Most Popular
-
1
Ador CEO denies allegations, accuses Hybe of mistreating NewJeans
-
2
Medical reform committee kicks off despite boycott from doctors
-
3
10-man S. Korea lose to Indonesia to miss out on Paris Olympic football qualification
-
4
Hybe-Ador feud should have limited effect on Hybe's overall performance: analysts
-
5
DP leader says he will meet Yoon without conditions
-
6
Over 9,000 hotline calls made by stalking victims in 2023
-
7
Second Gimpo civil servant found dead, after apologizing for not finishing work
-
8
[Hello India] Hyundai Motor vows to boost 'clean mobility' in India
![[Hello India] Hyundai Motor vows to boost 'clean mobility' in India](//res.heraldm.com/phpwas/restmb_idxmake.php?idx=644&simg=/content/image/2024/04/25/20240425050672_0.jpg&u=)
-
9
Monthly users on local streaming platforms outpace Netflix, Disney+
-
10
US will take steps for three-way engagement on nuclear deterrence with S. Korea, Japan: Campbell
![[Hello India] Hyundai Motor vows to boost 'clean mobility' in India](http://res.heraldm.com/phpwas/restmb_idxmake.php?idx=644&simg=/content/image/2024/04/25/20240425050672_0.jpg&u=)
[Behind the Wheel] Grandeur Hybrid highlights eco-friendly luxury, but not so speedy
By Korea HeraldPublished : April 9, 2017 - 15:14
The 2017 Grandeur Hybrid retains the basic design of its gasoline model, but falls behind the original version in terms of performance. Of course, the hybrid version is meant to be more energy efficient than the conventional model. But its acceleration felt less responsive during a 40-kilometer test drive Wednesday.
When pressing down the accelerator to the fullest, the RPM rapidly increased, but the car did not breach 160 kilometers per hour.
Another drawback was that the brake pedal was less stiff and responsive than would have been desirable.
But the sedan excelled in fuel efficiency as it completed the drive with an efficiency of 16.2 kilometers per liter, significantly better than its gasoline model at an official 11.2 kilometers per liter on average.
Also, a key advantage of driving the Grandeur Hybrid was its silence. It remained silent regardless of its speed, keeping the driving experience as comfortable at 140 kph as it was at 80 kph.
The secret behind the silence is that the model has triple seals on all its doors and soundproof glazing, the company said.
The Grandeur Hybrid is also equipped with a slew of Hyundai Smart Sense functions for a safer ride.
One noticeable function was the Lane Keep Assist System, installed to make sure the car stays within the given lane by warning the driver in case of a lane departure.
It functions via a camera attached to the upper part of the windshield that identifies the white road markings.
The smart system worked about half of the time. Although still imperfect, the LKAS gave the driver a sense of security.
As for the interior, a door trim completed with light-brown real cork wood garnish, unique among existing automobiles, added a refreshing and classy touch to the overall interior.
Clever storage departments also stood out while test driving the Grandeur Hybrid.
A CD player has been installed in the console box, a thoughtful design for old-school drivers.
A convenient storage space has also been made on the left side of the passenger seat’s legroom, where drivers can place books, makeup or other goods that are not too thick.
The model also comes with a 426-liter trunk, enough to store four golf bags, an essential feature for sports-loving Korean motorists.
The price of the Grandeur Hybrid ranges from 36.83 million won ($32,400) to 41.13 million won. With tax benefit offered for hybrids, the final price can be 4.3 million won lower.
The Korea Herald rating (out of 5 stars):
Design: 5 stars
Safety: 4 stars
Gas Mileage: 5 stars
Price: 4 stars
Overall: 18/20
By Kim Bo-gyung (lisakim425@heraldcorp.com)
-
Articles by Korea Herald
