30 Years of Hyundai Grandeur

2016 marks the 30th anniversary of the Hyundai Grandeur when the first-generation Grandeur came out in South Korea in July 1986, one of Hyundai's longest-running brands has spawned five generations and pretty soon, there's an all-new model heading its way, just to blow the birthday cake to Hyundai's longest-running saloon. So, time now for a quick history lesson.

First Generation (1986-1992) - The first ever Hyundai Grandeur is basically a South Korean version of the second-generation Mitsubishi Debonair (S10) saloon much like any other Mitsubishis in Korea sold as Hyundais in the last century such as the Grace and the Galloper. Whereas the Japanese Debonair is powered with either a 2.0L V6 or a 3.0L V6 engine mated with a 4-speed automatic, the Grandeur is powered with three engine configurations such as a 2.0L 4-cylinder, a 2.4L 4-cylinder, and a 3.0L V6 engine, mated with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

The First Grandeur (1986)

Second-generation (1992-1986) - After the first generation, the partnership between Hyundai and Mitsubishi continues in the '90s with the Grandeur undergoing a full model change similar to the final generation Mitsubishi Debonair saloon. The design is now more modest, more luxurious, and more Korean as some say, the second-generation model offers different V6 engines from a 2.0L to a 3.5L, mated with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The second-generation Grandeur became a status symbol for South Korea, which politicians and executives used at the time. Ironically in Japan, the Debonair was less successful and it was therefore phased out from Mitsubishi's saloon range in 1998.

The Second Grandeur (1992)

Grandeur XG (1998 - 2005) - No longer a rebadged Mitsubishi, the third Grandeur is now called the Grandeur XG and it was built originally by the engineers from Hyundai. This is the first time this generation is sold globally as the XG. It is essentially based on the EF Sonata but it's slightly longer than the EF Sonata and it comes with different V6 engines ranging from a 2.0L, 2.5L, and a 3.0L.

The Grandeur XG (1998)

Fourth-generation (2005 - 2011) - The fourth-generation Grandeur was launched in South Korea in May 2005 and it was based on the NF Hyundai Sonata. It was exported globally as the Azera. When it was first launched, it comes with a choice of a 2.4L 2.7L V6, 3.3L V6, and a powerful 3.8L V6 engine. This car underwent two facelifts and the latter, dubbed The Luxury Grandeur, features a revised front grille, interior, and engine choices such as a 2.4L 2.7L V6, and a 3.3L V6.

The Fourth Grandeur (2005)

Fifth-generation (2011 - onwards) - Before the Grandeur made a world premiere at the start of 2011, it made a surprise appearance in the Korean drama Runaway Plan B starring Rain. Since its debut, the 5G Grandeur employs Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy, giving it a sleeker appearance. Since this car was based on the Kia K7 (Cadenza), it offers a different choice of engines such as a Theta II GDi 2.4-litre engine, a Lambda II GDi 3.0-litre engine, and a 3.3L GDi engine. For the first time in Grandeur's history, a hybrid and diesel variant was offered. The hybrid is powered by a Theta II 2.4L engine mated with an electric motor and a li-ion battery while the diesel features a 2.2L CRDi-VGT engine.

5G Grandeur (2011)

Happy 30th anniversary to the Hyundai Grandeur!