Hyundai Grandeur/Azera HG

In one episode of the KBS Action Drama, The Fugitive Plan B, in order to escape Jiwoo and Jini from the goons, they need a getaway car, and the getaway car Jiwoo and Jini unveiled was none other than the fifth-generation Hyundai Grandeur (Azera in some markets) HG. It is a shocker why the new Grandeur made a surprise appearance on The Fugitive Plan B, but now you can reminsce Jiwoo's escape because the new Hyundai Grandeur HG was unveiled on January 13, 2011!

2012 Hyundai Grandeur

Dubbed as 5G Grandeur (5G stands for fifth-generation), Hyundai's legendary premium medium-sized sedan is now evolved into the most sophisticated luxury medium-sized premium sedan since the first one debuted in 1986, then the second one in 1992, following with the Grandeur XG in 1998, and the previous Grandeur TG in 2005. For 25 years, the Grandeur will forever be known as the "Crown of South Korea" because of its historical events and this 5G Grandeur is the ultimate in the history of Grandeur-ism. Possible rivals can be the Kia K7, Nissan Fuga, Toyota Mark X, Nissan Teana, Audi A6, Toyota Crown, BMW 5-Series, or even the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

2012 Hyundai Grandeur interior

With Hyundai's trademark design, Fluidic Sculpture, as seen on the Tucson iX, YF Sonata, Avante/Elantra MD, and the Accent RB, the new 5G Grandeur achieved the best design flow that brings its Kia K7 cousin to shame. Looking at the front, it looks like an enlarged version of the YF Sonata's front. On the rear view, the rear lamps shaped like the Maserati GranTurismo, Subaru Impreza Hatchback, and the seventh-generation Mitsubishi Galant combined. The design of the new Grandeur is just one of the reasons why this premium sedan would be called the perfect Korean sedan. On the interior, hospitality comes standard because the new Grandeur is fully loaded with luxurious conveniences both the driver and the passenger, such as premium NAPPA leather seats, information display, optional navigation system, premium audio system, heated seats, climate control, and some of the features that leaves them saying "what is hospitality in Korean?"

As an eco-car, the new Grandeur is outfitted with two Gasoline Direct injection (GDi) engines available for the South Korean market. First is the entry level Theta II GDi 2.4-litre engine (found on the YF Sonata) that produces a power output of 201 PS and the fuel economy of 12.8km/L while the flagship model is armed with the all new Lambda II GDi 3.0-litre engine that produces a majestic 270 PS of power output while fuel economy is at the modest 11.6km/L. Two GDi engines are offered on the 5G Grandeur but which of these is their pick? The GDi 2.4-litre variant is made for eco-car lovers while the GDi 3.0-litre variant is made for power-seekers. Both of these are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

For safety, the 5G Grandeur comes with Vehicle Dynamic Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Emergency Stop Signal, Smart Parking Assist System, and nine airbags on the inside. You can feel safe and secured inside the new Grandeur.

My thoughts about the Grandeur:

Adopting the Grand Glide concept, the new Hyundai Grandeur is the pinnacle of the premium medium-sized sedan category and it will take on the Kia K7, Renault Samsung SM7 (new model coming soon!), and the GM Daewoo Alpheon (Buick LaCrosse). With its new GDi engine, things go smooth for the new Grandeur thanks to its majestic power, impressive fuel economy, and the progress of being the most elegant Korean sedan most Koreans would love to take a spin for joy.

In my opinion, I think HARI may not be able to bring the new Grandeur as the Azera due to its poor sales and the YF Sonata will be the pinnacle of HARI's lineup aside from the prestigious RWD sedan, the Genesis. The 5G Grandeur is on sale in South Korea now and soon in North America, and other countries as well.

If you get your hands on the 5G Grandeur, you'll be more like Jiwoo from The Fugitive Plan B.



Photo: Hyundai Motor Company