As with most carmakers, there is no single best car from the stables of Hyundai. It all depends on your budget and requirements since Hyundai makes a wide variety of cars, each catering to a different audience. With that being said, here are the top three models which I think are the best cars that Hyundai sells in the UAE market.
Hyundai Azera
The Hyundai Azera is the brand’s flagship sedan offering in the UAE and thus, is the best Hyundai sedan that you can buy. Starting at AED 135,600 for the base variant, the Azera is one of the most expensive models sold by Hyundai in the region. For the money, you get an elegantly-styled exterior that’s subdued enough without coming off as bland. The interior sports one of the most opulent and best-finished cabins from Hyundai that you’re going to find in this part of the world. Its contemporarily-designed interior features plenty of expensive-feeling materials like plush leather, well-finished aluminum trim, and tons of squidgy plastics all over.
The Azera’s build quality and fit-and-finish are excellent, while the well-insulated cabin with its acoustic windscreen keeps things nice and quiet. There are also plenty of features including automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, power-operated trunk, intelligent key with push-start, leather upholstery, an 8-inch touch-display with navigation, and all-around parking sensors with a rear camera. Some of the safety tech on-board includes 7 airbags, traction & stability control, anti-lock brakes, and hill assist. Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 286 hp and 338 Nm of torque, and drives the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic. The Azera’s top speed is 230 km/h, and it takes 7.4 seconds to hit 100 km/h.
Hyundai Kona
The newest car in the company’s UAE lineup is also possibly their best crossover offering – the i20-based Hyundai Kona. Its funky styling and attractive color options help it stand out quite effortlessly from a sea of urban crossovers. Costing between 62,000 and 92,000 dirhams, it’s available in four different trims and with two engine choices. The least powerful motor is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 150 hp with 180 Nm, while a gutsy 1.6-liter turbocharged four-popper makes 175 hp and 265 Nm of torque. The former’s married to a 6-speed automatic, while the turbo mill comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The interior of the Hyundai Kona maintains its youthful appearance, yet remains functional and well built. You also get automatic LED headlights, automatic air-con, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors with rear camera, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a whole suite of passive and active safety features. The five-seater Kona can hit a top whack of 205 km/h, while the ton-mark comes up in 7.9 seconds.
Hyundai Santa Fe
In my opinion, the all-new 2019 Santa Fe is the best all-round family SUV from Hyundai. Its striking design – both inside and out, makes it stand out. Also solid are the Santa Fe’s unquestionable build quality, superlative fit & finish, a spacious and well thought-out cabin, plus a well-screwed together and comfortable interior. Even the basic variant of the new Santa Fe offers decent kit such as LED headlights, 17-inch alloys, automatic climate control, a power-operated driver’s seat, parking sensors with a reversing camera, cruise control, and a 7-inch touch-infotainment system with smartphone connectivity. Power’s provided by a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated four-banger that develops 185 hp and 241 Nm, and drives the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. It allows the hefty Santa Fe to attain 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds, and go on to a top speed 200 km/h.
If you want a practical and spacious family SUV, the Santa Fe is the way to go. The Kona, meanwhile, is primarily aimed at fashion-conscious youngsters, while the luxurious Azera occupies the top echelon of Hyundai’s family tree.
