HYUNDAI has showcased its complete range of sedan and SUV models to Saudi motoring journalists at a special ‘Day with Hyundai’ event at the Reem International Circuit outside Riyadh, demonstrating the commitment to quality and innovation that has established the Korean brand as the world’s fifth biggest carmaker by sales volume.
Organized by Hyundai’s three distributors in Saudi Arabia – Al Wallan Motors in Riyadh, Mohammed Yousuf Naghi Motors in Jeddah, and Almajdouie Motors in Dammam – the ‘Day with Hyundai’ concept allowed journalists to test a wide range of Hyundai vehicles on a private track. A safari drive offered a demonstration of the off-road capabilities of Hyundai’s SUV range.
“This is a unique opportunity to show the quality we offer across multiple segments, from small cars through to large sedans and SUVs,” said Mike Song, Hyundai’s Head of Operations for Africa and the Middle East. “2017 will be an important year for Hyundai, with all-new versions of two of our most successful models arriving on global markets. Combining progressive design and innovation with strong customer appeal, each new Hyundai will be the new benchmark for the Saudi market.”
Hyundai is Saudi Arabia’s top-selling brand for sedan and SUV models, and is particularly strong in the small car segment. Plans for 2017 include new versions of the Azera large sedan, which has already gone on sale in Korea, and the fifth-generation Accent small sedan, which had its world premiere at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto last week. A new premium subcompact is also in the final stages of engineering.
The new Azera was also presented, which is expected to arrive in GCC showrooms in the first half of 2017. Representatives from Hyundai Motor Company headquarters in Korea and from the company’s Research and Development (R&D) Center were on hand to answer questions on the all-new Azera, was well as other Hyundai products. Hyundai’s R&D Center representative also gave guests a compelling presentation on the new state-of-the-art technology that will be deployed across Hyundai’s portfolio of vehicles, and offered further insight on the company’s ‘Future Mobility’ vision.
“At Hyundai, we are clearly setting ourselves apart as an industry leader, innovating in new technologies such as autonomous vehicles and driver assistance, as well as showing the road forward in mass-adoption of alternative and electrified drivetrains,” said Mike Song.
The all-new Azera will be the most technologically advanced car in Hyundai’s product line-up, incorporating advanced convenience and safety features that befit its premium status. The new design offers drivers and passengers a refined, comfortable experience thanks to cutting-edge convenience equipment and ergonomically crafted interior features.
As well as promising optimum interior comfort with ample cabin space and carefully-considered ergonomics that enhance the perception of space, the luxurious sedan is equipped with a host of new safety features, boosting the all-new Azera’s technological edge. The new model boasts Hyundai Smart Sense, a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance System tuned for driver safety, which includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Detection, Driver Attention Alert, Advanced Smart Cruise Control and Around View Monitor.
“These are features previously associated with luxury segments, which Hyundai believes should be available to all customers,” said Mike Song. — SG
