Precision Hyundai News

Precision Hyundai's Annual Golf Tournament, hosted by the Turner Valley Golf and Country Club was a success. An abundance of Precision staff and suppliers participated this year. Precision Hyundai was able to raise a generous amount of donations going toward the Tom Baker Cancer Center.
We would love to thank our suppliers and sponsors for donating prizes and attending this grand event.

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Golf Tournament Photos

The Koreans retaliate and hit their targets
 
Merrickville, Ontario--Honda launched their Fit, Toyota introduced their Yaris last year, and Nissan is about to set its Versa loose into their showrooms. The subcompact war is going to be ferocious, and Hyundai badly needed to rejuvenate its smallest car, the Accent Hatchback.
 
Well, after over 200 kilometers behind the wheel of this new model, one thing is certain: Hyundai has created a subcompact that has nothing to envy its competition about.
 
A sporty look
 
From all angles, the 3-door Accent is beautiful. Like the sedan, it has a friendly face, but has a round posterior that is pretty cute. The crease that flows from the headlights to the taillights gives a muscular stance to the car, and it looks like its ready to pounce. The side-marker turn signals are well-integrated into the front fenders.
 
Even the base models, the GS and GS Comfort, don't look like strippers, since they sport body-coloured mirrors and door handles. There is also a hatch-mounted spoiler on all Accent hatchbacks. To recognize the GS Premium, look for the 14-inch alloy wheels and fog lamps. And, the GS Sport distinguishes itself with its 16-inch wheels and power sunroof.
 
Sweating the details
 
In all models, we can see that Hyundai has taken the time to evaluate the needs of their customer base, and go one step further. For example, every Accent Hatchback is equipped with a driver's seat armrest, as well as adjustments for the seat cushion. In addition, rear passengers can also appreciate having an armrest that flips out of the seatback. The CD player can read MP3 files, even in the base GS model.
 
Under the hood, Hyundai points out that the battery is covered in isolation, and the panel seam joints are all sealed. The gauges are all located in the front portion of the engine compartment, so they're easy to reach.
 
Congratulations to Hyundai for equipping every Accent Hatchback with rear wiper. It's a very important feature, because it helps rising the level of security by allowing an excellent visibility. And with the price of gas today, I'm glad to see that there are still some cars that have locking fuel-filler releases.
 
The seats are comfortable and the quality of materials used is impressive. Japanese manufacturers must realize that the Koreans are right behind them, and American manufacturers must simply return to the drawing board. The sound system is good, and the air conditioning is very effective. Visibility is excellent despite the big C-pillar, and the rear headrests don't block the back window at all. A small shortcoming, maybe, is that the GS Sport's leather-wrapped steering wheel slips in my hands.
 
Interior space is impressive, although my head was only a few centimetres from the headliner while I'm driving. Access to the rear bench is difficult, obviously, and three people across will be tight. However, two occupants are fine back there. Finally, the trunk of the Toyota Yaris looks more like a glove box in comparison with the Accent's trunk.
 
Good handling, but the engine, however...
 
The Cataraqui Trail, a twisty and sinuous 20-kilometer stretch of road that Hyundai made us discover, is a fabulous location for evaluating the handling of a car. On this road, the Accent amazed me. Behind the wheel of a 5-speed GS Premium model, I was eating up the curves and hills with a large smile on my face. The steering is precise, the brakes are powerful, and the clutch is easy to manipulate. The GS Sport, with a 24% stiffer suspension and larger tires, provides even sportier handling.
 
The engine is not as impressive. Without being lethargic, it seemed to quickly run out of breath, despite its 110 horsepower. Maybe the power and torque curves aren't as linear as those in competitors' cars. I had to think twice before passing slower vehicles on the country roads. 0 to 100 km/h acceleration with the 5-speed should be approximately 12-seconds.
 
The shift lever had, let's say, a rubbery feel to it, but does the job anyhow. Above 3,500 rpm, the 4-cylinder becomes noisy. At 120 km/h with the manual gearbox, engine speed is about 3,700 rpm, and its sound becomes tiresome. At the same speed with an automatic-equipped car, engine speed is about 3,000 rpm, and it's much quieter in the cabin. But in general, the Accent's powertrain is efficient, and fuel economy is improved over the previous generation.
 
Accent SR coming soon
 
Because the Accent SR Concept was popular at the 2005 Frankfurt show, Hyundai announced that it will produce an SR version for next September. A Canada-exclusive model, the Accent SR will be equipped with a bunch of accessories that should please those who like small cars with hot looks. Including anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, six airbags, a sunroof, a ground-effects body kit with fender flares, 17-inch wheels with P215/45R17 tires, a chrome exhaust tip and special trim on the inside, the Accent SR will be available in three colours: black, red and silver. Pricing has not yet been announced.
 
Conclusion
 
The Accent GS has a very interesting base price of $13,495. It's not expensive, since it offers comfort and a ride which is just as pleasing as in more-expensive rivals. The GS Sport, with its list of equipment, seems to be a steal at $16,195.
 
