Hyundai Grandeur

The Hyundai Grandeur (Korean: 현대 그랜저) is a mid-size/full-size sedan manufactured and marketed globally by Hyundai Motor Company since 1986. A Mitsubishi design, it succeeded a license-built Ford Granada mk II. The Grandeur has evolved through four generations with intermediate restylings, and is marketed under various nameplates worldwide — prominently as the Hyundai Azera (현대 아제라). As the Azera, it was considered the flagship model of Hyundai within the United States until the arrival of the Genesis sedan.

First generation (1986–1992)

The first Grandeur was a rebadged Mitsubishi Debonair produced by Hyundai. Initially launched with Mitsubishi-sourced 2.0L SOHC MPI version of the engine used in the first generation Sonata, a 2.4 L SOHC MPI engine was added in 1987. A V6 3.0 L engined model was launched in 1991 to better compete with the Daewoo Imperial.

Background

Before the 1988 Seoul Olympics, most of the luxury car market of South Korea was held by Daewoo Motors and its Royale Series. Hyundai had its luxury car, Ford Granada Mark II, but the competition with Daewoo Royale seemed that it already had ended. As Hyundai was looking for entering luxury car market, it tried to make its own luxury car. However, as Daewoo Motors had much more powerful brand than Hyundai, it was difficult to do such an adventure. At last, it decided to make one, borrowing the platform, technology, and internal configuration from Mitsubishi Motors.

In the early eighties, Mitsubishi Motors also wanted to renew its own Mitsubishi Debonair, since the model was too old (presented in 1964). As Hyundai offered a relationship of sharing technologies and innovations, it accepted Hyundai's offer, giving its platform, internal configuration, and most importantly, engine. As Hyundai was an official sponsor of 1988 Seoul Olympics, it used this opportunity to notify all the executives and important people about their new car, Grandeur. Because of its brand lent from Mitsubishi and good quality, it became very popular in Korea.

Also called "Gak (angle)-Grandeur", it succeeded Ford Granada Mark II. Before the 1988 Summer Olympics, the official sponsor Hyundai Motor co-developed it with Mitsubishi Motors of Japan, and launched it in July, 1986. The design was done by Hyundai Motors, but the internal configuration was done by Mitsubishi. It was the second FF layout model in Korea after Hyundai Excel. Originally, only a four-cylinder 2,000 cc engine and manual transmission were offered, but later a 2,400 cc engine, a V6 3,000 cc engine, and automatic transmission were equipped. By the change, Grandeur buyers were extended from normal CEOs and businessmen to even gangsters, and it became Korea's bestselling large car by a considerable margin.^[1] It was also sold in Japan as the Mitsubishi Debonair V, but the demanding class was already absorbed by the Toyota Crown and Honda Legend and the Debonair was not competitive. Taillight design was changed in 1989, and ABS first became available in 1991. It had 4-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual transmission. It was discontinued in September 1992, after 122,074 had been built.^[1]

Second generation (1992–1998)

The New Grandeur and the third generation of the Mitsubishi Debonair were the products of a joint development between Hyundai and Mitsubishi Motors. Mitsubishi was responsible for the powertrain, and Hyundai was responsible for the body and trim design. Production of the car began in September 1992 and ended in 1998.

The "New Grandeur" came in various trim levels and only V6 engine combinations (2.0L, 2.5L, 3.0L, and 3.5L). The new Korea based Grandeur became a huge success following the first generation Grandeur it replaced. However, the reception of the same model marketed by Mitsubishi in Japan was perfunctory eventually leading Mitsubishi to discontinue it earlier than expected.

The 3-liter and 3.5-liter engines developed by Mitsubishi were substantial legacies to Hyundai, which at the time did not have the ability to manufacture engines of that size on its own. Following the Debonair's discontinuation in Japan, the Hyundai-Mitsubishi partnership lead to the production of the Hyundai Equus and Mitsubishi Dignity premium flagship sedans, and the slightly smaller Hyundai Dynasty and Mitsubishi Proudia. Since the production of Hyundai Equus, Hyundai develops all engines in its product line on its own, such as the industry-acclaimed 4.6-liter Tau Engine featured on the Hyundai Genesis.

