re eventually up to speed, and it cruises well. It’s punchy through town, too, if you can tolerate its narrow powerband and aren’t immune to frequent gear changes. Inevitably it’s rather rattly in congested traffic, though.

ON THE INSIDE


Hyundai appears to have been eyeing up the Polo when penning the i20, and nowhere is this more obvious than inside. This car gets closer to VW’s ergonomic slickness than the Fiesta or Corsa, with everything operating in a simple and pleasing manner. The materials largely feel good too, and are a world away from budget Hyundai offerings of a generation or two ago. There’s little to excite, but it’s a mature and grown-up place to sit.

OWNING

Insurance groups are low and everything but the 1.4 petrol dips below 120g/km, while Hyundai offers a five-year unlimited mileage warranty (Kia’s is seven years, but it’s capped to 100,000 miles). Price-wise, Hyundais aren’t the bargain they used to be, and they are pitched closer to more established rivals than ever before. That’s echoed in talents and spec levels, though, and the i20 justifies its cost. The SE model gets 16-inch alloys, Bluetooth and parking sensors, and comes in around £1,000 less than an equivalent Polo, which still edges it for more superficial appeal.


HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE RANGE



Title0–62CO2MPGBHPPrice
THE FASTEST
1.4 Premium 5dr
11.6s127g/km51.4100£14,570
THE CHEAPEST
1.2 Classic 3dr
12.7s114g/km57.684£10,125
THE GREENEST
1.1 CRDi Blue S 5dr
16.0s84g/km88.375£12,690

Monday 26 October 2015

Hyundai i-Series: The Car of Your Life





It it one of the most common cliches used in car advertising, but there is a reason why the adage that ‘life's a journey’ is so apt when it comes to cars. Quite simply because it is true. And like any journey, as you go through life you might not be the same person at each stage of the journey and chances are wherever you are going you are going to need a car to get you there. There are few cars out there that keep up with your lifestyle as well as the Hyundai i-series.

You are young, just starting out on life’s adventures. Chances are that you have been working part time jobs for a few years a ready building up a little bit of extra cash and now with your 18th ooming up you are looking, with the help of your parents if you are lucky, for a car that will be able to get you to college and back. Maybe good for going on short road trips with the friends or travelling back to visit the family at the end of term. So what car do you get? The Hyundai i10 of course - light on fuel, easy to look after and with enough safety features to keep the parents happy. Thankfully it is also popular enough throughout South Africa that there are enough second hand ones out there for you to pick up cheaply.

As you get into your twenties however, you are going to be wanting something a little bigger and more impressive - you have more responsibilities and a better cash flow. It’s time to upgrade to the Hyundai i20. It is more spacious and better suited to a couple - the increased boot space makes shopping easier and now if you are going to go together to visit the family for friends, you don’t have to worry about packing plenty of presents and extras to take with you. Being in your twenties you might have more expectations than a sound system - the i20 comes with parking cameras and even an option bike rack for the more adventurous.

Towards the end of your twenties and the start of your thirties you’ll be looking for something much bigger and safer - the start of your family cars. The Hyundai i30 has plenty of interior space and safety features to keep your young family safe. Aside from making taking the kids to school effortless, the various optional extras, the Executive, Adventure and Family packs, all ensures that your i30 keeps up with your lifestyle.

But where do you go after the i30? With a growing family and plenty of dogs that all need to taken everywhere, you don’t exactly want them climbing on the back seat anymore? Meet the Hyundai i40, Hyundai’s family estate (or station wagon) that is the perfect family car for your 40s. Sadly not available in SA yet, but fingers crossed.

What next? Who knows, but for the first four decades of your driving life isn’t it nice to know that there is an i-series Hyundai that will keep you company. So, whether you have to choose a Hyundai i20 vs Hyundai i30, or a Hyundai i10...you will be making a good choice either way!

