Green Grandeur buyers stay in the black

An upgraded Grandeur with a diesel engine option is about to reach Hyundai showrooms. The front-wheel drive large car has been facelifted and gains extra equipment, but it's the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine option that will attract the most attention.

"The 2009 Grandeur offers unexpected luxury and high levels of standard equipment," says Ben Hershman, Hyundai's Senior Manager Product Communications and Public Relations. "Importantly, it becomes the only car in its class to offer diesel technology."

Hyundai says the Grandeur competes with Falcon and Commodore in the VFACTs Large car segment. With the diesel engine therefore, the Grandeur now provides buyers with a USP (unique selling proposition) in this class of car -- but how do you forecast sales for a car that is blazing a trail? Hyundai has priced the diesel Grandeur at $41,990 -- just $2000 above the price of the petrol-engined V6 variant.

For buyers, the added cost over the 3.8-litre petrol V6 variant ($39,990) will be offset by substantially lower fuel consumption -- the Grandeur CRDi diesel using just 7.9L/100km versus the 10.8L/100km recorded for the petrol Grandeur.

For torque, the diesel Grandeur approaches the 348Nm peak figure of the V6 variants, but the diesel's 343Nm occurs between 1800-2500rpm -- considerably lower than the 4500rpm speed where the petrol engine develops its peak torque. The petrol engine develops 194kW of power at 6000rpm, versus the diesel's 114kW at 4000rpm. Both engines drive through a five-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels.

Visually, all 2009 Grandeur variants can be identified by a revised radiator grille, chrome inserts in the bumpers, integrated indicators located in the exterior mirrors and a new style of 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the audio system has been upgraded to an eight-speaker JBL six-disc in-dash CD player with USB input and iPod compatibility. Other changes include blue interior illumination and a box of gloves for buyers of the Grandeur CRDi.

Hyundai has upgraded security by adding HALO (Hyundai's Active Locking Operation) to the Grandeur's standard specification. This is basically an auto-locking facility once the car is on the move and has reached a speed of 45km/h. The system is configured to unlock automatically upon the removal of the key from the ignition lock barrel or if a door is opened by one of the front-seat occupants.

A new colour palette has been specified and optional metallic or mica paint options will cost a further $375. Standard leather trim is available in either black or beige.

The warranty for the Grandeur covers the vehicle for five years and unlimited kilometres -- including any Hyundai accessories fitted -- and Hyundai provides a 12-month roadside assistance program also.

Here at the Carsales Network, we've driven the Grandeur oiler and can report that it is a refined and comfortable car that matches quiet urge with the smooth-shifting response of its five-speed automatic transmission.

Watch out for our launch review in coming days.

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