Hyundai Grandeur Limited 2006 review: snapshot

I mean, it wasn't just quiet, it was quiet enough to do the reading room at the local library justice – and that must say something about the car.

The new model is nothing like and has nothing in common with the original Grandeur that Hyundai released several years ago.

Most motor noters have has vivid memories of that car's soft, floaty ride – it was enough to make your sea sick.

New Grandeur builds on the growing reputation of the recently released Sonata and takes the company into as yet untapped territory as it pushes towards the $50,000 mark.

In fact, it could find a competitor in Sonata itself as the two cars are similar in size and appearance, although Sonata is significantly cheaper.

At the end of the day, however, the question remains, just what are people prepared to pay for a Korean car?

The other factor to consider is resale, because Grandeur is not likely to retain as much value as some competitors.

Putting aside the badge and price for a moment, it would be interesting to gauge the reaction of drivers if they were put behind the wheel – unaware of what car they were driving.

I'm guessing the reaction would be very favourable because there's not much to dislike with this one.

It looks as good as anything from the Japanese, there's plenty of power from the big V6 and it ticks all the boxes in terms of safety and equipment.

Our vehicle was the top of the line Grandeur Limited priced from $46,990. The base model is $42,990 while a top of the line Sonata will cost you $34,990.

Powered by a larger version of Hyundai's Lambda V6 from Sonata, the 3.8-litre V6 delivers 194 kW of power at 6000rpm and 348Nm of torque at 4500rpm.

It's enough mumbo to push the car from 0 to 100km/h in a rapid 7.2 seconds.

Fuel economy is a claimed 10.8L/100km but we averaged 11.4L/100km during testing.

Some people have found the ride too soft, but we reckons it befits the car's role as a prestige vehicle.

Traction and stability control are standard while safety is taken care of by ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, eight airbags and active front head restraints.

The eight-speaker Infinity sound system ranks with the best of them.

Minor quibbles include the grey unpainted apron that laps the bottom of the paintwork around the car.

The rear park sensors also remain unpainted and stand out like the proverbials.

On top of an already long equipment list the Limited adds:

• a power operated sunroof,

   

• reactive solar glass

   

• electrically operated rear window sunshade

   

• heated front seats

   

• electric steering wheel adjustment

   

• automatic, self-levelling xenon headlights with washers

   

• rain and road speed sensitive wipers,

   

• two-setting driver seat memory, for door mirrors and steering wheel adjustment pos- itions,

   

• auto dimming rear view mirror.

   

In the end, no matter how good the car is, it is its price that will ultimately count against it – because for less money you can buy a Nissan Maxima.

It may not be as well equipped as the Grandeur, but Maxima has a formidable reputation and its engine is world renowned.