Hyundai Motor announced on Sunday the official launch of a hybrid model for the Grandeur, the company’s flagship full-size premium sedan. Sales will begin on Monday.

Hyundai’s hybrid line-up had previously been limited to mid-size vehicles. It also highlights Hyundai’s bid to lead the market for luxury and eco-friendly cars.

The Grandeur Hybrid uses Hyundai’s independently developed “parallel hard-type hybrid system,” which was introduced in the 2011 Sonata Hybrid and has received much praise since. Compared to the rival “combined hard-type system,” it boasts improved technology and performance, according to the company.

Loaded with a theta II 2.4 MPI hybrid engine, the Grandeur Hybrid permits 159 horsepower in the gasoline mode, and maximum torque of 21.0 kilogram-meters. Combined with its 35-kilowatt electric motor, the hybrid is able to put out a total of 204 horsepower ― placing the car at the top of its segment and its competitors, Hyundai officials emphasized.

Fuel efficiency for the Grandeur hybrid is 16 kilometers per liter, saving drivers roughly 980,000 won ($930) per year.

In addition, the new Grandeur Hybrid also incorporated an artificial engine sound system as a safety precaution for pedestrians when the car runs on its electric motor.

Hyundai will additionally offer a special guarantee service such as free warranty for all car parts within ten years or 200,000 kilometers and a 30-day vehicle exchange program, said the company.

“The Grandeur Hybrid has secured the highest product competitiveness possible based on Hyundai’s verified technology that pioneered the domestic market for eco-friendly cars,” stated a company official. “With great marketability and practicality, the Grandeur Hybrid will hopefully be able to lead the luxury hybrid market.”

The sale price is set at 34.6 million won, tax benefits included.

By Kim Joo-hyun
(jhk@heraldcorp.com)