Friday, September 30, 2011

The 2011 Hyundai Veracruz is here at O'Hare Hyundai

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This weekend would be an excellent time to check out the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz. This vehicle is amazing. Be sure to stop in and enjoy a test-drive. http://bit.ly/nadOYF

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Kudos to our staff for its dedication to providing 100 percent customer satisfaction.

"I would recommend O'Hare Hyundai because it was the best car buying experience I've ever had. The staff was friendly, not pushy or aggressive at all. They were very accommodating and went out of their way to provide me with exceptional service."

http://bit.ly/gz7n7P

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Hyundai Veloster not your average, boring ride

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Some people are passionate about cars, others just want something with four wheels to get them to the daily grind.   For those who like their transportation bland, beige and boring, stop reading now.  Hyundai Veloster is not your ride.

Still with me?  You must color outside the lines.  Veloster looks like another “youth oriented” vehicle that manufactures make to create brand-loyal customers for life, but it isn’t just attitude. There’s substance here.  Veloster is a high schooler with purple hair, multiple piercings and a 4.0 grade point average.

What Veloster Will Be known For

Quite simply, three doors.  That term is often applied to hatchback coupes but not here.  The driver’s side is a true coupe with one door, the passenger side gets two.  Yeah, yeah, it’s been done before- Saturn SC and MINI Clubman- but Veloster’s hidden rear door is remarkable in its conventionality.  It’s a regular front-hinged unit with the exterior door handle discreetly hidden in the rear of the window frame.  It’s on the curb side, making it all the more practical.

Even without the third door, Hyundai has penned a very unique design here, an aggressive interpretation of their “fluidic sculpture” design.  It’s sleek and stealth-fighter-stubby all at once.  The split glass hatch is reminiscent of Honda CR-Z and Insight.  Some will like the design, others won’t get it.  Less polarizing than say Nissan Juke though.  A close look at the tail lamps reveals an almost three-dimensional quality inside them.

Veloster also offers up lots of standard tech.  There’s Bluetooth for phones and audio streaming, a seven-inch touch screen, Pandora internet radio (requiring an iPhone with data plan) and Gracenote, which provides voice command and album art for the tunes in you iPod.  And yes, if you’re wondering, there’s air conditioning.  All of this, along with supportive seats covered in quality cloth, is on my base level tester (no options at all) at the Portland, Oregon launch event.  With destination it retails for $18,060.

Does Veloster Live Up To Its Name?

If you think Veloster is a good idea you’d probably be looking at MINI Cooper, Honda CR-Z, Scion tC, VW Beetle, Nissan Juke or Fiat 500.  In size it slots in between the Honda and Scion. 

Power is provided by Hyundai’s 1.6-liter direct injected four-cylinder that makes 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque @ 4850 rpm.  The exhaust pipe is center mounted.

A first for Hyundai is an available six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission they’ve dubbed EcoShift.  Paddle shifters on the steering wheel?  You bet.  Sadly, I couldn’t drive it (I have a video to shoot you know) so I stuck with the six-speed manual with its light crisp action.  To say it has a Mazda-like feel is a compliment.  Hyundai estimates the row-your-own box will have a 30 percent take rate.

Turn off the traction control and it’s possible to spin the front wheel loudly, fooling the world that Veloster lives up to its powerful name.  Hyundai under estimates 0-60 at 9.8 seconds, the seat of my Levis says it’s closer to 9.0.  For a good time, it’s best to keep the engine in the upper rev range, especially on hills.  Steep grades all but demand a heavy foot.  Every journalist at the event speculates this car will eventually get a turbo.  Hyundai has no comment.

Good news though, fuel economy is rated at 28 city, 40 highway with the manual, 29/38 with EcoShift. 

Lives For the Twisties

So you won’t be drag racing Porsche 911s, at least Veloster handles well in the curves.  It’s where this car shines.  Built with loads of high strength steel the chassis is rock solid.  Hyundai targeted VW’s Scirocco as a benchmark easily besting the German’s torsional body rigidity (23.1 Hz vs. 32.8 Hz for the Korean).  Chuck Veloster into a corner and the tight structure channels the old Honda CR-X with a modern dynamic.  The front suspension uses an independent MacPherson strut design, the rear gets a unique “v-beam” setup that has an integrated 23mm stabilizer bar running through it.   

The engine sounds smooth and road noise is largely kept at bay in the cabin.  In fact, Veloster seems quieter than the Elantra I’m currently driving.  Some enthusiasts would probably like to hear more engine noise, I prefer to talk to my friends without shouting.  Another plus, the firm ride quality remains comfortable so Veloster won’t beat you up on long trips.

A system called ActiveECO modifies the engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response and increase real-world fuel economy.  An Eco Coach graphic on the LCD screen helps you wring out the best fuel economy.  Going a step further is Blue Max, which is kind a video game based in the real world.  Drive efficiently to accumulate points which get posted to the web.  No real prizes though, just bragging rights.

Internal Affairs

An 18K base price might suggest Veloster has a spartan interior.  Nope.  Inspired by sport bikes, the instrument panel might be hard plastic but it feels substantial and gets a nice texture.  Silver painted grab handles for the doors are huge, releases feel good.  The standard audio system sounds decent and gets an XM tuner.  There are video inputs if you want to playback movies on that seven-inch touch screen when it’s in park.

Higher trim levels get some synthetic leather bolsters.  Full leather is not available though not really expected in this class.  Seat heaters would be nice, sadly they’re not available. 

Order a completely loaded Veloster for $23,310 and there’s a panoramic glass roof and keyless ignition.  The sound system gets a substantial upgrade and a 115v household outlet is added for, as Hyundai says, hooking up a gaming console to the LCD screen.  Hmmm, can’t think of a faster way to get an X-Box stolen…

Blue Link

Hyundai’s new telematics system is called BlueLink and most would compare it to OnStar.  Like GM’s service it doesn’t require your cell phone for service.  Blue Link adds features like voice text messaging plus a “geo fence” sends you a text if the person you’ve loaned your car to has driven it somewhere you’ve flagged as off limits.  Cue up the daughter/shopping mall jokes. 

Blue Link comes with a free trial period.  After that, service starts at $79 a year climbing to $279 if you want to request directions to your destination. 

About That Back Door

Remember, it’s only on the passenger side and with cupholders molded into the center position Veloster is a four-seater.  Legroom is fine in the rear even with someone sitting up front and there’s just enough headroom for my average size frame.  The hatch’s glass extends over the passenger’s head so they’re looking at the lip where the window joins the headliner.  Considering the glass offers no padding, tall folks in back won’t want the driver to hit any big bumps.  There’s one seat pocket and no 12v power port.  

Sorry folks, no TP trunk test this week since I’m at a press event.  Eyeballing it I’d say it’s a five-pack space, the useful hatchback design has more room than you’d expect in a smaller vehicle.  In size Veloster sort of slots in between the 2-passenger Honda CR-Z hybrid and the Scion tC.  A gripe?  No spare tire, only a repair kit.  This seems to be the future folks. 

Easy To Buy

Appealing to the Scion demographic, Hyundai is not trying to emulate that buying experience.  There are only 6 ways to buy Veloster, meaning three different packages and the two transmissions.  Then choose from nine colors.  That’s pretty much it.  Limiting build combinations helps to keep the costs down.

Veloster might not be fast and certainly not for the Camry crowd but it is loaded with tech, innovation and personality.  For years enthusiasts on a budget have pined away for a new Honda CR-X.  Here it is gang, it just has a back seat and a Hyundai badge.  Is the third door a gimmick?  If it is it’s well done.  Veloster opens the doors to fun and frugal driving.

http://bit.ly/pKw0e5

 

Friday, September 23, 2011

Enjoy awesome service specials at O'Hare Hyundai

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O'Hare Hyundai has specials on everything you need to make sure your vehicle looks and performs perfectly. Visit us and enjoy great deals on oil changes, alignments, complete details and more. Click here to check out our service specials. http://bit.ly/dLorNR

Thursday, September 22, 2011

We would like to thank our staff for continuing to provide the absolute best in customer service

"Yes. They responded to our internet inquiry promptly. They were friendly when we came in to look at and test drive the vehicle we were thinking of purchasing. When we decided to make the purchase, they offered us a fair price. The paperwork was explained and completed relatively quickly and painlessly. They even stayed past closing time so that we could leave with our vehicle that evening. And they have contacted us more than once to make sure that we are satisfied with our purchase."

http://bit.ly/gz7n7P

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Vince, we would like to thank you for your hard and dedication to customer satisfaction.

"Vince is very professional and friendly. He explained the work that needed to be done, the length of time needed for repairs and answered all my questions. It's a good feeling when they make you feel at home. Keep up the great work. I would recommend this dealer & service dept."

"I was in the dealer for service. The service was very good and the man explained everything to me and was nice to me. He is a hard worker."

http://bit.ly/gz7n7P

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The Hyundai Sonata and Tucson have something special to offer

Vince, thank you very much for your commitment to providing 100 percent customer satisfaction. Your hard work is greatly appreciated.

"I was in the dealer for service. The service was very good and the man explained everything to me and was nice to me. He is a hard worker."

"I had such a great experience at this dealership with Vince. I found him to be very helpful and honest. He went out of his way to explain everything to me to make sure I understood. They should have more employees like Vince at that dealership!"