It's sad that Hyundai won't offer a 5-door Accent for 2007, since that's what the competition offers. It might a purchase factor that will turn customers away from the Accent Hatchback, but otherwise, the Yaris and Fit will soon see a larger-than-life little Hyundai coming up in the rear view mirror.

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Click Here To Build Your Own 2007 Hyundai Accent Hatchback

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Natural Resources Canada Recognizes the Hyundai Sonata as Canada's Most Fuel-Efficient Full-Size Sedan
 
Summer is rapidly approaching - traditionally a time when most people will use their cars for the annual family vacation. This summer, however, recent spikes in gasoline prices have many people thinking about canceling their plans and keeping the car in the garage. Hyundai Auto Canada offers much-needed relief for those planning to hit the open road
by offering Canada's most fuel-efficient full-size sedan - the 2006 Hyundai Sonata. The Sonata's outstanding fuel economy has been recognized by Natural Resources Canada with its annual EnerGuide Award which proclaimed the 2006 Sonata GL the most fuel-efficient full-size sedan on the Canadian market.
 
In Natural Resources Canada's 2006 Fuel Consumption Guide, the 162-horsepower, 2.4-Litre, four-cylinder, Hyundai Sonata GL leads the full-size passenger car class with 9.6-L/100 km and 6.3-L/100 km city and highway (29/45 mpg). With the award-winning 2006 Hyundai Sonata, there is no need to sacrifice spaciousness, quality, safety, performance or comfort to obtain outstanding fuel economy in a full-size sedan. In addition, the 2006 Hyundai Sonata has been declared Canada's "Best New Family Car Under $35,000" by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).
 
Hyundai Auto Canada has reported that, year-to-date, 2006 Sonata sales have increased by over 74% when compared to the same period in 2005.
Regardless of the brand, there are numerous ways to enhance a vehicle's gas mileage. Hyundai Auto Canada offers the following tips to maximize your fuel efficiency:
 
* Reduce your speed, accelerate slowly and avoid sudden stops.
* Maintain the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure. Driving on tires with low air pressure consumes more fuel.
* Limit your vehicle's idling time.
* Get your car serviced regularly to avoid gas-guzzling problems such as clogged or dirty air filters.
* Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and select appropriate grade oil for your vehicle's engine.
* Check and change your engine oil and transmission fluid as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
 

More Ways To Save
 
Further easing the consumer's new vehicle purchase decision, Hyundai was the first automobile manufacturer in Canada to offer new vehicle buyers the 1% reduction in the GST with the "Hyundai Trims The Tax" incentive program. By offering a 1% discount or the cash equivalent upon closing, Hyundai Auto Canada has eliminated the need to delay your new vehicle purchase until after July 1st to receive the GST reduction.
 
Hyundai Auto Canada
 
Hyundai Auto Canada, headquartered in Markham, Ontario, is a division of Hyundai Motor America whose parent company is the Hyundai Motor Company of South Korea. Hyundai automobiles and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout Canada by Hyundai Auto Canada and are sold and serviced through over 163 retailers nationwide.

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Click Here to Build Your Own Sonata

Hyundai Rocks the Minivan World
 
At every opportunity the reps from Hyundai have emphasized the company's commitment to exceed consumer expectations in their drive to over-deliver on quality and content in every price class and market segment. The chain of evidence validating their "over-delivery" includes the new Sonata and Azera sedans, both of which won AJAC's Car of the Year award in their respective categories. Enter the Entourage: Hyundai's first attempt at a minivan for the North American market.
 
I joined the entourage of auto journalists in attendance at Hyundai's Western Canadian launch of the 2007 Entourage, and came away impressed; Hyundai appears to have widened their "over-delivery" margin of success. The Entourage is a full-size, V6-powered, 7-occupant front-wheel-drive minivan, capable of holding its own against the big-3 in its hotly contested market: Honda's Odyssey, Toyota's Sienna and the Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town and Country duo. Persuasive to minivan buyers may not be the edge in interior room the Entourage has over the trio of usual suspects, or its better-stocked larder, but rather its lower pricing, which in Canada begins at $29,995 for the base GL model and escalates to $38,295 for the loaded GLS Premium with DVD. Although U.S. pricing has yet to be finalized, expect it to undercut the competition from Japan. And it's the two major players from Japan - Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna - that the Entourage is best measured against.
 
It is inherently difficult to infuse a minivan design with flair and distinction. To some degree they all look alike, which is to say - not very exciting. Although the Entourage doesn't shatter the mold, it does project a clean, uncluttered, well proportioned image that's just as appealing, if not more so than any other example in today's wide array of minivan offerings. The same findings hold true for its interior styling: attractive, clean and highly functional, but not record-breaking. Yet the conservatism exercised by Hyundai designers in the overall execution of the Entourage has netted a refined-looking people hauler with upscale appeal - and as with Hyundai's recently introduced Azera, the "upscale" factor is more than skin deep.
 
The Entourage is manufactured on the same Korean assembly line that spits out Kia's new Sedona minivan. In fact the two vehicles are based on the same automotive platform; however, Hyundai's van receives a collection of Entourage-exclusive components and build techniques making it the more affluent cousin to the highly praised Sedona. At 5,130 mm (202 in) in length, the Entourage is larger than much of its competition including the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey - but only by an inch or two. Despite its size, maximum seating in the Entourage is limited to seven. The only seating arrangement includes captains' chairs in the first and second row and a split-bench, three-position third-row seat.
 
