MSN Launches New Cars Channel

Want to see which cars are the hottest and fastest around? Searching for the best car for your budget? Or just need advice on what to look for when buying a new car? For this and much more, simply visit http://cars.uk.msn.com, MSN’s new-look Cars Channel, which launches today.

The new channel will offer users a fresh and more accessible site suitable for everyone from the car-obsessive to the motoring beginner who are looking for a one-stop information service for their needs. From reviews and car valuations, all you need to know about motors and motoring appears in one place. The new Vehicle Information Pages (VIP) offers help to users looking to buy a new car, showing side-by-side comparisons of new and used cars, simply and straightforward.

MSN Cars continues to be one of the best motoring sites around with the widest range of motoring content available in the UK. Whether it’s to plan your journey for a long weekend or find a second hand car without leaving your house, it’s all here in one convenient and easy to navigate space.

The channel is the latest in a number of important updates and channel launches from MSN, including the recent launch of MSN Lifestyle and the re-design of the Entertainment Channel. It is a major part of MSN’s aggressive content growth strategy to expand its News, Entertainment, Cars and Money offerings and on-going expansion in MSN’s editorial and portal management team.

Tom Evans, content manager of MSN Cars UK said, "We are delighted with our new look website and the new VIP tool. We’re already one of the UK’s most popular motoring websites and we feel sure that our sleek new design, powerful tools and extensive content will only help to build on that success."

MSN Cars Roadtrip!

Fancy jumping into a jeep on safari in Kenya, or a fly-drive to Florida and not paying a penny? Simply log on to http://www.martianbase.com/roadtrip/index.html and tell us what your fantasy roadtrip would be, and you could win a spectacular holiday of your choice, courtesy of MSN Cars.

Kia Launches All New Kia Sedona

By any yardstick, the Kia Sedona has been a huge success. It has consistently been the second best-selling large MPV in the UK, but number one with private buyers looking for value for money from a spacious, practical, affordable, easy-to-use family car. Kia has sold more than 31,000 Sedonas in the UK in six years.

And on 1 July Kia will introduce an all-new model delivering even more of what buyers ask for:

• more style through a sleeker, more contemporary design with SUV undertones
• more space in its taller, wider but shorter body
• more versatility, with a totally revised seating arrangement and a vast array of storage points
• more safety, with six airbags as standard on every model and the availability of the latest active accident-avoidance features
• more performance from bigger, more powerful engines which deliver equal or better fuel economy than their predecessors
• more quality and equipment in a cabin that makes every occupant feel as though they are travelling first-class
• and a more engaging drive with a more comfortable ride

It's all the MPV you'll ever need.

There will be a choice of three trim grades on offer with the new Sedona – GS, LS and TS – with prices starting at just £15,995 for the petrol and £17,495 for the diesel.

Features new to the Sedona line-up include triple-zone air conditioning, electric sliding rear side doors, climate control, rear electric windows, a cut-off switch for the front passenger airbag and a conversation mirror so that parents can keep an eye on younger members of the family in the second- and third-row seats.

Six airbags – front, front side and full-length curtains – are fitted to every model. Kia is confident of a four-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating, putting the new Sedona on an equal footing with the vast majority of rivals.

Anti-lock brakes are standard, along with electronic brake force distribution. TS models are available with an optional electronic stability system (ESP) incorporating traction control and emergency brake assist.

Even the risk of minor parking bumps and scrapes has been reduced, with reversing sensors fitted to LS and TS models.

In other markets the Sedona is sold as a 5.1 metre, long-wheelbase model that seats up to 11, but the seven-seater version available in the UK has been created specifically for Europe.

Using the same platform that also underpins the new Magentis saloon, its overall length of 4810mm makes it 120mm shorter than before, but the wheelbase is almost the same at 2890mm (still one of the biggest in class) and the cabin is actually 177mm longer as a result of some particularly clever packaging. The new Sedona is also 85mm wider (1985mm excluding mirrors) and 25mm taller (1760mm) to ensure it meets buyers' space requirements.
The appearance is modern, clean and European, with SUV undertones. The front is bolder, the base of the windscreen is further forward to give a more dynamic sweep to the higher roof and the rear panels and the tailgate have a squarer, more stable appearance that draws attention to the wider track. Wheels and tyres of 16 inches (GS and LS) or 17 inches (TS) fill the arches.

