Today, the South Korean company Hyundai is the third largest in the world in terms of production volumes. It sells over 1 million cars annually and has dealerships in 193 countries. Such outstanding results were achieved due to a correctly chosen development strategy and the high quality of the models. There were many of the latter in the history of Hyundai. Still, only a few earned the highest public recognition and helped the company climb to the top of the global automotive industry. We invite you to consider these cars and evaluate their impact on the development of Hyundai.
Pony
One of the cars that significantly impacted the development of Hyundai was the Pony. This model was the first that the Koreans began to export to other countries, particularly Canada (the Pony did not reach the US due to non-compliance with American environmental standards). Having shown excellent sales results, this model opened the way for Hyundai to the international market. The Pony is a subcompact car produced in 1975 but sold to foreigners only since 1984. The last version of this model was released in 1990, after which its production was stopped. There were only two generations of Pony. The most modern model was produced with Mitsubishi engines. They had a 1.2-1.6 liter volume and worked in tandem with a 4-speed MT and 3-speed AT. Due to its small size, the Pony became an ideal car for megacities, and its high reliability set specific standards that other manufacturers subsequently followed.
Excel
Another model from the 80s also played an essential role in the Hyundai entering the international market. It was Excel, the first car of the South Korean company to appear in the United States. This happened in 1986, and since then, Hyundai has begun its ascent to the top of the American market. Excel was a front-wheel drive car, which became a full-fledged replacement for the outdated Pony. It was produced in three generations, the last of which was discontinued in 1999. Depending on the country’s standards to which Excel was supplied, its characteristics changed. Because of this, this car was produced with different types of engines. They had a volume of 1.3-1.5 liters and differed from each other in power and torque. There was also a variety in the choice of available gearboxes. In general, Hyundai wanted to please everyone with Excel, and they succeeded.
Sonata
The most famous Hyundai car in the company’s history was the Sonata. It was the first fully Korean car produced using Hyundai technology. The initial version of the Sonata, which appeared in 1985, was intended exclusively for the domestic market. However, starting with the second generation, the model began to be sold outside the country. To date, the newest is the eighth-generation Sonata. It has been available since 2019, and its production continues. This car has little in common with the first version of the Sonata. It is successfully sold worldwide and is one of Denver’s most popular hail damage salvage cars auctions. After the latest update, the Sonata received a more stylish design. It is also available with various gasoline engines and a hybrid version of the power plant. Unlike many of its predecessors, the new version of the Sonata is as comfortable and easy to drive as possible.
Santa Fe
An essential stage in Hyundai’s history began with the appearance of Santa Fe. This car was the first SUV of the Korean company. It appeared in 2000 and was named after the famous American city. This fact alone allowed us to guess where Hyundai planned to sell the most significant number of Santa Fe models. In this case, the Koreans did not lose, and their SUV became popular in the United States. This allowed them to open a new direction of development, which helped Hyundai reach the top. Santa Fe continues to be produced today. The latest version is the fifth-generation model. It is sold with various gasoline engines and has a hybrid powertrain option. The modern Santa Fe has three rows of seats and demonstrates exemplary reliability and high safety. Thanks to this, the Korean SUV has become an ideal family car.
Tucson (ix35)
In 2004, inspired by the success of the Santa Fe, Hyundai released the compact crossover Tucson. It was also named after one of the American cities, which demonstrated the desire of the Koreans to remain true to their chosen development strategy. The first-generation model was quite popular. Despite this, in 2009, Hyundai began selling a new version of the Tucson called the ix35. To date, the Koreans have released four generations of their famous crossover. The newest was introduced in 2020, and their production has not stopped. The updated Tucson (ix35) was and continues to be offered with gasoline and diesel engines. Also, a variety of hybrid powertrain options are available to everyone. Unlike the first version of the Tucson, the fourth-generation model looks very stylish. This makes it even more popular in different countries of the world.
Genesis (G80)
To become a notable player in another segment, Hyundai released Genesis in 2008. This executive-class model became the most luxurious in the Korean model range and allowed them to compete on equal terms with other cars of this type. Genesis, which was renamed G80 in 2016, was produced until 2020. During this time, Hyundai customers had access to only two generations of this model. The last was created with four gasoline engines and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Buyers also had access to versions with rear and all-wheel drive, which made it possible to satisfy the needs of different categories of buyers. An essential advantage of Genesis (G80) was safety. Hyundai equipped this car with the most modern systems and protection elements at that time, resulting in the model receiving the highest possible ratings from all status organizations engaged in crash tests.
Ioniq
Hyundai began the transition to producing environmentally friendly transport a long time ago. In 2016, Ioniq went on sale – the company’s first car that did not have an internal combustion engine. Instead, a synchronous motor with permanent magnets was used, producing a 120-134 hp power. The model was also equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 28 kWh. Its capabilities were enough to provide a power reserve of 124 miles. The main feature of the electric version of Ioniq was its high energy efficiency. According to this indicator, the car became the best in the world, beating many Japanese, German and American competitors. Ioniq also demonstrated exemplary reliability and a high level of safety. This instantly made it one of the best electric cars of that time. Ioniq also had no problems with comfort. The driver and passengers had access to dozens of useful options that could turn any trip into an absolute pleasure.
Nexo
Hyundai’s ability to constantly adapt to changing automotive trends has helped the company climb. To stay there, the Koreans continue to follow the chosen path and regularly offer customers unique new products. One of them is Nexo. This crossover is unique in that it runs on hydrogen fuel cells. It appeared in the Hyundai model range in 2018 and became immensely popular. This model is still a state-of-the-art vehicle. It is available in several versions, each with its strengths. All modifications have a considerable power reserve, often the main reason for buying a Nexo. In addition, the car is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems. They all work efficiently and simplify the control process as much as possible. The crossover’s futuristic design and its high safety level also stand out.
Hyundai is a unique company that deserves to be at the top with its activities. At different periods of its history, it has produced many good models. Some impressed the world community and allowed the company to accelerate its development. These cars are legendary for Hyundai today and deserve our attention.
