KUWAIT: Ramy Ahmed, Raed Turjuman, Hyundai representatives, business partners and Northern Gulf’s senior management during the launch of all-new Tuscan and Creta models during a ceremony held at its main showroom in Shuwaikh.

KUWAIT: Northern Gulf recently launched Hyundai's all-new Tuscan and Creta models during a ceremony held at its main showroom in Shuwaikh. Both models are expected to be received positively by the local market, thanks to Hyundai's exceptional services and the strengths of both models. The Tuscan offers bold and athletic design, new technological features and class-leading driving performance, setting new standards for its sector and ticking all the boxes for young families looking for a highly versatile car. Meanwhile, the Creta - Hyundai's brand new and most affordable compact SUV - is a versatile model that is expected to make its presence felt with its dynamic styling, robust build and modern premium approach.

The ceremony kicked off at 12:00pm on the 16 of November, in the presence of regional Hyundai representatives; amongst them Ramy Ahmed, Africa & ME Dealer Developments Manager as well as media and business partners, and Northern Gulf's senior management. The event included speeches delivered by the company's top executives and Hyundai representatives. Raed Turjuman, the company's CEO, welcomed the event attendees on behalf of Shiekh Humoud Sabah Al-Salim Al-Sabah, Northern Gulf's Chairman.

On the occasion Raed Turjuman also said, "We are pleased to launch these two exceptional models in the Kuwaiti market, and we're confident that they will add tremendous value to the SUV and compact SUV segments from Hyundai, thanks to their impressive features, technology and safety specifications." He reiterated Hyundai's efforts in delivering on the expectations of car enthusiasts who look for quality and performance, and promised that Hyundai would always aspire to meet those expectations head on.

The Creta is the latest Hyundai to follow the company's Modern Premium brand direction, and at an affordable price point. Inside the high quality cabin, which features silver chrome finishing and a soft touch dashboard, every detail is designed to provide the utmost comfort and convenience. The dashboard is a hub of useful technology including a 7" audio video navigation system, smart key with push button start and fully automatic temperature control with cluster ionizer.

Structural strength

In line with Hyundai's commitment to produce the safest cars on the market, the Creta's body shell has been developed using advanced engineering techniques and high quality materials including ultra-high tensile steel for more body rigidity and structural strength. The Creta can also be specified with six airbags, ABS, VSM, HAC (Hill Ascent Control), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and RPAS (Rear Parking Assistant System).

When it comes to performance, the Creta is extremely versatile, and is available with a choice of 1.6 Dual VTVT petrol and U2 1.4 CRDi and U2 1.6 CRDi VGT diesel engines. Set to appeal to a range of customers across Africa and the Middle East, full pricing and specifications for this affordable compact SUV are set to be announced later this month.

For the first time on a Hyundai Motor Company compact SUV, the All-New Tucson introduces a smart powered tailgate that opens at the approach of the key-holder, and a Blind Spot Detection system that monitors the side and rear of the vehicle for approaching vehicles. These cutting-edge technologies are complemented by other useful features such as the smart entry and engine start, an electric parking brake, automatic cruise control and a next-generation navigation system that offers improved convenience and smart driving.

When it comes to protecting occupants the All-New Tucson has been designed to be one of the safest cars in its class, as reflected by the 5-star rating it has received in both the European and North American NCAP crash tests. When it comes to active safety systems, the model can be specified with hi-tech features such as a parking assist, an intelligent tyre pressure monitoring system, Electronic Parking Brake and Hill-start Assist Control.

New platform

Built on a completely new platform, All-New Tucson delivers ride comfort without compromising driving dynamics. Every element of the chassis has been developed to ensure enhanced high-speed and cornering stability. Best-in-class aerodynamics and structural rigidity combine with an improved front and rear suspension and the integration of enhanced noise reduction techniques to establish the model as truly premium package.

Ensuring that customers can choose from a suitably impressive range of engines to complement the high quality driving experience, the All-New Tucson offers a choice of Gamma 1.6 GDi and NU 2.0 MPI petrol engines with a top speed of 182 KPH, and two diesel units. The R 2.0 VGT with a top speed of 186 KPH and the manual U2 1.7 litre CRDI with a top speed of 176 KPH, depending on transmission, drive train. All units are mated to 6-speed gearboxes, with both 2WD and 4WD models dependent on specification and market availability. Always focused on being economical, the fuel consumption of the All-New Tucson has reduced by 13 percent compared to its predecessor.

With families in mind, Hyundai Motor Company designers took time to ensure the new compact SUV offers the highest levels of comfort and versatility. The luggage compartment is over 10 percent bigger than in its predecessor, while the larger dimensions deliver more headroom, shoulder room and front row legroom. At the same time, taking the region's climate into account, fans under the seat cushions pump out chilled air on models equipped with air-ventilated front seats, while rear air vents and a panoramic sunroof are also available.

Northern Gulf continues to apply the company's service oriented vision, delivering exceptional customer service to all Hyundai customers. Thanks to this dedication, Hyundai Kuwait has been able to achieve record-breaking customer satisfaction ratings, which has reflected in better sales performance and more market share.

Northern Gulf expends tremendous effort in developing strategies and campaigns to guarantee customer satisfaction, in line with Hyundai's global strategy, and to bolster Hyundai's position as a leading automotive brand that has been able to compete with older legacy brands in record time.