It's not all change, though. The old car's best points are found on the new one – like the sliding rear side doors which make life easier when helping kids aboard. But on the new Sedona those doors are electrically-operated on LS and TS models. All versions have electric rear windows for the first time.

The seating layout has been changed from 2-2-3 to 2-3-2, a format buyers regard as essential in a large MPV for Europe. There are now five individual rear seats instead of two in the middle plus a rear bench.

Each of those seats slides forwards and backwards, reclines, folds in half, stores upright or comes out of the car altogether. Kia decided against folding rear seats because of the compromises involved. Folding seats have to be smaller and are therefore less comfortable, and they have to be mounted higher in the car, which steals headroom, legroom and luggage space.

Kia will continue to offer V6 petrol and four-cylinder diesel Euro IV engines, but both develop 40bhp more than before.

The diesel, on sale 1 July, is a 2.9-litre unit, now with second-generation common-rail injection and a variable geometry turbocharger. It develops an increased 182bhp and 343Nm, enhancing performance while preserving the 36.2mpg combined economy of its predecessor.
The V6, on sale in December, is Kia's new 2.7-litre Mu engine with continuously variable valve timing and a three-stage variable intake system contributing towards outputs of 186bhp and 249Nm of torque. Its combined fuel consumption is 26.4mpg compared with 25.7 previously, despite considerably improved performance.

The chassis is all-new, too. There are revised MacPherson struts at the front, while Kia's compact and neat in-wheel multi-link suspension replaces a solid axle at the rear. And there are now disc brakes at all four corners, ventilated at the front.

Together with the reduced length, a wider track and much stiffer body, they give the new Sedona a tighter turning circle, sharper and more stable handling, a superior ride, reduced levels of noise, vibration and harshness in the cabin and improved stopping power.

The turning circle of the new Sedona has been considerably improved by reducing the turning radius by 89cms and is one of the best in class.

Kia also launches a world first, a variable rack stroke system. The advantage of this system is that it makes manoeuvring lighter and easier while at the same time creates space for snow chains by creating greater wheel clearance for the front arches.

The new Sedona enters a declining market with increased competition from improving rivals. Private buyers are gravitating towards compact seven-seat MPVs, like the new Kia Carens recently revealed at the Madrid Motor Show. But fleet sales are rising to help compensate and now account for 60% of all large MPV purchases.
Diesel sales are also increasing, so Kia will offer just one entry-level V6 petrol model, with a five-speed manual gearbox. Diesels made up 97% of sales of the old Sedona, and diesel automatics are an increasingly important sub-sector. Kia will therefore offer six diesel versions of the new Sedona, with five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions. The automatic now incorporates Kia's Sports Mode sequential manual change feature.

Standard features include air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, powered and heated door mirrors, six airbags, remote central locking, roof rails, a conversation mirror and five individual folding, sliding and removable rear seats.

LS versions add climate control, electric sliding rear side doors, reversing sensors, privacy glass, alloy wheels, metal dash inserts, electrically-opening rear quarterlight windows, front foglamps and leather highlights on the steering wheel and gearlever knob.

TS is the ultimate Sedona, with leather upholstery, cruise control, front seat warmers, an electrically-adjusted driver's seat and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Value for money continues to be a cornerstone of Kia's marketing philosophy, and residual values are expected to once again be among the highest in the large MPV sector. Kia also maintains its transparent pricing structure with the new Sedona. There is a £2000 premium for each trim upgrade and a £1500 charge to move from petrol to diesel, while automatic transmission on the diesel costs £1100.

Kia Sedona Resources:
Kia Sedona
Kia UK

F1 Stars Gear Up For Brands Hatch Date

• Mercedes and Audi supercars ready for battle

Take one Mercedes or Audi road car. Add a flame-spitting, 500bhp V8 engine, strap it to the most technically advanced chassis on the planet, ramp up the noise levels, install an ex-F1 driver or similarly talented pilot, and shake.

The result? The awesome DTM Touring Car series, which arrives at Brands Hatch on the weekend of 1-2 July.

Earmarked as the 'next stage' in Michael Schumacher's illustrious career, former adversaries Mika Hakkinen, Jean Alesi, Heinz Harald Frentzen and seven times Le Mans winner, Tom Kristensen, already make it their hunting ground for continued glory.

Indeed, so popular is the DTM series, it has attracted the attention of Damon Hill. The former F1 World Champion will test the AMG Mercedes-Benz C Class this Friday (June 23rd) at Brands Hatch.