Originally post on: SA Hyundai Owners

Tuesday 22 September 2015

The Most Fuel Efficient Cars of 2015

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Nothing great lasts for ever and even though the the oil price is at one of the lowest prices in years, we are still bracing themselves for the inevitable swing back to the horrors of 2008 when prices hit $145 a barrel. Fortunately most car manufacturers are creating some of the most fuel efficient cars that we have ever seen.

For most South Africans the sky high prices of petrol and diesel  in 2008 meant the end of long pleasure drives, road trips and even a rethink of how we got to work in the morning, but it also meant that we had to completely rethink the way in which we bought cars. Almost overnight we became virtually obsessed with the the efficiency and CO2 emissions of our cars. Manufacturers followed suit and now we are spoiled with a choice of great fuel efficient vehicles. We took a quick look at some of the best and most exciting fuel efficient vehicles of 2015:

Skoda Fabia 1.4TDi - 3.4 l/100kms

With such an amazing claimed fuel economy, it is a huge pity that Skoda is not available in South Africa. Although personally I am little disappointed by the looks of the Fabia and reports of a much lower actual fuel economy. Nevertheless, this would still be a great option for fuel conscious drivers who are looking for great value for money.

Hyundai i20 1.4 CRDi - 4.1 l/100kms

Hyundai has come a long way since ten years ago and has now firmly positioned itself in the South African market as one of the leading manufacturers and designers. A great example of one of the most fuel efficient cars is the Hyundai i20 1.4 CRDi. It is also a great example of how within the space of a few models, a car can go from average to amazing. If you are looking for something similar but a little cheaper, try the Hyundai i20 1.1 CRDi. While it might not be as fuel efficient, it is pretty close. When it comes to actual economy, the Hyundai i20 is also one of the few that actually comes close in real world driving.

Seat Leon ST 2.0 TDI FR - 4.3 l/100kms

You wouldn’t expect a sporty station wagon to be this efficient, but Seat has managed to create something that is not only beautiful, but powerful enough to satisfy most of your thrill driving needs. Spacious and comfortable, this is a great all round vehicle - just keep in mind that this is a family vehicle before you turn the key!

Peugeot 208 1.6 BlueHDi  - 3 l/100kms under controlled conditions

Having recently set records for fuel economy under controlled conditions, this 208 is seriously good when it comes to fuel economy. While it might not have a lot of power and costs a little more than many other models, it is worth it when it comes to fuel conscious driving.

Hyundai i30 1.6-litre CRDi Blue Drive - 3.9 l/100kms

Sadly another amazing vehicle that we don’t have yet in South Africa, this i30 features some of the latest of Hyundai’s diesel technology to ensure maximum fuel economy. While the i30 petrol models might be as comfortable, they are not as economical but pretty close. The Hyundai i30 petrol models are currently available at Group 1 Hyundai.

While these are just some of the most fuel efficient cars currently available on the market, we can’t wait to see how they are going to improve for next year.

Friday 28 August 2015

4 Safety Tips for Night Driving



Wintertime brings various driving challenges, from wet, rainy conditions to wind, ice and snow. One factor you might not think about, though, is the length of the nights. The shorter days of winter mean there are more hours of darkness, and that translates to more driving time in the dark. Help ensure that you’re traveling safely on winter’s darker roads by following these safety tips for night driving.

Are you a safe driver? Hone Your Vision

Our pupils dilate in the dark, and our eyesight tends to detect lights and movement rather than the color and sharp details that we recognize during the day, according to experts. Consequently, our depth perception isn’t as keen at night, and our eyes may be more prone to become dry or tired because we tend to concentrate more and blink less.
With these physiological factors in mind, there are a few things you can do to make nighttime treks less treacherous. Eye doctors typically recommend scanning the road and keeping your eyes moving instead of concentrating all your vision on one area.
It’s also important to understand what you’re seeing. For example, if you’re traveling through a rural area that’s packed with deer, raccoons or other wildlife, two small, bright dots may be animal eyes in the distance ahead. Avoid hitting an animal by looking for reflections of your headlights in its eyes, which should be visible well before you can see the entire animal.
Make sure you’re getting your vision checked regularly, too. The American Optometric Association recommends getting your eyes checked every two years if you’re 18 to 60 years old, and annually after that.

