Hyundai Grandeur Car Review

Hyundai's model line-up is expanding at a rapid rate and the latest vehicle to reach our shores is the Grandeur, a six-cylinder family-size sedan with luxury features.

Taking on the Australian-made family "sixes" is a big task and Hyundai has perhaps wisely positioned the Grandeur a little more upmarket from the base Falcons, Commodores, Magnas and Camrys that fleets tend to buy.

Two Grandeur models are available; one is simply called the Grandeur and the other is the Grandeur XG. Prices are $33,990 for the Grandeur and $39,990 for the Grandeur XG.

Both models are powered by the same 3.0 litre DOHC V6 engine and both have a five speed automatic transmission with a "Tiptronic" manual mode.

Standard equipment common to both models includes four wheel disc brakes with ABS, dual front airbags with a passenger presence detector, air conditioning and a six-speaker stereo with cassette deck and CD player.

There is also power steering, central locking (only key operated on the standard model), an immobiliser, power windows and exterior mirrors, front and rear fog lamps, tilt adjustable steering wheel and a 60/40 split fold rear seat.

The Grandeur XG gains traction control, leather seats with electric adjustment for the driver's seat, climate control air conditioning with rear vents, cruise control, a trip computer, keyless entry, burglar alarm and additional woodgrain interior trim.

Though the Grandeur doesn't offer quite the stretch-out interior space of a Commodore or a Falcon, it rates well against the Camry and the Magna. Grandeur occupants have ample leg room in both the front and the rear, and head room is satisfactory.

The Grandeur front seats proved a little disappointing; they are a good size but fail to provide good comfort and support. The rear seat cushion is narrower than Falcon, Commodore and Magna but wide enough for three adults of average size.

There's a good size boot compartment, with a 60/40 split folding rear seat (backrest only) to fit in those longer items. Interior storage is generous, with plenty of lidded and open compartments, pockets and cupholders.

Apart from noticeable "orange peel" effect in the paintwork, the overall standard of finish looked pretty good in the test Grandeur.

Driving the Grandeur, one of the first things you notice is the smoothness of the power delivery. The Grandeur is ahead of its competition by having a five speed automatic transmission and this is well matched to the refined character of the 3.0 litre Mitsubishi-based V6 engine.

The Grandeur can't match the bigger engine Falcons, Commodores and Magnas on outright performance (or the 3.0 litre Camry which has a weight advantage over the Grandeur) but for most situations, there's good engine power available.

The five speed automatic complements the engine with its good spread of ratios as well as its quick, positive changes in both manual and full automatic mode.

In terms of operational noise, the Grandeur has no trouble matching its rivals. The Grandeur's low interior noise levels are very much in keeping with the car's luxury image.

With handling, Hyundai has perhaps concentrated a little too much on luxury and not enough on driving satisfaction. The Grandeur is happy enough trundling around town but inadequacies show up when the car is extended.

The high quality tyres fitted provide ample grip (even in the non-traction control base model) but the shock absorbers aren't good at controlling body movement through tighter corners or over a succession of bumps. Steering feel is rather lifeless and there is noticeable steering kickback when mid-corner bumps are encountered.

Though the Grandeur's handling might not suit enthusiastic driving, the brakes proved to be better than expected. Our tests showed them to be very effective in both normal and emergency braking, and with good resistance to fade under heavy usage.