The prestigious series is now widely acknowledged as the best and most important touring car championship in the world. The hi-tech race versions of the Mercedes C Class and Audi A4 will average an incredible 100mph round the tight 1.2m Brands Hatch amphitheatre.

Round 4 will see Audi's Kristensen try to extend his slender two-point lead over Mercedes rival, Bernd Schneider. Britain's young hopeful, Jamie Green, currently lies in fourth spot on equal footing with Frenzten and Hakkinen.

Flying the flag for Scotland will be Susie Stoddart, one of only two women to compete in the top ranking DTM series. Backed by Mercedes, 23-year old Stoddart will be keen to score points at the famous Kent circuit.

Mazda Wins 'Best Roadster' And 'Best Compact MPV' Awards

Mazda vehicles top two categories in Auto Express New Car Honours

• Mazda MX-5 wins ‘Best Roadster’ and Mazda 5 ‘Best Compact MPV’
• Revolutionary Mazda RX-8 ranked runner-up in coupe category
• Mazda’s range of ‘Zoom-Zoom’ vehicles continue to impress automotive experts.
  
• Three Mazda models have been selected for critical acclaim in the 2006 Auto Express New Car Honours, announced in Auto Express magazine today (Wednesday).
  

The judges from the UK’s best-selling weekly automotive magazine ranked the Mazda MX-5 as ‘Best Roadster’, the Mazda 5 as ‘Best Compact MPV’ and the rotary-engined Mazda RX-8 as ‘runner-up’ in the coupé category – second only to the new and more expensive, £59,000 Jaguar XK – after winning that class for two years in a row.

Collecting the two ‘Best’ awards at a glittering ceremony in London, Mazda UK's Marketing Director Mark Cameron commented: “It’s always rewarding to have a high profile motor industry and consumer publication, such as Auto Express, confirm that our products are among the best on the market.

"As Britain’s favourite sports car brand, Mazda is proud to top the sales charts with the Mazda MX-5 and Mazda RX-8. Our family cars also embody the Zoom-Zoom spirit and are immensely popular – as evidenced by rising sales of the Mazda 3, Mazda 6 and this New Car Honour award for Mazda 5.

The Mazda MX-5, Auto Express commented: “Roadsters have one of the most straightforward briefs in the motoring kingdom – make their owners smile. Nothing takes the shine off life with the latest Mazda MX-5. The Japanese marque has become even more focused on giving roadster buyers exactly what they want.

"Pin-sharp handling, direct, uncorrupted steering and a real zest for life can be taken for granted with the MX-5. The latest MX-5 gives you everything you need and nothing you don’t and as a result scores a direct bull’s eye."

Extolling the virtues of the category-winning Mazda 5, Auto Express stated: “Were you to come up with a Compact MPV wish list it might read something like: sliding rear doors, versatile seats that don’t have to be removed from the car, good visibility and road manners, a big boot, low running costs and a cheap asking price. The one car in the class that ticks every box is the Mazda5. It undercuts most rivals by around £1,500, is just as well equipped and has even lower running costs. A car that’s intelligently designed and great to own.”

The Mazda RX-8 was only pushed down to second place in the coupé category by a much more expensive car. Auto Express commended the RX-8: “After two wins on the trot, the Mazda RX-8 has been demoted to the commended list. But that doesn’t mean it’s fallen out of favour – not by a long chalk. There’s no arguing with the practical four-seat, four-door layout, the excellent handling or the temptingly low asking price. For the money there’s nothing more stylish or better value.”

Mazda’s ability to deliver a high-powered sporty drive with rewarding levels of Zoom-Zoom, is not restricted to its sports cars. Earlier this year the turbocharged four-wheel drive Mazda 6 MPS, the most powerful saloon car ever produced by Mazda was introduced. Early next year the Mazda 3 MPS turbocharged ‘super hatch’ will go on sale – the most powerful car in its class with over 250ps. Both MPS models will be on display at the British International Motor Show at Excel London from 20 July.

Mazda to Exhibit New Mazda MX-5 with Power Retractable Hard Top at the British International Motor Show

Mazda Motor Corporation will use the 2006 British International Motor Show for its global reveal of the new Mazda MX-5, now equipped with a power retractable hard top roof** - and the regional debut of the Mazda BT-50 one-ton pickup truck.

The British International Motor Show will be held in London from Tuesday, 18 July, through Sunday, 30 July, 2006.

