All New Flagship Genesis Executive saloon, now added to the UK range.

• Pricing announced for Hyundai’s showcase flagship – the All-New Genesis executive saloon available for £47,995 OTR
• Available from 2^nd April in the UK via select Hyundai dealerships
• Features innovative technology, luxurious comfort and premium style
• Advanced safety and convenience features heighten well-being
• Choice of seven exterior colours and three interior trim options

Hyundai’s new high-technology premium saloon, All-New Genesis, will be available in the UK from 2^nd April 2015, priced at £47,995 OTR. Available in limited numbers, the new flagship model will be sold exclusively via selected Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

All-New Genesis clearly demonstrates Hyundai’s capabilities in the areas of innovative technology, luxurious comfort, craftsmanship and premium style, delivering on the brand’s promise to provide value beyond expectations. Available in the UK in a single high-specification form, All-New Genesis offers a unique opportunity to own the most refined and technologically advanced Hyundai ever made available in Europe.

A potent 3.8-litre V6 GDI engine delivers power to the rear wheels, working in conjunction with an eight-speed automatic transmission to ensure an effortlessly smooth and serene driving experience.

Demonstrating Hyundai’s latest design philosophy, the sophisticated exterior of All-New Genesis incorporates clean, fluid lines which sweep down its flanks. A long wheelbase with minimal overhangs ensures All-New Genesis projects a sophisticated exterior style which flows through to the interior where all occupants can enjoy true comfort and calm.

Cocooned inside a generous and luxurious cabin that makes use of the finest materials, driver and passengers are offered a true sense of opulence and serenity. Complete comfort is delivered through a combination of plentiful space and first-class seating finished in fine grain leather. 

All-New Genesis is equipped with a suite of intuitive yet unobtrusive new technologies, including an advanced driver infotainment system that displays detailed vehicle information on an 8” touch screen.

Advanced safety features include Smart Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and the world’s first CO₂ cabin sensor, which monitors the quality of the cabin environment and helps protect the driver from the dangers of drowsiness. 

Four cameras offer a 360-degree view of the vehicle at all times, providing assistance to the Rear Cross Traffic Alert system which warns drivers of approaching hazards when reversing from a parking space. Blind Spot Detection monitors traffic around the car while on the road and warns of approaching hazards. 

A head-up display projects important information into the driver’s line of sight, while visibility is aided further by Bi-Xenon headlights equipped with automatic high-beam assist function.

A myriad of convenience features fitted as standard include the Smart Boot System, which automatically opens the boot if the smart key is detected within close proximity for longer than three seconds. This system allows the driver to keep both feet comfortably on the ground, simply waiting by the boot for a few seconds for it to open automatically. Puddle lights, featuring the Genesis logo, illuminate the area around the doors, which are equipped with an automatic-closing mechanism.

All-New Genesis is available in a choice of seven specially selected metallic and pearlescent exterior colours, which have been chosen to best showcase the sleek lines of the car. To accentuate its spaciousness and offer a serene, relaxing experience, three elegant interior trim colour options are available.

Echoing the premium ambiance of the vehicle itself, selected Hyundai dealerships will introduce bespoke Genesis retail display areas. Featuring high quality furniture and premium materials, the Genesis area of the dealership will also be staffed by a specially trained member of staff fully versed in all aspects of the vehicle.

Hyundai Genesis dealers

• East London Hyundai
• Macklin Edinburgh East
• Bristol Street Motors Nottingham
• Richmond Guildford
• Johnsons Cars Coventry
• Vantage Stockport
• Dalys Garage Belfast

Hyundai UK plans big investment to make the company a top five sales brand.

• Hyundai Motor UK outlines vision for future growth
• New products to spearhead growth in 2015 and beyond
• Investment in dealer network and brand engagement to attract new customers

Hyundai Motor UK today has set out its vision for continued growth in 2015 and beyond.

After another record year in 2014, during which the company sold over 80,000 cars in the UK for the first time, Hyundai has outlined its short, medium and long-term plans for future growth.

In the short-term, Hyundai Motor UK is targeting 100,000 annual registrations, with a medium-term goal of 5% market share. In the long-term, the company aims to secure a Top 5 sales position among all car brands in the UK.

New product launches, continued investment in the dealer network and increased public engagement via key cultural and sport partnerships will help the company achieve its goals, according to Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK.