When it comes to accommodating either human or inanimate cargo, the Entourage exhibits yoga-like flexibility beginning with its large, power-operated rear side doors. They open wide enough to allow easy access to the third row bench once the second row seat is flipped forward. Guests in the third row seat will enjoy plenty of legroom thanks to second row seats that slide fore and aft, fairly apportioning legroom.
When the need arises to maximize the cargo hold, the third row seat can easily be dropped section by section into the massive well at the rear of the vehicle. Doing so increases the cargo area from 912 litres (32 cu ft) to 2,268 litres (80 cu ft). Fold and pivot the second row chairs forward to increase the space; remove them to acquire the Entourage's maximum cargo volume of 4,007 litres (141.5 cu ft) - just a few litres short of a black hole. Should - contrary to everything we have learned from scientific observation - the black hole become full, remaining cartage can be strapped to the roof rails atop the Entourage. Whether fully loaded or travelling light, Hyundai's new van is more than capable of a little spark when its 242 horses are set free.
 
Hyundai has placed the same well-polished 3.8-litre (232 cu in) DOHC
V6 engine, equipped with Constant Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), in the Entourage that deftly powers the luxurious Azera. This feisty mill generates 242 horsepower and 251 foot-pounds of torque, all of which is fed through a well-mannered, smooth functioning five-speed automatic transmission featuring a manual-shift mode - the first minivan to include a DIY tranny. This drivetrain is clearly as refined as any powering the competition. It performs unobtrusively while only becoming noticeably audible when heavily tasked. Accompanying its refined growl is spirited performance on par with the Big Three mentioned earlier.
 
Reining in the easily achieved speed is a full set of ventilated, antilock disc brakes augmented with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). These binders felt strong and predictable while delivering emergency stops quickly and effortlessly - but impressive braking is just the start of Hyundai's commitment to safety and occupant protection.
 
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is available to keep the big Entourage pointed down the road and not down the embankment. Along with traction control, this life-saving feature is standard equipment with GLS trim; regrettably ESC is not standard equipment across the Entourage line. Fortunately a full complement of airbags is, including seat-mounted side airbags for driver and front passenger, plus full-length side curtain airbags covering all three rows of seats. To use a bowling term, Hyundai has scored a "spare" in safety, missing a strike by not including ESC as standard equipment in all Entourage iterations. They have, mind you, included active front-seat head restraints as standard equipment across the board, something other minivan manufacturers have yet to do.
 
With safety well covered, it's time to turn a wheel. From the moment I twisted its key and placed its conveniently located shifter in "D," I knew the Entourage was going to please. Like an English Lord, it imparted an immediate sense of civility and good breeding. Okay, that may be over the top, but you get my point. By focusing on noise, vibration and harshness, Hyundai engineers succeeded in attaining world-class minivan quietness. Analysis was undertaken to determine the ideal sound absorption materials for each body component. In addition, a sub-frame was utilized to isolate engine noise while body panels were strengthened and side glass thickened to reduce road noise. The outcome is a big box that rides as quietly as a dignified sedan - and quite possibly as smooth.
The Entourage is underpinned by a four-wheel independent suspension setup comprised of MacPherson struts with coil springs and a stabilizer bar up front, plus a multi-link design with coil springs and a stabilizer bar out back. The calibration of this arrangement favours ride comfort over adroit handling - and why not? This is a family tourer, not a family terror. I enjoyed the smooth, composed, comfortable ride of the Entourage, which by the way doesn't equate to mushy handling. During my testing, the roomy van proved to be secure through high-speed sweepers and nimble throughout jigsaws thanks in part to its rack-and-pinion, rpm-sensing steering. However, along with the pleasure of serenely unraveling miles of highway ribbon comes a couple of minor irritations, particularly for those with long legs.
 
While headroom throughout the Entourage is more than ample, legroom in the executive chair isn't. After several hours behind the wheel I was wishing I could move the driver's seat further rearward, allowing a little more stretch, but alas the seat had already given all it had. In keeping with the leg-related lament, the foot-operated parking brake location conflicted with my left ankle. These minor irritants aside, cruising the day away in the Entourage is a pleasure. It practically drives itself, but don't rely upon it for directions; a navigation system is not currently available. Don't let this single omission taint your view; Hyundai's philosophy of over-delivering on engineering, quality and equipment is well represented elsewhere in the Entourage. As Hyundai rep Curt Haase so eloquently put it, the Entourage contains many surprise and delight features, especially at the entry GL level.
 
Hyundai has worked hard over the last few years to design and build vehicles people want to own and can trust. Rather than marching to the penny-pinching beat of an accountant-composed leadership team, Hyundai personnel are led into battle by a team of engineers. Along with a philosophical shift that made "quality" the law, Hyundai has re-birthed itself and is now producing some of the most reliable, high-value automobiles available worldwide, and the Entourage is but another example of their success. Expect it to rock the minivan world.

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Click Here to Build Your Own Hyundai Entourage