Featuring a new, unique power retractable hard top roof, this is an all-new addition to the third-generation Mazda MX-5 which has been celebrated globally since 2005. This new Mazda MX-5 model provides a unified sense of driving exhilaration, ready to spread the fun of lightweight sports cars in diverse and distinct new ways.

"Jinba Ittai" - or 'rider and horse as one' is the essence of Mazda MX-5, the expression reflecting the emotional connection between a horse and rider.

Mazda will also reveal its new one-ton truck, the Mazda BT-50, equipped with a powerful new 2.5-litre Direct Injection Turbo Diesel engine. The British International Motor Show marks the European premiere of this diesel engine, which made its world debut at the Bangkok Motor Show last March.

**Mazda MX-5 with a power retractable hard top roof will be known by different names around the world:

• Europe: Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe
• Japan: Mazda Roadster Power Retractable Hard Top
• North America: Mazda MX-5 (Miata) Power Retractable Hard Top
  

Eurotaxis Provides Comfort With Croma

Respected Bristol taxi operator, Eurotaxis, has just taken delivery of its first 10 Fiat Cromas, with an additional 20 Cromas being added to the fleet in the next four months.

The versatile and stylish Croma, which not only offers superior comfort and space to passengers, but also the best possible European safety credentials, makes the vehicle an ideal choice.

This latest deal confirms the relationship between Fiat and Eurotaxis, which has also been running the Fiat Ulysse MPV on its fleet.

As before, the vehicles are being supplied by Fiat dealer, Simonstone (Bristol) Ltd, which has an existing relationship with Eurotaxis and will be providing the quality service necessary to support the business.

Juan Sanzo, managing director of Eurotaxis, comments: "I have been directly involved in the evolution of Croma since I visited Turin over 12 months ago to appraise this vehicle. Croma has the kind of generous internal dimensions which make it ideally suited to the taxi business. Furthermore, the ride quality, refinement and overall look and feel of the car is second to none."

Eurotaxis was set up in 1980 and since then has been providing a reliable taxi service to Bristol and the surrounding suburbs. Over the years the company has acquired a successful client database, together with a respected name in the Bristol area. Eurotaxis provides private hire vehicles, which are all pre-booked, as well as providing coaches for functions, and has many contracts in place to provide services for school runs.

Fiat Croma Resources:
Fiat UK
Fiat Croma

Perodua Kelisa Hits Every Target For Value

The Perodua Kelisa has once again proved to be unbeatable value for money in terms of purchase price, specification, running costs and depreciation. With three Kelisa models in the top five of motor research specialist CAP’s May running costs table, along with the continuation of the free SE Pack promotion featuring improved specification on all models, Kelisa is the number one choice for those seeking an economical yet stylish motoring solution.

The industry standard supplier of running costs data, CAP, has announced that the 5-door Kelisa EX loses the least money over three years which, combined with a purchase price of only £4,699 delivered*, makes it the most affordable car in the UK. With running costs of just 14.5 pence per mile over three years/60,000 miles, along with two other Kelisa models in the top five, the Kelisa range loses less money than any other in the UK new car market according to CAP.

This is supported by the recent announcement from ‘WiseBuyer’s Price Guide: The Car Prices the Trade Don’t Want You to See’, which, despite the Kelisa’s low purchase price, places it in the top five for vehicles which lose the least value.

Kelisa’s value for money also extends to its specification which is currently enhanced by Perodua’s free SE Pack promotion. Every Kelisa model, including the EX at £4,699 delivered*, now features free metallic paint, RDS radio/CD and reverse park control worth nearly £600**. The standard specification on the Kelisa also includes five doors, power steering, dual airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and an advanced engine immobiliser.

Perodua UK’s Managing Director, Tim Slaughter, says: "When all these aspects are taken into account, the Kelisa provides Britain’s best value motoring proposition without compromising on equipment or quality".

Aston Martin celebrates a weekend of endurance racing

Gaydon – June 14, 2006: Aston Martin will be celebrating a weekend of endurance racing when the marque contests at both the 24-hour Nurbringring race and the 24 Heures du Mans.

Nürburgring

An estimated quarter of a million fans will see a near standard V8 Vantage take part in one of the toughest events in motor sport. The 25.4km circuit combines the new Nürburgring GP circuit with the legendary Nordschleife and this year will have 230 cars on its three starting grids. The V8 Vantage entering the race was prepared by a team of employees at the Aston Martin Gaydon factory in England.

Aston Martin’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez, said: "This race is an opportunity to showcase how a standard Vantage combines both speed and durability. With this 24-hour race running parallel to Le Mans, it is an exciting opportunity for the Aston Martin team and it promises to be a very exciting weekend for fans of our marque."