Although it was not exported outside the home market, the second generation Grandeur was success in Korean domestic market as the flagship sedan of Hyundai lineup. This model became a status symbol in Korea, which many politicians and wealthy business executives have used.

Third generation (1998–2005)

The Grandeur XG was a mid-size luxury car. In some other markets, namely North America, it was called the Hyundai XG. The first two generations were essentially rebadged Mitsubishi Debonairs, with the third generations developed entirely by Hyundai, with technical experience learned from the first two generations. It shared a platform and engines with the Kia Opirus (Amanti in North America). After their success with the Grandeur, Hyundai decided to develop the next generation Grandeur on their own from the ground up with the technology they have accumulated through the past Grandeur generations. This allowed Hyundai to export the XG outside South Korea without any possible legal issues.

XG300

The XG300 debuted in 2000 with a 3.0 L Sigma V6.

It was called the XG30 in Europe and in Asian countries. It was produced from 2001 to 2003. A 2.5 litre model, called XG25, was also sold in some countries such as France. The XG30 boasted many options available to only high-end luxury models at the time such as the Mercedes E-class and BMW 5-series. The XG30 is also longer and wider than most of its rivals, and it is just a fraction smaller than the Audi A6.

• Performance
  • Acceleration: 0–60 mph in 8.5 seconds
  • Top speed: 225 km/h (140 mph)
  • Power: 193 bhp (144 kW)

XG350

The XG350 name was used as of 2002 to reflect the new 3.5 L version of the Sigma V6. The model received a mild facelift two years later.

The XG350 L featured more options such as heated seats, 210 watt Infinity sound system with 6 speakers and a trunk mounted 8 disk CD changer, wood and leather steering wheel, moon roof, 10 spoke alloy rims. It featured 200 hp (150 kW) and 216LB torque.

2.0 and 2.5 Delta engines were available in South Korea.

Fourth generation (2006-2011)

The Grandeur TG is a full-size sedan introduced for the 2006 model year. A redesigned XG350, it shares a platform with the Sonata. It is sold as the Hyundai Azera in North America, China, Taiwan, Philippines, Iran, Malaysia, The GCC (Persian Gulf states), South Africa, Singapore, Peru, Chile and Brazil.

The Azera had been the most expensive Hyundai model outside of Korea, China, and the Middle East — until the 2008 introduction of the Genesis.

The Azera has a four-wheel independent suspension (multi-link in the rear) and uses the company's new 3.8 L Lambda V6, which produces 265 hp (196 kW). The power is sent to the front wheels through a Six-speed automatic transmission with a "Shiftronic" manual gear selection. Hyundai claims 6.0 s to accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) and a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Fuel economy of 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) in the city and 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) on the highway is expected.

The 2.2 VGT CRDI diesel engine from the Santa Fe is also available, with the addition of the 2.4 Theta and 2.7 Mu diesel engines in South Korea

The Limited trim level adds 17 in alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather seat-upholstery, and a power sun shade in the rear window. The Ultimate Package includes an enhanced audio system with 10 Infinity speakers and a 6 CD changer, a power sunroof, powered tilt-telescopic steering wheel, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2007 model featured a revised gauge pattern and steering wheel controls.

The 2008 model introduced the optional LG Navigation system. The SE models are removed in favor of a GLS model that shares the same 17" wheels as the Limited models, and the Aubergine color is no longer available. A wood-trimmed steering wheel is now only available with the Ultimate Package.

The 2009 model featured a new grille, new 17" 10-spoke alloy wheels, blue backlit gauges and dashboard lighting (vs. the previous green), dark brown woodgrain accents and available handsfree Bluetooth phone capability. The audio player display takes the same design as the 2009 Hyundai Sonata, and the controls for the audio player have been redesigned. An auxiliary input jack and iPod integration system is now standard, though deleted in the case of the LG Navigation system on the Limited trim level. A wood-trimmed steering wheel is once again standard for the Limited, and Limited models receive special hyper-silver finished alloy wheels.

