Hyundai gears up for a great 2006

Already boasting the widest range of cars for customers to choose from in the UK and after achieving a record UK market share in 2005, global top 10 car manufacturer Hyundai will further improve its range in 2006 to offer even more choice and even better deals.

From now until the half-year point alone, Hyundai Motor UK Ltd (HMUK) will:

Introduce the all-new Santa Fe SUV with, for the first time, seven seats
Re-launch a revised Amica compact city car
Launch a new three door Accent

In addition, Hyundai will introduce three new engines to its Sonata line-up. Crucially, in a sector dominated by diesel, a new four cylinder 2.0 litre turbocharged diesel model is on its way, together with a flagship 3.3 litre V6 petrol unit. The new engines will arrive in the spring.

Aside from the all-new Santa Fe, Hyundai’s SUV range will continue to go from strength to strength with the further addition of two new two-wheel drive diesel Tucson models later in the year.

Hyundai’s 2006 plans will build on developments in 2005, which saw the introduction of the face-lifted Getz. With new styling, new engines and new flare, Getz remains Hyundai’s best selling model and a highly competitive supermini with more than 13,198 sold in 2005.

Hyundai’s Coupe, meanwhile, which also received a fresh face last year, continued to outsell both the Audi TT and Toyota Celica in 2005, selling 4,565 units.

HMUK Managing Director Tony Whitehorn said: "In 2005 we consolidated our market position in the UK, increasing our share from 1.47 per cent to an all-time record for Hyundai of 1.50 per cent, in a tough market that was otherwise five per cent down overall. This put us ahead of some serious European competition.

"Our product line-up in 2006 will take us from strength to strength. We are particularly excited about the introduction of the all-new Santa Fe in the spring. With seven seats it takes us into a whole new market, bringing fresh opportunities for HMUK and even greater choice for UK car buyers."

All Hyundai’s cars are backed by the unique seal of quality of its industry-leading five year, unlimited mileage warranty, which is fully transferable from owner to owner.