Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
IF the saying that competition is good remains true then motorists are in for a dream journey to the showroom as Korean car maker Hyundai flexes its muscles with a delightful upmarket duo and an after-sales deal to keep the established market leaders anxiously looking in their rear view mirrors.
First Motors, the brand’s authorised dealers in the kingdom, announced the introduction of the Hyundai Premium Assurance Programme (HPAP) that it says assures customers of getting the ‘best value’ for their purchase.
The announcement was made at a VIP and media get together hosted at Bahrain City Centre which included breakfast at Paul’s Restaurant followed by the offer of a test drive of the new Hyundai Centennial and Genesis.
The astute marketing men at First Motors are obviously aware that the best way into motoring correspondents’ good books is initially through their stomachs.
But could the gleaming models on display in the mall possibly live up to the divine mushroom omelette the chef dished up at one of my favourite eating haunts?
The V8 Centennial has the airs and graces of a Mercedes, a sexy, winged badge too on the bonnet and a price tag of BD27,000.
The owner of one often parks it next to my ageing beast on Exhibitions Avenue and obviously glows at my envious glances bestowed his way each morning. I have arranged to give this model a proper test drive in a few weeks’ time.
Today, I concentrated on the 3.8-litre Genesis, boasting a V6 engine and in a more affordable price bracket of BD17,000 – trying to compete in a competitive saloon sector where discerning drivers do not mind spending a little extra for a touch of quality, luxury and comfort.
The Genisis is a smooth operator, offers a comfortable ride, is sensitive to the steering touch and has an impressive turn of speed.
I was accompanied on a journey up and down the highway by sales executive Arfan Khan who was knowledgeable about the marque and convinced me that the car’s impressive ride, plus its technological prowess and the ‘amazing’ ownership offer, details of which we will come to shortly, was a convincing draw.
Genesis is the driver’s car that also cares for passengers, he added. The electric curtain together with deep contoured electrically-adjustable cooled seats, rear armrest sound control and adjustable head rests deliver first class executive luxury.
I was suitably impressed by the car and young Mr Khan. It is not surprising to note that Hyundai sold a record 284,000 vehicles in the Middle East last year, as reported by GulfWeekly’s sister business monthly, The Gulf.
Tom Lee, the company’s regional managing director, told the publication: “Our cars have been winning awards all over the world and people in the Middle East have taken notice. Another factor is our ‘modern premium’ concept – where Hyundai cars have an attractive exterior and interior design and are loaded with features not normally found in our competitors cars.”
And the sales drive continues, the new programme offers Genesis and Centennial owners a range of benefits including free maintenance, lifetime warranty, attractive trade-in offers and much more.
First Motors general manager Raed Mu’ti said customers are ‘ensured of utmost peace of mind’ with a warranty that is offered irrespective of mileage limit, and is completely transferable, hence ensuring an attractive re-sale value. Apart from that customers can also benefit from free three-year comprehensive service and maintenance.
Initially launched in 2010, the lifetime warranty covers the replacement of any mechanical or electrical parts which fails due to a manufacturing defect (except for consumable parts that need to be changed in the scheduled maintenance or problems that occur from misuse of the car).
To make life easier, customers can also take advantage of the ‘buy back guarantee’ feature that ensures at least 50 per cent of the original car value after three years.
HPAP also includes road-side assistance – a 24-hour emergency support provided in the event of any mechanical or electrical breakdown or in the event of an accident.
First Motors is part of Al Zayani Investments Group and its showroom in Sitra can be contacted on 17121121 for more details.
