www.bahrainthismonth.com June 2013 111 motoringthismonth Hyundai Motor Company’s new flagship model has overthrown the usual contenders to be crowned with top honours. The reputed Middle East car magazine, Automobile, has named the Centennial as the best luxury full-sized car of 2013. The model was launched in the region earlier this year to challenge the established names in the luxury car sector. It boasts significantly enhanced interiors with the addition of a range of cutting-edge features and the introduction of two new, high performance GDI engines. “Receiving this award just a few months after the new 2014 Centennial’s launch is a great honour. The outgoing model won 2012 Car of the Year from Sport Auto magazine, so it’s nice to enjoy yet more recognition for our luxury segment model from Middle East automotive experts. It’s a true testament to how far we have come as an automotive company that we now produce cars that meet and exceed the highest quality standards,” says Tom Lee, vice president and head of Hyundai’s Middle East regional headquarters. The low-down The 2014 version exudes quality with high-class leather and wood trim all around the cabin. The dashboard has been totally redesigned as have the rear seats, which now offer even greater comfort. Passengers in the back can enjoy new dual 9.2-inch LCD rear monitor entertainment screens and control their travel experience via a new DIS system. To ensure premier standards of comfort, the electronically controlled multi-link suspension has been fine-tuned, while an air suspension option is also available. For the first time, Centennial is equipped with Hyundai’s acclaimed GDI engines. It delivers maximum power of 430ps, a top speed of 240kph plus zero to 100kph in 5.8 seconds. Ground-breaking assets A number of high-tech features are made available for the first time. For improved safety, a head-up display projects speed and navigation information on the windscreen, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road, while a blind spot detection system alerts the driver to any vehicles or objects that are in the car’s blind spots. A smartphone touchscreen-style user experience is provided by the innovative Haptic Steering Wheel. An allaround view monitor utilises small front-, side- and rearmounted cameras to project a 360-degree view of the area surrounding the vehicle onto the driver’s information screen, making parking easier. The previous version of Hyundai’s flagship car had already enjoyed significant success in the Middle East, where sales grew to 244 per cent in 2012, and across the world. In North America, research by influential automotive industry forecaster, ALG, confirmed that the Centennial enjoys stronger residual values than the BMW’s 7-Series, the Mercedes Benz’s S-Class and the Audi A8. 112 x Showcase Also this month On the Throne The Ultimate Volvo The Polestar is arguably the most glamorous and lightning-quick Volvo concept car ever made. The S60 Polestar Concept delivers the genuine Volvo driving experience with a high level of power and handling. The turbocharged, inline sixcylinder engine has been tuned to deliver a considerable increase in power and torque. The 508horsepower and 575Nm of torque seem to dwarf the numbers associated with those found in the T6 engine of the production car: 304horsepower and 440Nm of torque. The combination of a lowered, widened and reinforced chassis, a tuned Haldex all-wheel-drive system and Öhlins suspension makes the car uniquely suitable for both high-performance driving and long-distance travelling.
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