Hyundai first arrived in South Africa in 1999 and since then quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the more popular choices among discerning buyers. Areas in which Hyundai excelled were reliability and pricing, however, if you test drive one of the more modern iterations, you will notice that the Korean automaker has expanded that list to include good safety, modern technology, quality materials and striking design.
While traditionally the product line-up mostly offered sedans and hatchbacks, Hyundai has slowly but surely changed that. There is no longer a sedan on offer, however, a variety of hatchbacks, crossovers, SUVs and MPV models feature.
Related: Find used Hyundai models on AutoTrader here
Customer needs
It is difficult to say whether or not a manufacturer makes good cars without the context in which it is going to be used. The needs of a first-time car buyer differ from that of a person looking for their next family vehicle. However, every so often a manufacturer manages to cater for a wide audience throughout its product line-up, it merely depends on what the vehicle buyer is willing to spend.
First-time car buyers
In this article, written by Chad Lückhoff, we investigated if the Korean automaker offers options that will suit first-time car owners. The models that were focused on were the Atos, i10, i20 and Venue, all of which are more on the compact side of the vehicle market. Regardless, whether you are a young student, a young family or an individual that is looking to downscale and drive a vehicle that is more frugal, all these options will also appeal to you.
Family cars
In this article, Lawrence Minnie took a wider approach to cover most of the vehicle segments in which Hyundai competes. A common theme throughout is just how well-specified and safe the Korean vehicles are. Thus, if you are considering a Hyundai, even one of the larger SUV models, this article might expand more on those vehicle segments.
Hatchback
Based on the feedback returned from so many reviews on Hyundai vehicles in this segment, there is little doubt that if you are considering a hatchback from the Korean automaker, you shouldn't be disappointed. Read the review of the latest Hyundai i20 here.
Crossover
While for some manufacturers the crossover segment is quite new, Hyundai has been creating models in this segment for quite some time. All of that experience shows in models such as the Creta, Kona and Venue that continue to return good reviews from the AutoTrader team. Read the most recent review of the Hyundai Kona here.
SUV
Models such as the Tucson and Santa Fe have been the staple of Hyundai's SUV range, however, recently the automaker has added another model that bolsters road presence and luxury. That new model of course is the Palisade which Sean Nurse had the opportunity of testing recently and considers to be a good car. Read the full review of the Hyundai Palisade here.
MPV
While for years the H-1 provided the solution for those looking for a well-appointed MPV, Hyundai has recently changed the game in the segment with the launch of the Staria. The model, which Sean Nurse tested, not only offers good comfort, safety and tech levels, but it also provides striking good looks. Read the full review of the Hyundai Staria here.
Verdict
Based on the findings above, it would appear that Hyundai does make good cars whether it is a small hatchback for city commuting, a crossover for multi-purpose use, an SUV for the family or an MPV for the office staff.
