AFTER a year of record breaking achievements, the Hyundai stable hit the ground running again to welcome in 2010.
Despite the harsh trading conditions in 2009, the Korean car maker, official Automotive Partner of this year's football World Cup, achieved a number of goals such as creating a new best ever sales figure in September of 11,031.
This helped to push the company's total sales in 2009 to 40,578, overtaking the previous total annual sales record in 2004 of 37,611.
Leading the way in 2009 were the Hyundai i10, i20 and i30 and now, at a showroom near you, for the first registrations of a new decade, is a range of new special edition variants of these three models, each of which offers even more stylish looks, great driving characteristics and fine levels of comfort and safety.
The flagship i30 of a range, surprisingly labelled 'Edition' gets an exclusive new sporty look. A modified front grille flanked by sculpted foglamps, plus side skirts and new rear bumper incorporating twin exhaust trims are features exclusive to this model which is offered with three engine choices, 1.4 and 1.6 petrol, plus 1.6 CRDi diesel.
Comprehensively kitted out, the i30 Edition is priced from £13,400 on the road, some £4,000 cheaper than an entry level Ford Focus, and a Stop-Start system is a £200 option.
The Hyundai i20 Edition is available with the advanced 1.2-litre petrol engine. Offered in three or five-door style, this well equipped small car opens up more than £700 cheaper than a Ford Fiesta at £10,565.
Powered by a feisty 1.1-litre petrol engine, the i10 Edition is also generously kitted out with the likes of air con coming as standard in a starting price of £8,425.
Also set to turn a few hearts and minds is Hyundai's Santa Fe. This latest version of the 4x4 is stronger, leaner and more refined than its predecessor. Boasting a new torquy 2.2-litre diesel engine with increased towing capacity, Santa Fe is offered in Style and Premium trim versions while a five or seven-seater with self levelling suspension set up and manual or autobox are also options.
Santa Fe prices start at £21,495 for the Style five-seater model topping out at £25,495 for the seven-seat Automatic version while a further plus comes with all Edition models and the latest Santa Fe range benefiting from Hyundai's now legendary five-year warranty.
Words: Malcolm Robertshaw