Hyundai all smiles after EnergyWise Rally

12 November 2004 Immediate release

Hyundai all smiles after EnergyWise Rally

Hyundai is tipping fast growth for diesel vehicles in New Zealand following its strong showing in last week’s EnergyWise Rally.

A diesel-powered Terracan won the class for large SUVs, while perhaps the sensation of the event was a diesel Getz in the small car class which turned in an economy rating of just 4.18 litres per 100km.

That’s a figure behind only Chris Amon in his special hybrid Prius (4.02) and better than the identical Prius of Brian Cowan (4.32).

“It’s an outstanding result for the diesel Getz, which again promises big things for our sophisticated Hyundai diesel engines,” commented the General Manager of Hyundai Automotive New Zealand Philip Eustace.

“It’s unfortunate this Getz was not able to be recognised in the official results because the model is not yet available in Hyundai dealerships … we don’t have a confirmed date of introduction yet.”

“But there was nothing experimental or special about this Getz, it’s one of two cars we imported in time for the rally and to demonstrate to our dealers and the public, as it’s clear this will be a very popular seller when we do have stocks.

“The car was superbly driven by David Thomson from the Otago Daily Times, with his father Scott co-driving, and they demonstrated to New Zealand just what can be achieved through care and consistency over four days on some very challenging roads.“

Mr Eustace describes the diesel Getz economy figure of 4.18 as “stunning” and says it was well under Hyundai’s own published expectation of 4.8.

“At the same time Richard Edwards from Driver Magazine did an equally sterling job piloting the big Terracan to a clear victory in his class,” Mr Eustace said. He combined with Helen Erickson from the NZAA to comfortably lead his class right from day one.”

Mr Eustace says Hyundai is delighted with the results of its entire five-car team in the rally with economy ratings consistently below Hyundai’s own expectations.

“Our standard petrol Getz was the jewel in the crown, with a final economy figure of 5.38 l/100km.

“Writer David Kilburn from Rotorua formed a formidable team with Hamish Wilson from the Consumer’s Institute, reinforcing the qualities of the Getz which is right up there challenging for top seller in its class this year.

And our own staff members Mark Harrison and Quentin Drain displayed our new Tucson SUV in its best light with an economy figure of 8.05 for second equal in its class,” added Mr Eustace. ”I believe some information had that vehicle third in class but it’s now been corrected.”
Mr Eustace says much attention focused on Hyundai’s celebrity Getz which ran on E10, a government guideline 10 percent blend of ethanol in petrol.

It had different drivers throughout the rally, with Hamish Carter, Barbara Kendall, Scarlett Hagen and EECA chief executive Heather Staley anchor-driven by motorsport identity Geoff Langham.

“In some ways we handicapped the ethanol showing as it was just impossible for so many drivers, most of whom had never sat in the car before, to return economy figures like our other team members,” explained Mr Eustace.

“But overall we are confident a car on E10 blend will return virtually identical fuel economy to straight petrol, when run like-for-like.”

The independent drivers of Hyundai vehicles were equally enthusiastic about their results:

Richard Edwards, News Editor, Driver Magazine

"I was exceptionally surprised at how efficient the Terracan was on the Energywise Rally, especially considering that we were one of the largest vehicles competing, and had the ability to seat seven. I think I carried more luggage then anyone on the event!

"The ability to select four-wheel-drive on the run is great - and something that is diminishing with the increasing number of full-time 4WD SUVs. 4WD is fantastic on slippery or unsealed roads, but inefficient in most driving situations where it is simply wasted drive. The ability to turn off the system using the simple control when clearly not required, and on again when conditions looked averse was probably the key to our win."

"The driving position and seats in the Terracan were great, Helen and I took only one rest-stop on the event because we were comfortable and didn't need too."

"As a lifestyle vehicle Terracan is great - I have taken it down the length of Ninety Mile Beach, stopping and starting, carrying a full load of gear, three people and a land yacht - it was comfortable, made it everywhere with ease and even managed miserly fuel consumption under a load."

David Thomson, Motoring Writer, Otago Daily Times

“I have always been a fan of small diesel cars, and a week with the Getz diesel further reinforced that.

“It was the only 5-door car on the EnergyWise able to challenge the latest petrol-electric hybrids for fuel efficiency, and given that its rivals included some of the best small and medium sized diesels from Europe that was a huge achievement.” David Kilburn, Freelance Motoring Writer, Rotorua.

"What a great little car! It's one thing to be the best looking car in its class but 'our' Getz showed that it was also the best handling on the tight downhill sections and had ideal gearing for the tight uphill and slow gravel sections.

“It gave its best economy where its competitors were least economical and all while carrying the heaviest driver combination in the class."

ENDS

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