What does Hyundai have for us at the LA Auto show for 2009? Nothing less than a shiny, brand new 2010 Tucson, of course. Bigger than last year’s model ( as is the trend in the auto industry ), the 2010 Tucson actually weighs about sixty pounds less than before. That’s not something we see often, and it’s definitely worth mentioning. So, what about the looks? Well, it looks pretty dang nice for the segment. It does follow the design trend of the day, with that upward-curing rear end, and the tiny little windows. While it’s a stylish look now, the blind spots that result aren’t exactly fun.

Visibility issues aside, the 2010 Tucson is an extremely attractive car outside, and has some *very* high quality materials inside. The center stack takes some getting used to, but it does appear to be simple, which is refreshing.

2010 Hyundai Tucson Specs

• 176 HP 2.4 liter four cylinder engine
• All-new 6 speed automatic transmission
• Curb weight: 3203 lbs
• EPA Ratings: 23 MPG city / 31 MPG highway

Holy gas mileage Batman. That’s only 1 less MPG than the ridiculously frugal 2010 Equinox. Also equal to the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid on the highway. The biggest key to the impressive gas mileage is keeping weight down – the Tucson is among the lightest vehicles in it’s class. Also, Hyundai didn’t go overboard with horsepower – the 176 HP is very competitive within the class, but not pack-leading. Nor does it need to be, as small CUV buyers aren’t looking to race from stoplight to stoplight.

Will the 2010 Tucson take over the mini CUV sales crown from Honda’s CR-V? No. But it will make buyers think before going the “safe” route. And I’m surely Hyundai will capture their fair share of sales. Good for them.

2010 Hyundai Tucson Gallery

Hi there - could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? This is a new site, and I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it.2010 Hyundai Tucson is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

Hyundai’s New Rep

Ever since the launch of the anticipated Genesis, Hyundai has been stepping up to the plate. The Genesis sedan took it’s first North America Car of the year award for 2009. After judged by 50 full time automotive experts who have critically analyze each and every car from the market, with months of road testing. It had proven itself worthy to be one of the most top honored cars in North America. Ever since then Hyundai’s image has changed.

Despite the “Economic Downturn” Hyundai managed to jump from 72nd place in 2008 to 69th place in 2009 as the top 100 brands in the world. With only a -5% change in value from 2008, this $4,604,000 Hyundai icon stayed under the average -7.4% in brand value change with other automakers. They even topped Porsche’s 75th place with a -8% in their $4,234,000 brand value. And Ferrari with their $3,527,000 brand taking 88th place with no change in value. And Coke tops #1 on that list, no surprise right?

Anyway I said all that to make a point. Ever since the launch of the Genesis taking them into the  luxury/ RWD platform. They are changing their image to reach people who have different needs and wants. From a 10k small nibble work a day car like the Accent. To a 33k high end Luxury BMW fighter Genesis Sedan. Hyundai has a car for everyone. I believe Hyundai is indeed becoming the next generation Honda. I expect more from them in the future.

Source Cited

http://www.hyundainews.com/Corporate_News/Corporate/01_11_2009_2982.asp

http://www.interbrand.com/best_global_brands.aspx?year=2009&langid=1000

Hi there - could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? This is a new site, and I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it.Hyundai’s New Rep is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

Just a single, heavily camouflaged spy shot of the 2012 Hyundai Accent here. The basic shape is visible, and looks pretty nice from what you can see. All the design details are hidden though, and they can make or break a car.

Specs are unknown, except for an unconfirmed rumor of a 140 HP direct injected 1.6 liter I4.

Hi there - could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? This is a new site, and I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it.2012 Hyundai Accent Spy Shot is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

Hyundai has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success here in the US over the last few years.  They have avoided the hybrid market segment so far – leaving it to Toyota.  Well, it seems they’ve re-thought that strategy, and plan to introduce a Sonata Hybrid in 2011, as a 2012 model.

Word is that Hyundai plans to use the newer-technology lithium-ion batteries, instead of the current generation NIMH.  Lithium-ion allows for smaller, lighter, more powerful batteries, potentially giving the Sonota hybrid better fuel economy and a longer electric-only range.  Interesting choice, considering the fact that lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than NIMH.  Hyundai usually plays the value card, pricing their vehicles lower than similar Toyota and Honda vehicles.  With li-ion – that may be tougher.  Stay tuned for details.