Lighten Up

At night, the lights around you can work against you just as much as they work for you. Make sure that your headlights are aimed properly, since misaligned headlights can negatively impact your visibility and blind other motorists, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Driving at dusk also poses greater risks than you might expect, since your eyes have to continually adjust as night falls. If the lights on your dashboard are on their brightest setting, it may  take a toll on your forward visibility. Dim your interior lights so that they are visible, but not distracting. That way, it will be easy for your eyes to adjust to the lights on the road ahead.
By the same token, avoid staring at headlights from oncoming traffic and other bright lights out on the road. It’s easy to get distracted by the high beams of a tall truck, or the glare coming off of an illuminated billboard. If you’re blinded by oncoming traffic, look toward the right edge of the road and steer along its path until you can see clearly again, the NSC suggests. If you are unsure whether your headlight settings are 100%, pop into a reputable motor dealer that is known for attention to detail, such as Group 1 Hyundai and have them help you.

Keep it Clean

Make sure that your headlights, taillights and turn signals are clean (and of course, clear of ice and snow), and ensure that your mirrors are also clean and properly adjusted. This can help maximize your ability to see what’s going on around you. Additionally, cleaning your windshield and windows with newspaper will help remove streaks that compromise your visibility at night, according to Popular Mechanics. Once your windows are clean, try to avoid touching them or wiping them off with your bare hand, since your skin’s oil can smear and create a glare when light shines in. Instead, keep a clean cloth in your glove box or center console, so you’ll have it handy when your windshield needs cleaning.

Stay Alert

It should go without saying, but distracted driving should always be avoided. Stop to stretch your legs and get food if you’re on a long trip, and if you’re tired, make sure you get some rest before heading back out on the road. It can be hard to judge how fast a car is traveling or how far away it is at night, so slow down and make sure that you are following other vehicles at a safe distance. Be mindful of other drivers, and switch to your low beams if there’s oncoming traffic or if you’re following another vehicle.
Whether it’s just after dusk, or right before dawn, these tips can help you take back the night.

South African roads in particular can be extra dangerous at night, so whether you drive a Nissan, Hyundai or a BMW, take note of these tips and be safe!

Sources : Article : http://blog.allstate.com/4-safety-tips-for-night-driving/

Tires Can Wear Out Even If They Haven’t Gone Very Far


I recently had a conversation with Johan Jooste – dealer principal of a prime motor dealership, Group 1 Hyundai in South Africa. South Africa is known for its potholes and dangerous roads. We started talking about his experiences with clients buying used tyres – hence me sharing this article with you. Great advice!
If you must buy used tires to outfit your vehicle, there are some important points to consider before you take the plunge.

A tire begins to diminish the moment it leaves the assembly line. Its first hundred miles is the best it will offer and it’s downhill from there. Between six and 10 years, its rubber and internal components will begin to get the tire equivalent of hardening of the arteries, often called dry rot. Tires are like humans that way: They can degrade and weaken even if they haven’t gone very far or done much. Prime example: your grandmother’s 9-year-old car may only have 10,000 miles on the odometer, but it needs new tires.

Tire Age

The tire industry argues that it’s nearly impossible to accurately determine age-related damage. That’s because a tire that waits for its first owner in a carefully climate-controlled tire-company storage warehouse is in something like suspended animation. However, one left in the sun on display may be almost worn out inside before it’s mounted on a vehicle. And the ones I put in the cool crawl space under my house in garbage bags are somewhere in between. Still, some tire companies recommend tires that have been in service for 10 years be replaced.

