Trio of Accolades for Hyundai at Australia's Best Cars

SYDNEY – Nov 27, 2012: Australia’s seven State and Territory based motoring clubs have recognised three Hyundai models as class-winners in the Australia’s Best Cars national awards for 2012.

After rigorous testing and analysis, Hyundai received five finalist nominations with coveted Australia’s Best Car awards presented to the i30 hatch in the Small Car Under $35k segment, all-new Santa Fe in the SUV over $40k class and iMax in the People Mover category.

“This is a very strong result for Hyundai, and in particular for i30 nameplate which is now an impressive four time winner in Australia’s Best Cars,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia Marketing Director Oliver Mann. “The 2012 finalists’ line up offered tough competition, and to see three Hyundai models recognised as best in class is a tremendous accolade for the brand.”

The impressive Hyundai i30 Hatch took out the Best Small Car under $35,000 category, this year up against strong competition from its sibling Elantra Active model. The i30 has always been a popular choice, recognised for its outstanding value without compromise; it offers an impressive package of performance, safety, economy, and style, with judges commenting the i30 was “a particularly easy car to drive and to live with.”

“The i30 (ranks) amongst the best in class for pricing and retained value, while also providing a stand out five year unlimited kilometre warranty and dealer access, with low running and repair costs,” commented Australia’s Best Cars judges.

In the competitive SUV Over $40,000 category, the recently launched all-new Hyundai Santa Fe Elite was a standout. Boasting a suite of comfort and convenience features usually reserved for prestige brands, and achieving the maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating, the Santa Fe offers the complete package. With high scores across all categories including pricing, running and repair costs and warranty, the Santa Fe took “a convincing and deserved victory” according to the judges.

“The R-Series diesel is easily the pick of the engines. It makes acceleration from standstill smooth, effortless, and efficient. And off road, that muscular torque helps the Santa Fe maintain good progress.”

The Hyundai iMax diesel has taken out the Best People Mover category every year since its launch ¬- an impressive five consecutive years - proving it to be truly in a class of its own. Demonstrating a winning combination of practical design, functionality, and low operating costs, combined with true eight-seat capacity, ample luggage space and a practical, well-appointed interior, the iMax was unbeatable.

“To win five in a row is impressive and the iMax fulfils the brief in this class – moving people and their luggage, and that’s what it’s all about,” commented Australia’s Best Cars judges.

The ABC Awards, presented by the Australian Automobile Association on behalf of Australia’s Motoring Clubs, is the nation’s most comprehensive and independent consumer focused vehicle testing and award program. The 2012 testing process saw over 300 vehicles across 15 categories complete the exhaustive evaluation and assessment process focused on three main criteria: ‘Value for Money’, ‘Design and Function’ and ‘On the Road Performance’.

The national judging panel, headed by Mark Borlace with over 30 years motor industry experience, included representatives from NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAASA, RACWA, RACT and AANT