Hi there - could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? This is a new site, and I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it.2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Spy Shot is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

Hyundai has gotten really good, really quickly over the past few years.  These shots of the new 2011 Sonata seem to follow along that design.  Though it’s covered in cool camouflage,  we can get a good view of the profile.  Though I hate the term, you have to think “four door coupe” when you see this profile.  It’s sleek and sexy – something that we need more of in the midsize sedan arena. 

I’m a “less is more” kind of guy when it comes to wheel spokes, but at least the wheels do look nice, if not my first choice.  The interior looks solid too, if not extravagant.  I’m looking forward to some more spy shots, and some specs.  As soon as I see em, I’ll pass em on.  Nice work so far, Hyundai.

Source.

Hi there - could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? This is a new site, and I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it.2011 Hyundai Sonata Spy Shots is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

Attention owners of 2008 Hyundai Elantras equipped with the 2.0 liter “Beta” engine – Hyundai will be mailing you a letter soon.  This recall affects roughly 65,000 Elantras – not a small number given Hyundai’s sales numbers.  What’s the big deal, you wonder?  Nothing horrible, actually.  Ethanol present in gasoline ( such as the E10 sold pretty much everywhere ) can cause a film buildup inside the fuel pump.  Theoretically this could cause hesitation while driving.  No accidents have been reported, and it’s doubtful there would be.  Good job Hyundai, on reporting the problem anyway.

Hi there - could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? This is a new site, and I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it.65,000 Hyundai Elantras Recalled is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

With the pending release of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, there’s no real room anymore for the Tiburon.  As such, Hyundai has announced that 2008 will be the last model year for this quirky little “sport” coupe. 

All in all the Tiburon wasn’t a bad car.  It certainly won’t become a classic, but it offered a decent package for the money.  Here’s hoping the Genesis coupe and it’s RWD-goodness will hit the ground running, and make us all forget about the Shark.

Hi there - could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? This is a new site, and I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it.Hyundai Tiburon to go the way of the Commander is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

It’s no secret that the Hyundai Genesis sedan is a fine looking automobile.  Nearly always, the coupe version of any given vehicle looks much better than it’s 4 door brother.  The Genesis Coupe is no exception – this car is just bitchin.  Front, side, rear, there are no bad sides to this car.  The lines are gorgeous, the details sharp.  Even the interior looks very nice.  This car is really exceptional to me, because it’s not “Nice for a Hyundai”.  No, not at all.  It’s just sexy. 

Looks aren’t everything, of course.  Under the hood is a turbo 4 that puts out 217 HP – not bad.  This one will probably sell in the low 20′s range, unless you start packing on the options.  Folks wanting more power can step up to the killer 310 HP 3.8 liter V6 – very nice.  Sadly it doesn’t look like the Genesis Coupe will be getting the 4.6 liter V8 from the sedan – boo.  But if we have to “make do” with a 310 HP V6, I think we’ll get by just fine.

Hi there - could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? This is a new site, and I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it.2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

Brand new spy shots of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe – complete with interior shots.  That’s what we have here today.  We’ve known for awhile that Hyundai had a RWD coupe in the works, and these are the best shots yet. 

From what we can see behind the camo, this car has some serious potential.  Hyundai is hit or miss when it comes to design details, so I’ll reserve final judgement until the coverings come off.  Driving dynamics are also unknown.  Remember, this coupe will be going head to head with the 3 series coupe and G37 – not exactly lightweights.  If Hyundai offers the Genesis V8 as an option, then they might have a fighting chance.

Source.

Hi there - could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? This is a new site, and I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it.2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Spy Shots is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

Word on the street ( the street being a car discussion forum ) is that the new Hyundai 4.6 liter V8 that will power the Genesis will be no slouch in the power department. In fact, an as-yet unconfirmed inside source is talking about 380 HP – that’s a three hundred and eighty horsepower Hyundai. Apparently this source has been right before concerning various Hyundai / Kia information, so there’s a good bet he’s right this time around.

The big question is, are we talking about the Detroit way to get 380 HP, or the Honda way? By that, of course, I mean will there be comparable torque to complement the tremendous horsepower, or will we be looking at a 380 HP / 240 lb-ft of torque mill? Time will tell, but either way, that’s an impressive horsepower number from anyone, even more impressive from a Hyundai.

Source.

Hi there - could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? This is a new site, and I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it.Hyundai Genesis V8 – 380 HP ? is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.