Dr Bez’s love of motor sport goes further than purely supporting the programme. He shares the driving with Chris Porritt, Aston Martin’s Vehicle Engineering Manager, fellow development driver Wolfgang Schuhbauer, and Horst von Saurma, editor-in-chief of Sport Auto magazine in Germany who has years of Nürburgring racing and testing experience.

Chris Porritt added: "During the Vantage development programme we logged thousands of kilometres at the Nϋrburgring and this endurance race seemed to offer the perfect place to celebrate the car’s pedigree.”

Testing over three previous four-hour races at the famous German circuit has shown the V8 Vantage is perfectly capable of doing exactly that, scoring a series of credible class finishes, including one class victory.

The V8 Vantage is almost entirely production standard, including engine and transmission but will run in the dry on Yokohama slicks on special wheels that are slightly wider than standard and 18-inch rather than 19-inch diameter – but overall almost precisely the same size as the standard road tyres, so even the ABS and stability settings have not been recalibrated.

The only other modifications are for safety and pit-lane efficiency, with the full mandatory safety cage, special fuel tank and fire system, racing seat, and built-in air jacks. Showing the team’s attention to detail, the otherwise standard dashboard will be covered with Alcantara rather than leather, to cut out stray reflections during the night when there can be more than 200 cars on the circuit. Most glass is also replaced by polycarbonate, so in total the car is fractionally lighter than the standard V8 Vantage, but in racing terms the car will be as close to the road going specification as possible.

Le Mans

Meanwhile at Le Mans, four Aston Martin DBR9s will be chasing victory in the GT1 category, in front of a crowd that traditionally includes tens of thousands of flag-waving British enthusiasts.

Aston Martin Racing’s two DBR9s will be driven by Tomas Enge (Czech Republic), Andrea Piccini (Italy) and Darren Turner (UK), who will share the number 007 car. In car number 009 are Pedro Lamy (Portugal), Stephane Ortelli (Monaco) and Stephane Sarrazin (France). Also competing at Le Mans will be the Aston Martin Racing BMS Scuderia Italia DBR9, which will run with the number 69, and the number 62 Russian Age Racing (Team Modena) DBR9.

As a tribute to the Aston Martin DBR9s at Le Mans, the V8 Vantage racing at the Nürburgring will have the famous green and yellow colours – but in this case spectacularly reversed, with warm yellow bodywork and green around the signature grille opening.

So while the DBR9s will be fighting the whole way at Le Mans, their colleagues at the Nϋrburgring intend to run at a quick but comfortable and consistent pace, avoid other car’s incidents, and complete the 24-hours race.

New Kia Sedona Launch 1st July

Kia UK will launch their all new Sedona MPV replacement to the dealer network on 1st July.

The Kia Sedona has been a huge success with more than 31,000 units sold in the last 6 years. It has consistently been the second best-selling large MPV in the UK, but number one with private buyers looking for value for money from a spacious, practical, affordable, easy-to-use family car.

The all-new Sedona will deliver more style, space, versatility, safety, performance, better quality, enhanced equipment levels and improved driving dynamics over the outgoing model.

Initial Launch Model Line-up

GS Grade

• 2.9 CRDi GS manual
• 2.9 CRDi GS automatic

LS Grade

• 2.9 CRDi LS manual
• 2.9 CRDi LS automatic

TS Grade

• 2.9 CRDi TS manual
• 2.9 CRDi TS automatic

Dealer stocks will begin to be released w/c 26th June 2006, with initial availability of GS manual and automatic and LS manual grades only.

Key Specification

New features to the Sedona model line-up include availability of triple-zone air conditioning, twin sliding electric rear doors, climate control, 6 airbags, rear electric windows, a cut-off switch for the front passenger airbag, 17” alloy wheels, and a conversation mirror.

Colours & Trims

Vehicles will be available in the following: -

Exterior colours

• Velvet Indigo Blue – K5 (metallic)
• Glacier White – UD (solid)
• Clear Silver – 6C (metallic)
• Regency Red – 7P (mica)
• Midnight Black – 9B (mica)
  

Interior Trim

• GS models – grey woven cloth
• LS models – grey premium cloth
• TS models – grey leather upholstery
  

Certain exterior colours may initially be in short supply.