Presenting the company’s vision, Whitehorn said: “Hyundai has undergone something of a transformation in recent years - and we’ve tripled sales in the UK since 2008. But that’s not enough - we want Hyundai to grow into something more, and we do that by offering more cars that people want to buy.”

Hyundai plans to launch several new models in 2015. The supermini New Generation i20, which went on sale a week ago, will be joined later in the year by the new i20 Coupe, New i30 and i30 Turbo and New i40, amongst others. Diversifying the split of core model sales is key to the company’s growth strategy as it moves towards 100,000 UK sales – 20,000 each of i10, i20, i30 and ix35 with the final 20,000 models made up by the rest of the range.

All new models will feature the latest technology and features developed by Hyundai engineers in Germany and Korea. The company announced a £48 billion investment (80.7 trillion KRW) in new facilities (49.1 trillion KRW) and R&D (31.6 trillion KRW) earlier this month, while a recent study by Thomson Reuters IP & Science found that Hyundai had posted the biggest increase in the number of patent filings among global carmakers over the last five years.

As well as attracting new customers with new models and technologies, Hyundai is going through the process of revamping its UK dealer network with a new showroom identity - designed to offer visitors an excellence experience that matches the quality of the brand’s new models. 

This approach extends to an understanding of how today’s consumer operates - the digital store Rockar was opened towards the end of 2014 and offers motorists a completely new way to buy a car.

Hyundai will also engage consumers through a series of sporting and cultural initiatives this year and beyond. As well as the long-term agreement with Tate, Hyundai has been a sponsor of FIFA football tournaments for more than 15 years, and will remain an official partner until at least 2022. After a hugely successful inaugural year in the World Rally Championship, Hyundai is hoping to build on its successes on the road and with motorsport fans in 2015.

“We’re a young company and have the freedom to do things a little differently,” added Whitehorn. “We need to take this as an opportunity to reach out to more people and build advocacy for the Hyundai brand.”

The carmaker is one year into an unprecedented 11-year partnership with Tate, one of the world’s top art institutions. The collaboration - which is founded upon Hyundai’s and Tate’s commitment to worldwide innovation - is the longest of its kind in Tate’s history.

TV star & ex-Formula 1 racer Tiff Needell to appear in an SD1 Rover at the Goodwood 73rd Members’ Meeting

Television star and ex-Formula 1 racer Tiff Needell is the latest big name to be added to the Goodwood 73^rdMembers’ Meeting line-up as the star-studded entry list for the March 21-22 event nears completion.

Needell, whose father Tony contested the inaugural Members’ Meeting at Goodwood in 1949, will race in the Gerry Marshall Trophy for Group 1 touring cars of upto 1982 vintage, which is named in honour of the 1970s tin-top cult hero.

The Fifth Gear and former Top Gear presenter, who started the 1980 Belgian Grand Prix for the British Ensign team and can also list a British Touring Car race win and a podium finish at the Le Mans 24 Hours among his many achievements, will race a 1981 Rover 3500 SD1.

Tiff and the Rover he will be driving

Other pictures of Tiff and SD1 Rovers (The most beautiful cars of its era)

The car, which carries the famous Daily Express livery, is the same machine in which Needell finished ninth in last year’s Gerry Marshall Trophy. He will once again share the former Dave Price Racing and Tom Walkinshaw Racing car with its owner, Peter Mallett.

Goodwood House Captains Emanuele Pirro (Torbolton), Jochen Mass (Darnley) and Nicolas Minassian (Aubigny), all of whom will lead their respective teams in pursuit of the Goodwood House Trophy, have all now had their cars for the Gerry Marshall Trophy confirmed.

Formula 1 Grand Prix winner Mass will pilot a 1982-spec Rover 3500 SD1 in the Sanyo livery made famous by Jeff Allam’s British Touring Car exploits while five-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Pirro – second in last year’s race – will drive Philip Perryman’s 1977 UFO Jeans BMW 530i; a car that makes its Members’ Meeting debut in 2015.

Minassian, who was unable to compete in last year’s event, has secured a seat in Duncan McKay’s BP Ford Capri III 3.0S, which was driven by Darren Turner last year. Anthony Reid, whose Methuen House took the prize in 2014, was last week confirmed to drive a Triumph Dolomite Sprint.

They join a top-line list of current and former professional racers in the Gerry Marshall Trophy, which includes 2012 World Touring Car champion Rob Huff, BTCC title winners Andrew Jordan Tim Harvey, Robb Gravett and tin-top heroes Steve Soper, Darren Turner, Rob Austin, Stuart Graham and Patrick Watts.

