• New Hyundai flagship honoured by leading Middle East car magazine, Automobile

Hyundai Motor Company's new flagship model, the New 2014 Centennial has been named Best Luxury Full-Sized Car of 2013 by top Middle East motoring magazine, Automobile. Vice President and Head of Hyundai's Middle East regional Headquarters, Tom Lee was presented with the award by Mr.Ibrahim Fakhri, General Manager and Editor-In-Chief of Automobile magazine.

Mr Lee commented "Receiving this award just a few months after the New 2014 Centennial's launch is a great honour. The outgoing model won 2012 Car of the Year from Sport Auto magazine, so it's nice to enioy yet more recognition for our luxury segment model from Middle East automotive experts. It's a true testament to how far we have come as an automotive company that we now produce cars that meet and exceed the very highest quality standards."

The New 2014 Centennial was launched in the Middle East earlier this year and is even better placed to challenge the established names in the luxury car sector than ever before, with a significantly enhanced interior, the addition of a range of cutting-edge features, and the introduction of two new, high performance GDI engines.

The previous version of Hyundai's flagship car had already enjoyed significant success in the Middle East, where sales grew 244% in 2012, and across the world. In North America, research conducted earlier this year by influential automotive industry forecaster, ALG, confirmed that the Centennial enjoys stronger residual values than its key competitors, the BMW 7-Series, the Mercedes Benz S-Class and the Audi A8.

The New 2014 Centennial exudes quality, with high class leather and wood trim all around the cabin. The dashboard has been totally redesigned as have the rear seats, which now offer even greater comfort. Passengers in the back can enjoy new dual 9.2inch LCD rear monitor entertainment screens and control their travel experience via a new DIS system. To ensure the highest standards of comfort, the electronically-controlled multi-link suspension has been fine-tuned, while an air suspension option is also available.

For the first time, the New 2014 Centennial is equipped with Hyundai's acclaimed GDi engines. The top-of-the-range powerplant is the award-winning TAU V8 5.0-litre GDi unit, which delivers maximum power of 430ps, a top speed of 240kph and 0 to 100kph in 5.8 seconds. A 334ps Lambda V6 3.8-litre GDi engine is also available and both units are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai has made available a number of the latest features on its flagship model for the first time. For improved safety, a Head-Up Display, projects speed and navigation information on the windscreen, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road, while a Blind Spot Detection system alerts the driver of any vehicles or objects that are in the car's blind spots.

A smartphone touchscreen-style user experience is provided by the innovative Haptic Steering Wheel, while an All Around View Monitor utilizes small front, side and rear-mounted cameras to project a 360° view of the area surrounding the vehicle onto the driver's information screen, making parking easier.

Mr. Fakhri commented: "The advances that Hyundai has made with the Centennial are astonishing. It has clearly taken Hyundai's luxury segment contender to another level and proved it can more than compete with big names in the luxury car market. It was an easy decision to give the Centennial the award after driving the car and experiencing what it has to offer first-hand."

Automobile is one of the region's most respected motoring magazines and has a circulation that spans the whole of the Middle East and parts of Africa. The magazine was founded in 1994 and is based out of Lebanon. General Manager and Editor-In-Chief, Ibrahim Fakhri is one of the region's most highly respected motoring journalists.

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