Hyundai Grandeur CRDi

13-January-2009

• Vital Stats
• Price 

  $41,990

• Safety       
• Eco-friendly       
• Economical         
• Runs on 

  Diesel 

• Parking         
• Storage           
• Boot 

  5 Sets of Golf Clubs - Huge! 

• Cupholders 

  4

• Comfort           

The Smooth Lines of the Grandeur CRDi

We test-drove the Grandeur CDi, the all-new diesel version, and found it to be incredibly stylish, comfortable and a responsive, solid performer on the road.

Our test drive took us from Sydney to Nambucca Heads, a lovely spot just south of Coffs Harbour. We got 1,000 kilometres of highway driving for a tank of diesel – for about $80. Not bad at all.

Let's start with the boot space on this car. It could definitely fit 5 sets of golf clubs. For our journey, we had a metre long eskie, which fit lengthwise! We also had golf clubs and other luggage. Easy, with room to spare.

The 2.2 litre CRDi is comparable to several mid-sized cars, but has many outstanding features not found with the others, including a larger engine and fuel tank, longer body and Hyundai's 5 year unlimited kilometre warranty –and now with unlimited kilometre roadside assistance.

Two wonderful features of this car are the automatic door mirrors dipping for reversing (very useful!). And the driver's seat comes equipped with several adjustments, and includes two driver settings, allowing you to reset your seat after the previous driver. Very smart.

Because this is a luxury model, there is leather upholstery with tasteful wood trim, and for music lovers like me, a kicking JBL sound system, 6-stacker CD player, 8 speakers, IPod and USB connectivity and an AUX input for audio.

Another nice feature is the rearview mirror tinting for those insensitive people who drive behind you with their high beams on!

Other features also rate highly, such as the lighted mirror on both the driver and passenger seats, electronic steering wheel adjustment, rear reading lights and reverse park alert – all very handy features..

I also liked the roominess – moreso than its competitors, the Grandeur offers extra headroom and width, making it – er – head and shoulders you could say, above its competitors. You could comfortably seat 5 on a road trip.

One thing I didn't like so much, was the initial idling sound of the diesel engine. But once it's in motion, it purrs.

The style of the Grandeur gets a solid rating. We definitely got some looks from passersby. Perhaps also because the branding is so understated, and that at first glance, the Grandeur can be mistaken for the new Mercedes-Benz CLK. A nice complement to Hyundai's design team!

Over all, we had a nice, smooth trip in the Grandeur. It's a great cruising car and excellent for family roadtrips . The diesel factor made it economical, and being mistaken for a Merc? Not so bad either!

Top marks to Hyundai!

For more information click here!

http://www.hyundai.com.au/Grandeur/default.aspx