Kia Sedona Resources:
Kia Sedona
Kia UK

New Limited Edition Hyundai Getz Atlantic

Joining the all new Accent and Coupe Atlantic limited edition models, Hyundai will launch the Hyundai Getz Atlantic on July 1st in UK showrooms.

Based around the 1.1 CDX 3dr, the limited edition Getz will offer additional equipment for £500 less.

Hyundai's will limited production to just £750 units and three colours including: - Blue Onyx (Mica) – not currently available in HMUK Getz product line up, Sky Blue (Metallic) and Hip Hop Red (Solid).

Hyundai see the Atlantic limited editions as an opportunity to attract new consumers to the Hyundai brand and to tie the models in with World Cup activity (appealing to a younger male audience). The limited volume's will also enhance appeal and desire of the models.

Product Details

1.1 CDX 3 door with:

• Rear Spoiler with High Mounted Stop Lamp
• Colour coded carpet mats
• Carbon Grain Interior trim
• 3 door CDX not currently available
  

Full Specification

• 14” Alloy Wheels
• Air Conditioning
• Body Coloured Door Mirrors and Handles
• Colour Coded Carpet Mats
• Electric Heated Door Mirrors
• Front Fog Lights
• Keyless Entry with Burglar Alarm
• Rear Electric Windows
• Rear Spoiler with Integral Brake Light
• Side Airbag
• Sunglasses Holder
• Tweeter Speaker
  
  

The Atlantic Getz will be priced at £7,990 on the road.

Hyundai Getz Resources:
Hyundai Getz Atlantic
Hyundai UK

New Limited Edition Hyundai Coupe Atlantic

Staying with the Atlantic theme for a moment, Hyundai will launch its first limited edition of their best selling Coupe.

The Coupe facelift was introduced to consumers on 1st January 2005. The product received enhancements, which added to the excellent styling of the Coupe on both the interior and exterior and this Special Edition builds further on this.

The name for the Special Edition will be the Hyundai Coupe Atlantic and will be based on the 2.0 SE with an additional £600 worth of equipment and limited to 500 units.

Colour Volume

• Dark Navy Blue - 70 units
  
• Samba Red - 105 units
• Smart Silver - 325 units

Specification – In addition to the 2.0 SE Manual:

• Colour coded carpet mats
• 6 disk CD changer
• Climate control (with AQS)
• Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror
• Automatic Lights on Control

In spite of the extra specification and limited numbers, Hyundai are keeping the price the same as the 2.0 SE at £17,170 on the road.

The Atlantic will be launched on July 2006.

Hyundai Coupe information resources:

Hyundai Coupe Atlantic
Hyundai UK.

Hyundai To Launch New Accent Atlantic In Summer

Hyundai are to introduce a single model 3 door Accent, as a limited edition C segment model, prior to the introduction of the all-new FD model during summer 2007.

The target market is 50 plus, retired male/female looking for a well-specified value for money vehicle. Generally aimed at B, C and D demographic segments it will appeal to current Accent owners as well as Daewoo, Kia and Rover 200 customers.

Anticipated production volume is 1000 - 1500 units over a 12 month period, with three colours and a price tag of £8995 for the manual and £9795 for the automatic.

Launch date will be August 1st in time for the new September plate.

Hyundai Accent resources and more information:

Hyundai Accent Atlantic
Hyundai UK

Hyundai Coupe Leaps Mazda MX5 In JD Power Survey

The Hyundai Coupe has scored an impressive result in the 2006 What Car? J.D. Power Survey of Customer Satisfaction, improving its previously solid performance still further and proving Hyundai's position as one of the leading brands for quality, reliability and owner satisfaction.

Hyundai now has six cars ranking among the top five in their respective categories. Matrix was the outright winner for the Compact MPV category, while the sporty Coupe ranked 3rd in the Coupe/Roadster segment.

It’s no secret that the Hyundai Coupe is a remarkable success story, but it now rates higher than the Mazda MX-5 and scores well above the industry average rating for the sector.

An overall Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) score of 813 points means that this year Hyundai ranks as the 10th best brand overall, up from 15th in 2005 and ahead of Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Saab and Volkswagen.

To put the result into further context, Hyundai improved its customer satisfaction reputation by 18 percentage points overall, compared with an industry average improvement of just five points.

In terms of customer satisfaction, the survey concludes that the lengthening of warranty durations witnessed industry-wide in recent years has undoubtedly had a positive effect on ratings; in this respect Hyundai of course leads the field with its unmatched standard five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.

Resources:
Used Hyundai Coupe