Top

Hyundai Equus

September 18, 2010 by · Comments Off on Hyundai Equus 

Hyundai Equus, Hyundai nudged its way into the automotive market in North America by selling entry-level vehicles such as the Pony, Accent Excel. But with its new sedan, called Equus, the Korean manufacturer is betting it can go head to head with luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus.

At least 100 Canadians will be betting smart enough to pass since the mid 60’s and low 70 for Equus in model year 2011.

With sales expectations so low, you might wonder, “why bother?” But Hyundai Canada vice president of marketing John Vernile said: “We’re not counting on Equus for volume sales. We are building to show the world that we can compete with the best.”

After driving Hyundai’s new flagship sedan, I would say that it would be received loud and clear. And I’m willing to bet the sales target is too low.

Canadians are, after all, and notorious bargain hunters may be the country Equus best buy car – not just get a lot of car for the money, you can also participate in a sophisticated shopping experience.

Hyundai offers customers Spain Equus “concierge service” – a 1-800 number that allows you to shop for your new Equus from the comfort of your home. The test car is brought to your door and, after purchase, the concierge will pick up and deliver your vehicle for service and leave a Genesis or loan Equus while work is being done.

Hyundai is even throwing in an owner’s manual IPAD interactive.

The only drawback is that not all Canadian Hyundai dealers will participate in the program. To date only 27 out of 197 had registered to sell Equus, and most of them are in southern Ontario and Quebec, with two each in Alberta and British Columbia

Equus comes in two trim levels-Signature and Ultimate. The only difference is in the way of rear seat passengers are treated. Signature buyers to get seats for three in the back while the last owners will have two individual rear seats with heating and cooling, one of which rests and offers a massage function. There is also a bar to the console between the seats, and a screen entertainment system with eight inches.

The large sedan is very agile, with good steering feel, and is quiet at cruising speeds. The air suspension provides a ride that is incredibly smooth without being too soft and there are no sport settings selectable via a switch on the center console. Equus account with the same 4.6-liter V8 and six-speed transmission and Genesis, but with 10 more horsepower. You can sprint from 0-100 km / h in 6.5 seconds. Using premium fuel, ultra-quiet powertrain generates 385 horsepower (378 on regular).

It would be wrong to call a bargain Equus Bimmer or Benz, because there is nothing to bargain about it. While it may cost about the cars in which it is subject, Equus parties in materials, build quality and performance.

There are no options except the choice of paint (limited to the traditional luxury sedan black, white, silver and gray). In fact, Equus is so well equipped it may be easier to say what does not, but a small list of standard equipment includes heated and cooled front seats with driver massage, real wood and leather seat high-quality, heated steering wheel, climate control dual zone, auto anti-fog and rain sense wipers system, the cruise control, nine airbags, power rear window sunshades, parking assist, 608-watt surround sound system with 17 speakers, adaptive HID headlamps, electronic air suspension control and lane departure warning.

Equus goes on sale in Canada at the end of October 2010. If you like the exclusivity, this may be the luxury car perfect – not just be the first on your block to own one, you will most likely be the only one.

Bottom