Testing with a match

You can measure safety by using a regular five-centimetre match, which has a 3 – 4-millimetre sulphur tip. The tip should disappear from sight when the match is placed into the groove. Test at several points around the tyre. If the sulphur remains visible, the tread is not safe for winter driving. We recommend a minimum groove depth of 4 millimetres.

History

While there is no way to track the history of a used tire, it’s safe to assume the used tires likely was driven under inflated. Also, a used tire could have suffered significant damage from a pothole, been repaired improperly, or permanently damaged when being dismounted. Make sure to have the used tire properly inspected by a tire professional before purchase and installation.

If you’ve just acquired a used car and face otherwise untraceable issues with tire wear, handling, excessive noise or the like, check to make sure all four tires were produced at the same plant at about the same time. It’s ideal if the reference numbers of the tyres are identical on all four tires and, if applicable, the spare.
Tire companies, like the manufacturers of just about every other product, often make changes during production runs and sometimes produce the same product in multiple plants. A tire made a couple of years after — or in a different plant than — its otherwise visually identical sibling may have subtle but important differences.

Remember to check your spare tire. (You may find you don’t have one!) It’s possible to have a spare that’s never touched the ground but is so old that it should be thrown away. And finally, to ensure your tires are properly inflated, we suggests you check the tire pressure of all your tires (even the spare) monthly.


Sources: Article : http://blog.allstate.com/tires-can-wear/

How to wash your Hyundai like the experts



We all know you love your Hyundai -  so why not take the best possible care of it?
Let’s start with the tools you’ll need to do the best job of washing your Hyundai vehicle, all of which can be purchased from a reputable DIY or car supply store.

For the engine:
  • Engine room cleaner
  • Cleaning towels or an Air Gun (if you have one)
For the interior:
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Cleaning towels
  • Interior-specific surface cleaner

For the exterior:
  • Car wash soap (not household detergents).
  • Buckets
  • Sponges
  • A big paintbrush
  • Cleaning towels

Then, carefully follow these six simple steps:


Step 1: Clean the engine
  • For safety when cleaning the electrical components of your Hyundai, we recommend waterless washing
  • Spray the cleaner onto the engine and then wait for a while
  • Blow the engine cleaner off with an air gun OR wipe it away with cleaning towels

Step 2: Clean the interior
  • Remove valuables and carpets from the car’s interior
  • Vacuum the floors, floor mats, seats and all compartments
  • Also vacuum the door panels and the console
  • Wipe all surfaces and clean all vents with your paintbrush

Step 3: Rinse the exterior before a wash
  • Rinse the car’s exterior to remove all the large dirt particles first.

Step 4: Soap wash
  • Fill a bucket with car wash soap and warm water.
  • Using a wet wash cloth, clean the body of the car.

Step 5: Rinse soap away
  • Rinse the car with water until it is soap-free.
  • Do a final rinse if you’re not sure all the soap is gone.

Step 6: Dry and polish
  • Dry the car with a clean chamois cloth.
  • Only wipe the windscreen from left to right.
  • Then, apply tyre polish.

Pro tip: There are often sets of 4 and 2 in cars (tyres and side mirrors, for example). Clean things in sets, and you’ll save yourself some time.

Conclusion:
At Hyundai, we like to be thorough in everything we do – from perfecting our vehicle designs to manufacturing the tiniest car parts to the highest standard.
It’s why we’ve also added the following car-washing tips, so that you can wash your Hyundai thoroughly and safely, while still keeping it in perfect condition.
  • Always ensure that electrical extension cords are kept at a distance to avoid electrocution.
  • Try to use a washcloth instead of a sponge. Sponges have a habit of picking up granular dirt that can scratch your car.
  • Clean you washcloth after every wash.
  • After application, ensure that car soaps and cleaning liquids are removed prior to drying – dried soaps and cleaning material and soaps can cause damage to paint work.

Happy car washing.

Article submitted by Group 1 Hyundai, 450 16th Road, Randjespark, Midrand, Johannesburg
Source: Article and image : http://www.hyundai.co.za/hyundai-world/News/carwash/