Car News and Reviews

Automotive research and Autopacific firm announced that four Hyundai vehicles were awarded four awards in four different vehicle segments.
AutoPacific’s awards were based mainly on how the vehicles meet their owners expectation and criteria. The “ideal” title for each segment was bagged by vehicles that the owners want to change the least. To determine the winners, Auto Pacific asked the vehicle owners on how their vehicles become “ideal” in terms of: exterior size; passenger roominess; cargo space; driver’s seat comfort; driver’s seat visibility; interior technology; power; ease of getting in and out; interior storage compartments; and tires and wheels.

The awards and the car that received are as follows:

Hyundai Sonata (Most Ideal Premium Mid-Size Car)

New SE model features standard 17-inch wheels and tires and powered by a 234 hp. 3.3 liter V-6 engine. The new top-of-the-line Limited model features a new chrome grille and an optional Infinity® premium CD changer audio system. It had also achieved a five star crash safety rating. Added to its paint choices for the 2007 model year are Dark Cherry Red and Natural Khaki. A black leather interior is optional on the limited trim. An XM® satellite radio is standard. Its Engines now meet Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (LEV-II ULEV) with improved steering wheel audio controls.

Hyundai Elantra (Most Ideal Compact Car)

The Elantra comes in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels. Dropping the previous generation’s vaguely European styling, the new Elantra adopts a taller, curvier look. It can seat up to five, but the Elantra is more comfortable with four. The back seats offer ample hip room and adequate legroom. The Elantra’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 138 horsepower. Buyers have a choice between five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission ($1000) for each trim level. Standard four wheel disc anti lock brakes bring things to a stop.

Hyundai Tucson (Most Ideal Compact Crossover SUV)

Hyundai Tucson has two new trim-level designations GLS and SE for the 2007 model year. New Platinum Silver replaces Sahara Silver as an exterior color choice give its sleek look with two new exterior color options available Brilliant Copper and Dark Titanium Gray. It is also installed with Dual-mode trip computers standard on SE and Limited models. The audio system had been updated with a digital tuner and improved display and controls standard on SE and Limited models. For better entertainment, there is an enhanced CD changer audio system including MP3 capability available on SE and Limited models. It is powered by a refined 2.7-liter V6 engine. This Delta-series engine has an aluminum block and cylinder heads to keep weight down, while four-valve combustion chambers and dual overhead camshafts ensure plenty of performance.

Hyundai Entourage (Most Ideal Minivan)

Entourage is the first vehicle with the Hyundai Hideaway™ third-row seat, a simple-to-use 60/40 split fold-into-the floor seat offering flexibility for up to seven passengers. At 202 inches long and 78.1 inches wide, the new Entourage is truly full-size. In fact, these larger dimensions and efficient packaging deliver an interior volume of 172 cubic feet. Entourage’s modern all-aluminum 3.8-liter DOHC 24-valve standard V6 engine produces 250 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft. of torque placing it at the top of the minivan segment.
Hyundai packed the all-new Entourage with the industry’s most effective safety technologies, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), anti-whiplash active front head restraints and six airbags including side air curtains, which help protect occupants in all three rows during side impacts.