Tonne-Up Korando Sports Pick-Up from Ssangyong is just the business.

• Payload increased to 1 tonne
• Prices from £14,995 (ex VAT)
• 2.7 tonnes towing capacity
• Euro pallet sized load deck
• Multi-link rear suspension for a smooth, car-like ride
• The only pick-up with a 5 year warranty without mileage restriction
• Benefit in Kind (BIK) of £3,090

With an increased payload of 1,050kg, the Korando Sports one tonne pick-up is now the most practical, comprehensively equipped and affordable pick-up in the market.

The new Korando Sports has been fitted with uprated and progressive rear coil springs within the existing multi-link rear suspension set up - the only pick-up in the market to offer this system - which means that it continues to offer its famed relaxed and comfortable car-like ride, while also carrying over a tonne weight on its load deck.

Critically for business users this also means that the car can be purchased exempt of VAT.

“This is great news for the one-man-band business, SME and fleet operator,” says Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK. 

“The keenly priced and comprehensively equipped Korando Sports not only gives you a lot of vehicle for the money - from £14,995 (ex VAT), but also the reassurance of a 5 year limitless mileage warranty. SsangYong is the only manufacturer to have that much confidence in its LCVs, and gives customers complete peace of mind.

“Now with a full 1-tonne payload, this really is the best value pick-up you can buy!”

The Korando Sports brings a new level of refinement to the pick-up market, blending the suspension, engine and cabin finesse of a passenger car, with the silhouette, space and seating for five that’s typical of a double cab, and the rugged workmanlike ability of a commercial pick-up.

This new car will appeal to those who need a work vehicle, the practicality of 4 wheel drive, the towing capability to haul up to 2.7 tonnes yet also the appointments of a family car.  Whether towing a work trailer or horsebox, ferrying the crew to site or the children to school, Korando Sports will meet a range of different demands.

Two models - SX & EX

There are two models to choose from. The SX is extremely well appointed and comes equipped with 16” alloy wheels, tinted glass, air conditioning, leather covered steering wheel, remote central locking, Kenwood MP3 CD & RDS radio with a USB & auxiliary port and Bluetooth connectivity as well as speed sensitive power assisted steering.

The EX has 18” alloy wheels, and features the luxury touch of leather upholstery with heated front seats, powered driver’s seat, heated, electrically adjustable and power folding door mirrors and rear parking sensors.  6 speed automatic transmission with cruise control is also available as an option.

Power

Delivering both performance and economy - up to 37.7 mpg on the Combined Cycle, Korando Sports is powered by SsangYong’s latest e-XDi diesel engine.  This 2 litre Euro 5 engine provides maximum power of 155PS and peak torque of 360Nm delivered between 1,500rpm and 2,800rpm providing ample performance both on and off road, whatever the task.

Multi-link rear suspension

Unlike other pick-ups where the word ‘truck’ belies their more dated mechanical origins by utilising leaf springs, the SsangYong Korando Sports features a live rear axle supported by sophisticated five link suspension with progressive coil springs to give a comfortable, car like ride, while still being able to carry a full 1 tonne payload.

Practicality

As with every SsangYong, practicality is at the core of the new pick-up’s appeal.  A large, flat rear deck provides a 2.04m² load area to take a Euro pallet, and comes complete with load deck liner and anchor points.  The optional rigid hard tops provide weather protection and security to the load area.  Styled and colour matched to complement the rest of the vehicle, the result is a neat design that ensures form and function, and not the ‘tacked on’ afterthought of many retro-fit hard tops.

Comfort

Inside the spacious cabin there’s a light and airy environment thanks to the large front, side and rear windows, while the careful blending of black and metallic finishes along with an LED illuminated instrument cluster has created a smart and refined interior.

With spacious accommodation for five adults - the rear passenger seat features a folding armrest and can be reclined by up to 29 degrees, and there’s also air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity to ensure comfort and convenience on the move.

Safe, secure, sure footed

Constructed on a separate frame chassis, the new Korando Sports offers a very rigid structure to help protect occupants in the event of a collision.  Accident avoidance and a sure footed performance off road are also enhanced by the electronic stability programme (ESP) - a rare feature on most pick-ups but standard on Korando Sports, active roll-over protection (ARP) and hill start assist (HSA).

