110 November 2013 www.bahrainthismonth.com Model Hyundai Centennial Model year 2013 Engine 4.6-litre V8 Tau engine Displacement 4,627 cc Horsepower 361 hp @ 6,500 rpm Torque 439 Nm @ 3,500 rpm Transmission 8-speed automatic transmission Transmission 0 to 60 mph: 5.8 seconds Top speed 240 km/h Tony Sidgwick Hyundai’s flagship luxury full-size sedan proves that it’s here to stay, and ready to bring the fight right to Lexus’s doorstep! When Hyundai took its first foray into the luxury auto segment with the Centennial (also known is the Equus in Western markets) many scoffed at an upstart Korean budget car manufacturer trying to play in the big leagues. However, over a decade later, the Centennial is not only still here but is offering other branded luxury brands some stiff competition; if not in prestige, then definitely in terms of value for money! And you can tell that this is exactly what Hyundai had in mind when designing the Centennial. The similarities between the Centennial and more up-market cars can be apparent from the moment you look at them. Imitation is the best form of flattery; Apple might have said that when Samsung released their own touchscreen smartphone. But they didn’t. Instead, they took umbrage at someone releasing a competitive product at a far lower price! Now, we’re definitely not saying that the Centennial is the ultimate luxury car. It’s not quite as refined as some brands but with a price tag BD10,000 lower than comparable cars it’s a pretty attractive deal. “How good could it possibly be?” you might ask. Well, the answer to that is — very! It’s frankly quite stunning how well-appointed this car is. The Centennial has everything! Adaptive cruise control, collision warning, blind sport indicators, 360 degree parking camera and a 3D navigation map. There’s a 12-way adjustable driver’s seat with two memory settings, heated and air-conditioned seats, electric side and rear windscreen curtains as well. There’s even a fridge in the back seat! And we’re only just scratching the surface here. Hyundai have gone for an iDrive-style interface with the infotainment system, controlled by a knob with very straightforward and intuitive controls. These allow you to choose your own car settings. Moreover, the CD/MP3/Blutooth stereo system puts sound out through an impressive 17-speaker Lexicon sound system that is fully adjustable depending on where in the car you want the sound to go. There is ample power from the 4.6-litre V8 Tau engine, which puts out 360hp and 358Nm of torque, and, despite the car’s size, it feels much lighter than it is, thanks to nimble handling. There is very little roll in the corners, and there’s an impressive amount of grip. The ride comfort is superbly smooth and it’s extremely quiet in the passenger cabin. The VIP-spec model we drove is geared up for chauffeuring executives around in the rear and, as such, boasts a wide range of gadgetry in the back too, including two DVD screens, climate controls, and a ‘relax’ setting for the right rear passenger. This folds the front passenger seat fully forward and reclines the rear seat to give the treasured executive a pleasant place to snooze on a long journey! You simply won’t get more car for under BD30,000 anywhere else, and when you factor in Hyundai’s impressive warranty, which includes three years’ free service, roadside assistance, and pick up and drop with a replacement car for services, the deal keeps getting sweeter and sweeter! First Motors is the official distributor for Hyundai in the Kingdom. E Call 17 121-121. motoringwheels The Perennial Centennial
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