20 December 2006
Immediate release

Hyundai sets diesel pace

Hyundai continues to form the vanguard of environmentally friendly diesel engines, which are now fitted to many of the vehicles in its extensive range.

The very latest Euro IV compliant engines are delivering better economy, lower noise levels and improved particulate size are now found on the latest diesel releases from Hyundai, including the Getz, Accent and Sonata.

The highly successful Santa Fe SUV is also now fitted with a Euro IV compliant engine, further boosting the popularity it has deservedly gained in New Zealand.

Hyundai New Zealand Managing Director Philip Eustace commented that “Hyundai now lead the mainstream vehicle market in New Zealand for choice and sophistication in diesel technology, and as we continue to focus on bio-fuels, we believe it will be in these areas the future of real economic and environmentally friendly vehicles will lie.”

While not discounting hybrid cars completely, Mr Eustace said more of the car buying public are starting to recognise the true cost of such machines and distinguish from the hype surrounding them.

Meanwhile the advances in particulate filters and the smoothness of common rail diesel engines over previous technology meant that neither the environment or driver comfort had to suffer, he said.

Improvements in Hyundai diesel technology now means that all diesel powered engines are now benefiting from extended servicing periods, reducing ownership costs even further.

Early diesel technology required the engines to receive more regular, and expensive service periods to replace filters. Earlier this year Hyundai doubled the servicing period from 7,500 kms to a massive 15,000 kms.

“Hyundai have been able to capitalise on the huge gains we have made in technology in recent years with our new diesels. Improved lubrication systems mean the requirement is simply not there to have a service as often,” said Mr Eustace.

The impact on Hyundai diesel owners amounted to a saving of around $120 when the cost of filter, oil and labour were taken into account.

“It was not as if Hyundai vehicles cost a great deal to run anyway, but this is simply another benefit, and we know customers will appreciate it,” he said.

Mr Eustace said Hyundai has done “its bit” to lift the efficiency and cleanliness of diesels. He knew from contact with the company in South Korea that even better engines were in the pipeline within only a few years.

He said it was now up to the government to do away with the archaic road user tax on diesel vehicles to level the playing field for motorists. The administration cost and means of collection of the road user charges are expensive and totally outdated. Diesel tax should be collected at the pump, the same as petrol.

End