The engine has been downsized, leading to improved power and fuel efficiency. This is the new Grandeur Hybrid.
The Grandeur Hybrid achieves a balance of output and fuel efficiency through downsizing, strengthening its presence in the sedan market, which has been overshadowed by SUVs.
Sales of the new Hyundai Grandeur Hybrid are on a smooth course. According to Hyundai Motor on the 2nd, out of a total of 18,935 Grandeurs (GN7) sold, 8,107 are hybrids, accounting for 42.5%.
The monthly sales figures for the Grandeur in the new year are 9,118 in January and 9,815 in February, marking an increase of 697 units. Among these, the internal combustion engine models remained nearly static, with January sales at 5,407 and February at 5,419. However, hybrids saw an increase from 3,711 in January to 4,396 in February, driving Grandeur’s overall sales.
The sales ratio of hybrids in the Grandeur GN7 is also higher compared to the existing IG model. Last year, the total sales of the Grandeur IG were 57,367, with hybrids accounting for 19,120 units, a share of 33.3%.
In just one year, the Grandeur Hybrid underwent a complete transformation, with its sales share increasing by nearly 10%.
Although the high interest rates have drastically reduced the number of customers waiting to purchase vehicles, survey results from the sales front show that the waiting period for the new Grandeur Hybrid is still close to one year. Including models currently accepting contracts, the hybrid proportion of the Grandeur is set to rise significantly.
One of the key factors behind the popularity of the Grandeur Hybrid is its powertrain. The Smart Stream 1.6 Turbo Hybrid engine applied to the Grandeur Hybrid boasts a total system output of 230 horsepower, which is 30 horsepower more than the previous 2.4 Hybrid engine (total system output of 200 horsepower).
Fuel efficiency has also improved. The Grandeur Hybrid (with 18-inch tires) has a combined fuel efficiency of 18 km per liter, which is 1.8 km more than the existing Grandeur IG Hybrid (with 17-inch tires), which stands at 16.2 km per liter. Even though the engine has downsized from 2.4 liters to 1.6 liters, it offers increased output and excellent fuel efficiency, all while featuring a design that symbolizes the first-generation Grandeur.
In response, Hyundai is also encouraged by the positive reaction. Despite previous sales struggles often being overshadowed by Kia, the new Grandeur has been a dependable performer in terms of sales.
The industry is closely watching whether the Grandeur Hybrid, with its small 1.6-liter heart, can reshape the market for large sedans, which has traditionally been dominated by engines over 3 liters.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr