Review

Review: Hyundai XG300 Grandeur (1999-02)

2 stars

  • Refined 3.0-litre V6 engine
  • Spacious interior with Howe leather upholstery
  • Well-insulated cabin
  • Underdamped suspension lacks compliance and body control
  • Front seats lack support
  • Steering lacks feel

Overview

Released in September 1999, the Hyundai XG300 Grandeur was a large, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Asan, South Korea, the Grandeur was powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The XG300 Grandeur range consisted of unnamed, entry-level variants and XG variants.

G6CT engine

The 3.0-litre G6CT ‘Sigma’ V6 petrol engine had sintered metal conrods, balance shaft, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, variable intake system and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

Sportsmatic transmission

The five-speed ‘Sportsmatic’ automatic transmission had a sequential shift function, fuzzy logic and Hyundai’s HIVEC (Hyundai Integrated Vehicle Electronic Control) system which used ‘neural network programming’ to find the right gear ratio according to terrain and driving style (e.g. skipping ratios when downshifting and providing engine braking on descents).

Compared to the EF-A Sonata which it sold alongside, the XG300 Grandeur was 155 mm longer (at 4865 mm), 7 mm wider (1825 mm), 10 mm taller (1420 mm) and had a 50 mm longer wheelbase (2750 mm).

Dimensions and suspension

The Grandeur had double wishbone front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension (both with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and anti-roll bars). Furthermore, unique suspension tuning for Australia included uprated spring rates, rear cross member, rear stabiliser bar and bushes.

Hyundai XG300 Grandeur specifications
  Engine Trans. Peak power Peak torque
Grandeur,
Grandeur XG
3.0-litre petrol V6 5sp auto 141 kW at 6000 rpm 260 Nm at 4000 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Grandeur included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, anti-submarining seats and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the XG variant was also equipped with traction control. From February 2002, the standard Grandeur was also fitted with traction control.

Brakes

The Grandeur had 276 mm by 26 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 262 mm by 10 mm solid rear disc brakes.

Features: Grandeur and Grandeur XG

Standard features for the Grandeur included 15-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, front and rear fog lamps, a 70/30 split and folding rear seat, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. From February 2002, the Grandeur was also fitted with cruise control.

The Grandeur XG was further equipped with leather seats, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with two-position memory settings, climate control air conditioning with rear vents, cruise control, automatically dipping door mirrors on reverse, keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever, trip computer, alarm system and additional walnut inlays in door trims and above the glovebox.

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