The Korean Grandeur offers more features not available in North American version, such as Proximity Key with Push Button Start and Bluetooth hands-free capability. A refreshened 2010 model was released on December 16, 2009 that incorporated new 7 split-spoke alloy wheels, LED taillights, rectangular exhaust pipe designs, new side mirrors, redesigned headlights, and new front fascia and grille. New interior amenities include Alcantra leather seats and rear passenger audio and climate controls.

For model year 2011, Hyundai has restyled the Azera with new front and rear fascias, new alloy wheels, and new fog lamps. The engines have been updated with dual variable valve timing and the transmission has one more forward for a total of 6. The 3.3L V6 is now rated at 260 hp and 3.8L V6 now makes with 283 hp. The fuel economy has also been improved with 20/28 for 3.3 and 19/27 for 3.8(EPA rating pending)

For the 2010 model year the Hyundai Azera was dropped in Canada due to slow sales.

In November 2010, Hyundai sued Avera Motors, a start-up automaker based in Rockledge, Florida, over the use of the name "Avera," claiming it was too close to the Azera name.^[2] As a result, Avera changed their name in March 2011 to Rivian Automotive.^[2]

Safety

The Azera comes standard with front and rear head curtain airbags and front and rear seat-mounted torso airbags.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the Azera received a Good overall score in the frontal crash test and an Acceptable overall score in the side impact test. The driver's pelvis/leg in the side impact category was given a Poor score and the structure/safety category rated Marginal.^[3][4]

NHTSA Azera^[5]

Frontal Driver:

Frontal Passenger:

Side Driver:

Side Rear Passenger (earlier models):

Side Rear Passenger (later models):

Rollover:

Awards

• 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards: named "Best New Family Car (over CAN$35,000)"
• Strategic Vision, 2007, named the "Winner Strategic Vision’s 2007 Total Quality Index (TQI) for the large car segment"
• Kiplinger’s Personal Finance “Best in Class” in the $25,000 to $30,000 category, 2007 Azera:
• Kiplinger’s Personal Finance 2007 Car Buyer’s "Best of 2007 Cars" March 2007.
• Edmunds.com Editors Most Wanted – 2007
• Edmunds.com Editor's Most Wanted Sedan Under $30,000
• Consumer's Digest, 2007, named "A Consumer's Digest Best Buy"
• J.D. Power and Associates – 2006: named "Most Appealing Large Car"
• IIHS, 2006, earned an overall “good” rating in the crash test, frontal offset impacts.
• AutoPacific, 2006, named "Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction, Large Luxury Car
• Strategic Vision, 2006, named the "Winner Strategic Vision’s 2006 Total Value Award for Best Large Car Ownership Experience"

Fifth generation (HG; 2011–)

The Grandeur HG is released by Hyundai as a 2012 model with an all new appearance and engine which followed the fluidic sculpture design of modern Hyundai vehicles. This design is dubbed as the "Grand Glide" concept.

This version of the Azera was developed over a period of three and half years with a cost 450 billion won. The four-cylinder has a fuel economy of 12.8 km/L (36 mpg_-imp; 30 mpg_-US) (7.8 l/100 km) and the V6 is rated at 11.8 km/L (33 mpg_-imp; 28 mpg_-US) (8.5 l/100 km). The Premium model features adaptive cruise control and a semi-automatic parking assist system.^[6]

U.S. sales by calendar year

Since its introduction to the U.S. market in late-2000, the XG/Azera had been a consistent seller until late-2008, when it suffered a significant drop in sales. Although there are several possible explanations for this decline, it’s worth pointing out that the Hyundai Genesis was introduced to the U.S. market in late-2008, suggesting that the Genesis may have cannibalized sales of the Azera.

References

External links

• Hyundai Grandeur Official Homepage
• Hyundai Azera Official Homepage
• Hyundai Azera American Catalog Homepage
• Hyundai Grandeur Korean Advertisement Homepage
• Hyundai Grandeur Japanese Catalog Homepage
• Geocities Japan Hyundai Grandeur Fan Club
• Club Hyundai en España, Hyundaifaq