Korando Sports pricing

The Korando Sports SX costs £14,995 (ex VAT), the EX with manual transmission is £16,995 (ex VAT), and the EX with automatic transmission, £18,495 (ex VAT).

The choice of two hard tops and a roll cover

The three designs are:

The ‘Top-Up cover’ (£1,655 inc VAT) - a flat glass-fibre cover that is hinged to offer flexible opening options.

‘Elegance’ (£1,995 inc VAT) a full hard top featuring a rear brake light, LED interior light and lining, side opening glass - especially useful for ventilation when carrying dogs and other animals, a heated rear window, sliding front glass, light, roof bars and a hatch that locks as part of the car’s central locking without having to lower the tailgate.

There is also a Sports roll cover (£399 inc VAT).

Korando Sports pick-up specification

For full details of the Korando Sports equipment list click here:

http://www.ssangyonggb.co.uk/KorandoSports-Equipment

and for technical specifications click here:

http://www.ssangyonggb.co.uk/KorandoSports-Technical

5 year limitless mileage warranty

As with all models in the SsangYong range, the new Korando Sports 1 tonne Pick-up is covered by a 5 year limitless mileage warranty.

Designed to be totally transparent and give customers complete peace of mind, ‘limitless’ means just that: not a maximum mileage condition that some brands impose in their small print.

All the major mechanical components are covered including wheel bearings, suspension joints and bushes, steering joints, shock absorbers and even the audio system.  Wearable components such as clutch discs and brake friction materials which could have their life reduced by poor driving are covered for one year or 12,000 miles, and the battery and paintwork for three years.

SsangYong

SsangYong cars are manufactured in South Korea by SsangYong Motor, which is 73 per cent owned by the Indian engineering conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra, and imported into the UK by SsangYong Motor UK.  Established in 1954 it is Korea's oldest vehicle manufacturer and only 4x4 and SUV specialist producer.

There are currently some 60 SsangYong dealers covering England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with new locations being added to the network all the time.

LCV range

• Korando CS & CSX - 2 & 4 wheel drive, from £12,995 ex VAT
• Korando Sports pick up - 4 wheel drive, from £14,995 ex VAT
• Rexton W CSX -4 wheel drive, from £18,495 ex VAT

First ever Golf GTD Estate to be unveiled at Geneva Motor Show in March.

• First ever Golf GTD Estate to be unveiled at Geneva Motor Show in March
• Like the iconic diesel hatch, GTD Estate features 2.0-litre 184 PS TDI engine
• Combines sporting performance with combined fuel economy of over 64 mpg*
• Sporty design cues inside and out match those on GTD hatchback

Since 1982 Volkswagen's GTD logo has stood for Gran Turismo Diesel, with its promise of sporty yet economical motoring.  Now for the first time, the GTD initials grace the Golf Estate, which like the Golf GTD, boasts the 184 PS engine.  The new model is set to make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Golf GTD Estate is well placed to establish itself as an iconic long-distance cruiser.  The 184 PS TDI engine takes the Golf GTD Estate to 62 mph in just 7.9 seconds with the 2.0-litre unit delivering a maximum torque of 380 Nm – and yet this sporty Estate car boasts an impressive combined fuel consumption figure of 64.2 mpg*.

 VW Golf GTD Estate

Other VW Golf Estates

The car’s sporty character is reflected in its exterior design: along with special GTD bumpers and the honeycomb radiator grille, the Golf GTD Estate also features smoked rear lights and flared sills.  The look is completed by 17-inch Curitiba alloys, black roof rails and dual chrome tailpipes. 

Also standard on-board the Golf GTD Estate are bi-xenon headlights, sports suspension with ride height lowered by 15 mm, and progressive steering, which gives a sharper response during high-performance driving as well as ensuring greater comfort in ordinary conditions.

Inside, the dynamic theme continues, with sports seats in Clark tartan, illuminated door sills, black headliner and black pillar trims.  Added to this, there are numerous decorative inserts and panels in Checkered Black, plus stainless steel pedal caps.  Further refinements include the multifunction steering wheel with aluminium trim and the gear knob styled as a golf ball.

The Golf GTD Estate is also available with 18-inch Nogaro alloy wheels and seat covers in a choice of Alcantara or Vienna leather.  Optional extras include a Sports and Design package featuring driving mode selection, Nogaro 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers and tinted windows.

The Golf GTD Estate is expected to go on sale in the UK in April, with first deliveries in June. UK pricing and specification will be confirmed closer to launch.