The History Of Hyundai XG

The Hyundai Grandeur (Hangul:현대 그랜저) is a mid-size/ full-size sedan manufactured and marketed globally by Hyundai Motor Company since model year 1986. The Grandeur has evolved through four generations with intermediate restylings, and is marketed under various nameplates world-wide — prominently as the Azera.

The first Grandeur was a rebadged Mitsubishi Debonair produced by Hyundai. Initially launched with Mitsubishi-sourced 2.0L SOHC MPI engine also used in 1st generation Sonata. 2.4L SOHC MPI engine had added in 1987 and V6 3.0L engine model launched in 1991 to compete with Daewoo Imperial.

The New Grandeur and the third generation of the Mitsubishi Debonair were the products of a joint development between Hyundai and Mitsubishi Motors. Mitsubishi was responsible for the powertrain, and Hyundai was responsible for the body and trim design. Production of the car began in September 1992 and ended in 1998.

The "New Grandeur" came in various trim levels and 4 engine variations (4-cylinder 2.0L and three V6 engines (2.5L, 3L, and 3.5L). The Korea based Hyundai's Grandeur became a huge success following the first generation Grandeur it replaced. However, the same model Mitsubishi marketed in Japan was perfunctory eventually leading Mitsubishi to end the product earlier than expected.

The 3-liter and 3.5-liter engines developed by Mitsubishi were substantial legacies to Hyundai, which at the time did not have the ability to manufacture large displacement engines on its own. Although Debonair's failure in Japan, the Hyundai-Mitsubishi tie further lead to the production of Hyundai Equus / Mitsubishi Dignity premium flagship sedan. Since the production of Hyundai Equus, Hyundai develops all the engines in its product line on its own such as the industry-acclaimed 4.6-liter Tau Engine featured on the Hyundai Genesis

Although it was not exported outside the home market, the second generation Grandeur was success in Korean domestic market as the flagship sedan of Hyundai lineup. This model became a status symbol in Korea, which many politicians and wealthy business executives have used.

The Grandeur XG was a mid-size luxury car. In some other markets, namely North America, it was called the Hyundai XG. It shared a platform and engines with the Kia Amanti. After their huge success with the Grandeur, Hyundai decided to develop the next generation Grandeur on their own from the ground up with the technology they have accumulated through the past Grandeur generations. This allowed Hyundai to export the XG outside South Korea without any possible legal issues.

XG300

The XG300 debuted in 2000 with a 3.0L Sigma V6.

It was called the XG30 in Europe and in Asian countries. It was produced from 2001–2003. A 2.5 litre model was also produced in some countries. The XG30 boasted many options available to only high end luxury models at the time such as the Mercedes E-class and BMW 5-series. The XG30 is also longer and wider than most of its rivals, and is just a fraction smaller than the Audi A6.

Performance-

Acceleration: 0-60 mph - 8.5 seconds Top speed: 225km/ h (140mph) Power: 193bhp (144kW)

XG350

The XG350 name was used as of 2002 to reflect the new 3.5L version of the Sigma V6. The model received a mild facelift two years later.

The XG350 L featured more options such as heated seats, 210 Watt Infinity sound system with 6 Speakers & trunk mounted 8 Disk Cd changer. Wood and leather steering wheel, moon roof, 10 spoke alloy rims. It featured 200hp (150kW) and 216LB torque.

And also 2.0 and 2.5 delta engines were available in South Korea

The Grandeur TG is a full-size sedan introduced for the 2006 model year. A redesigned XG350, it shares a platform with the Sonata. It is sold as the Hyundai Azera in North America, China, Taiwan, Philippines, Iran, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Singapore, Peru, Chile and Brazil.

The Azera had been the top Hyundai model outside of Korea, China, and the Middle East — until the 2008 introduction of the Genesis.

The Azera has a four-wheel independent suspension (multi-link in the rear) and uses the company's new 3.8L Lambda V6, which produces 265hp (196kW). The power is sent to the front wheels through a Six-speed automatic transmission with a "Shiftronic" manual gear selection. Hyundai claims 6.0s to accelerate to 60mph (97km/ h) and a top speed of 155mph (250km/ h). Fuel economy of 19mpg (12.4L/ 100km) in the city and 28mpg (8.4L/ 100km) on the highway is expected.

The 2.2 VGT CRDI diesel engine from the Santa Fe is available in Europe.

And also 2.4 Theta and 2.7 Mu engines are available in South Korea

The Limited trim level adds 17in alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather seat-upholstery, and a power sun shade in the rear window. The Ultimate Package includes an enhanced audio system with 10 speakers and a 6 CD changer, a power sunroof, powered tilt-telescopic steering wheel, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Model Year Notes:

• The 2007 model featured a revised gauge pattern and steering wheel controls.
• The 2008 model introduced the optional LG Navigation system.
• The 2009 model featured a new grille, new 17" 10-spoke wheel covers, blue backlit gauges and dashboard lighting (vs. the previous green), and available handsfree Bluetooth phone capability. The much criticized painted-plastic door interior door handles have now been addressed by replacing them with chrome handles.

Safety

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the Azera received a Good overall score in the frontal crash test and an Acceptable overall score in the side impact test. The driver's pelvis/ leg in the side impact category was given a Poor score and the structure/ safety category rated Marginal. Standard airbags include front and rear head curtain airbags and front and rear seat-mounted torso airbags.

Awards

• 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards: named "Best New Family Car (over CAN$35,000)"
• Strategic Vision, 2007, named the "Winner Strategic Vision’s 2007 Total Quality Index (TQI) for the large car segment"
• Kiplinger’s Personal Finance “Best in Class” in the $25,000 to $30,000 category, 2007 Azera:
• Kiplinger’s Personal Finance 2007 Car Buyer’s "Best of 2007 Cars" March 2007.
• Edmunds.com Editors Most Wanted - 2007
• Edmunds.com Editor's Most Wanted Sedan Under $30,000
• Consumer's Digest, 2007, named "A Consumer's Digest Best Buy"
• J.D. Power and Associates – 2006: named "Most Appealing Large Car"
• IIHS, 2006, earned an overall “good” rating in the crash test, frontal offset impacts.
• AutoPacific, 2006, named "Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction, Large Luxury Car
• Strategic Vision, 2006, named the "Winner Strategic Vision’s 2006 Total Value Award for Best Large Car Ownership Experience"