Hyundai Motor Corporation and Kia Motors have arrived at the Detroit Motor Show bearing a full arsenal of rocking concepts and deadly new production models.
Hyundai Motor Corporation and Kia Motors have arrived at the Detroit Motor Show bearing a full arsenal of rocking concepts and deadly new production models.
Less than ten years ago, few people would be willing to consider the merits of a Korean car, though things certainly have changed. Among the fastest growing vehicle manufacturers, the Korean’s dedication to exploring new designs and technologies has increasingly made them a force to be reckoned with.
Hyundai Motor Corporation has a total of 19 vehicles on show at the Detroit Show, including the new Santa Fe large SUV and the HCD-9 Talus concept of a smaller SUV. Subsidiary Kia Motors has 12 cars on display, including a small SUV, Soul.
The Kia Soul concept is a crossover utility vehicle with a sporty, bold look that builds on design cues from the Kia Mesa concept vehicle introduced at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show.
Soul is powered by a four-cylinder, two-litre petrol powerplant that is mated with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift action.
With design cues borrowed from the Mesa concept of the 2005 Detroit Motor Show, the Soul has a sporting nature accentuated by the vehicle’s wide stance. Its wraparound windscreen, sloped roofline and bulky wheel arches add to the concept’s extreme appearance.
In the opposing camp, the HCD-9 Talus comes with all the toys and add-ons of a seriously urban machine. Riding on dazzling 22-inch aluminium rims, Hyundai’s concept is packed to its roof lining with technology. Wireless internet connection, night vision, adaptive cruise control and electronic stability control are some of the Talus’ features.
No slouch, the concept is powered by a 4,6-litre V8 producing an estimated 254 kW and mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. Its increased ground clearance and optional four-wheel drive allows the Talus to tackle tougher terrain, too.
Hyundai has noted that the concept “provides a glimpse of the future in the sports car segment” which means the car may also give visitors a glimpse of its intentions for the next Tiburon sports coupé.
Arguably the biggest unveiling for the Koreans in Detroit will be the next generation Santa Fe. Bigger, to accommodate the Tucson below it, the Santa Fé will be powered by either a 2,7-litre V6 or a 3,8-litre V6 coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission.
The large SUV features airbags for all passenger zones and electronic stability control as standard equipment. With three rows of seats for seven occupants, the Santa Fé has taken steps to establish it among the SUV heavyweights, following the example of the Land Rover Discovery 3 and the Nissan Pathfinder. Several more manufacturers are rumoured to be following suit.
Hyundai claims to be the seventh largest motor vehicle producer in the world today and has its sights set on a top five position by 2010. Kia’s exponential growth in recent years also shows little signs of slowing.
Exciting new models like the reintroduction of the Hyundai Accent, the revised Hyundai Getz, new Santa Fé and the Azera executive saloon, are all lined up for local introductions before the end of 2006. For Kia, the all-new Magentis and the Sedona replacement, VQ, and the next Carens compact MPV will also make their local appearances this year.
With an ever-improving line-up and international consumers and motoring scribes recognising its worth, the Koreans continue to make strides. Their determination to be listed at the very top of the motor manufacturing order is certainly not unfounded, though public perception may prove to be the biggest hurdle.