Hyundai, More European Than Ever

The Korean brand is undoubtedly one of the companies that has evolved the most in the last decade. Hyundai has been able to adapt its vehicles to European tastes and has carved out a niche in a market where competition is overwhelming. And for now, it seems that it is not bad.

Currently, Hyundai is the fifth manufacturer in the world, with which we can get an idea of ​​what they are capable of. Until a few years ago, its main market was Asian, with vehicles manufactured for the sole purpose of mobility, which made it as practical as possible.

Quality leap

The quality of materials and the technology used in the models of the brand years ago were quite spartan and simple, especially if we compare them with what was already cooked in Europe at that time.

At the aesthetic level something similar happened (we all remember those Hyundai Atos of the first generation, with very unattractive shapes); but everything changes if we turn our eyes to the new i10, for example, with some first-rate lines.

Nobody has any doubt about the status that the Korean manufacturer has achieved in recent years. Even so, it is true that they no longer offer such low prices if we compare them with those of any European generalist brand, and that has been difficult for a public with quite fixed ideas like ours to understand.

With everything and with this, Hyundai does not stop surprising us and continues to add spice to the sauce with new models, which are added to the already successful Tucson, i10, i30 and company.

Hyundai news

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, the brand made it clear that this is an important year for it. They have invested heavily in creating new models to cover all possible fronts.

For example, this month the new Hyundai i30 N  has arrived which, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and 275 hp of power, becomes the brand’s first compact GTI. With him he will compete face to face with models such as the Ford Focus ST, Peugeot 308 GTI or, why not, with the Volkswagen Golf GTI itself.

Its powerful engine achieves magnificent figures: it accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km / h. There will be another version with 250 hp, but this one will not have an electronically controlled limited-slip front differential, something highly recommended if you want to enjoy 100% of the engine’s capabilities.

The Hyundai i30 Fastback was also presented in the German city : it is a coupe sedan measuring  4.46 meters in length, and offers an interior very similar to the five-door i30, but with a boot extra. It presents a soft drop from the roof, a much more sporty and elegant line. Its main rivals will be the Mazda 3 sedan or the Honda Civic sedan.

Another model that we have seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show is the new Hyundai Kona.  A crossover of 4.16 meters in length, a model with which the Korean brand wants to face the newcomers Kia Stonic or the Citroën C3 Aircross. These small urban SUVs are all the rage and Hyundai is not going to be left out of the party.

An ambitious future

With these latest additions, the Korean brand wants to position itself as number one in sales among Asian manufacturers, and thus seize the throne from the almighty Toyota.  And they assure that in 2021 they will achieve it.

Arguments are not lacking, with increasingly established and admired vehicles like the Hyundai Tucson. This model that has been very well accepted in terms of sales is concerned, which does not surprise us, since aesthetically it is a car at the level of the best and to which we found no significant flaws.

Only the passage of time will remove us from doubts about Hyundai’s intentions. For now, we will continue to take advantage of the magnificent models – at a reasonable price – that it is bringing to the European market, and thus the brands of our continent get the batteries. Another selling point is the 5-year warranty – attesting to its reliability – with no mileage limit.

All this, without a doubt, benefits us buyers, with a variety of options never seen before. In the end, passion wins out over reason when buying a car… And Hyundai bets on it.