"Had my car serviced at this dealer a couple times. Talked with Vince on both occasions,he was very helpful,explained about the work to be done, approx.length of time repairs would take and answered any questions I had. Vince was Polite & seemed Very knowledgeable .Vince treated me like an old friend. My overall experience was very good I would recommend this dealer & service dept."

http://bit.ly/gz7n7P

Monday, September 19, 2011

We would like to thank our staff for going above and beyond for our great customers.

"I had a great experience with the personnel there- they made me feel comfortable and worked through a few of the issues with the used car I was looking at- Dan was unbelievable to work with- felt very comfortable dealing with him- he and Rodney arranged to drive my other car all the way back to Batavia- Robbyn made sure the few times got fixed properly and I love the Azera and kept me up to date with calls and emails- excellent service- nice work guys-

Tom M."

"Vince is very good to work with and knows the vehicles well. prices accurate will recommend to friends and family. Notifies me when maintenance is due."

http://bit.ly/gz7n7P

Friday, September 16, 2011

Vince, thank you providing excellent customer service. We appreciate your hard work.

"I brought my Sonata in to this dealership to have an oil change. I was greeted by Vince who was both friendly and professional. He explained everything to me and even had my car done ahead of the time he told me. I will definitely tell all of my friends and family to take their Hyundai's to see Vince at O'Hare Hyundai."

http://bit.ly/gz7n7P

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Vince, thank you for your hard work and dedication to customer satisfaction.

"I came in and spoke to Vince regarding issues I was having with my car. He was very helpful and solved all my problems. I would highly recommend this dealership to anyone and especially VINCE for his prompt honest customer service."

"I came in looking for a used vehicle, and vince rotella was there promp to help me. I told him my story and how my credit was a little low! Unlike most dealers vince did not try and push me out the door!! He talked to me about used cars and being a first time car owner and things as such. Never in my life have i felt so eased and pleased. I want to thank Vince Rotella for all the help he provided for me. Such great customer service, well dressed and finally I found someone who knew what they were talking about. Thank you Vince Rotella."

"We purchased a used car for our son's graduation in June. From the beginning it had a rattle in the rear end. We brought it in last week and spoke to Vince. He said that he would walk it through the process and figure out what the problem was. He called us three times to let us know what was going on. When we went in to pick up the car, he told us that he found out that there was a recall on the problem and it would not cost us a cent. His attitude and commitment to servicing the customer should be commended. We will definitely be bringing our car to Vince for all our repair and maintenance needs."

"We purchased two Hyundai vehicles in 2004. We are so pleased we chose to purchase from O'Hare Hyundai because of the Service Department. The personnel are a friendly, professional and service oriented team of individuals.


We generally work with Vince Rotella, who is outstanding, but we have worked with other Service Advisors as well. They work as a team with the Parts Department and the Mechanics to keep our cars serviced and running efficiently.

Not only would we consider purchasing from Hyundai again but when we do it will be from O'Hare Hyundai because of its professional Service Department. We feel that O'Hare Hyundai's Service Department provides years of consistent professional service and maintenance to keep our vehicles running."

http://bit.ly/gz7n7P

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The 2012 Hyundai Tucson is here at O'Hare Hyundai

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The 2012 Hyundai Tucson is here at O'Hare Hyundai. We invite you to stop in and experience what this SUV has to offer. Click here to learn more about the Tucson. http://bit.ly/ngPB35

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

HYUNDAI REVEALS FIRST PHOTOS OF NEW-GENERATION i30

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Hyundai Motor Company revealed the first photos of the new-generation i30, ahead of the car’s world premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) next week, showing an exciting new look for the company’s best-selling C-segment hatchback.

Hyundai expects the new-generation i30 to build on the remarkable success of the original model – the company’s first car launched with the ‘i’ prefix, introducing a new nomenclature and heralding a new era for Hyundai in Europe.

The original i30 was also the first model to be designed and engineered in Europe, the first to be produced at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the Czech Republic, and the first Hyundai car to receive five stars from Euro NCAP.

After its July 2007 launch, the i30 went on to increase its sales in Europe every year, attracting 115,000 buyers in 2010 – the highest-ever annual sales figure for an individual Hyundai model in Europe – and achieving total sales of more than 350,000 units up to mid-2011.

Designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new-generation i30 represents a further evolution of the unique Hyundai form language, ‘fluidic sculpture’, displaying the company’s distinctive design DNA.

Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, commented: “The new-generation i30 is recognisable thanks to the Hyundai family face with its signature hexagonal-shaped front grille and the jewel-like design of the headlamps, together with distinctive daytime running lights. These lights present an angular shape within a more softly-edged recess, adding a strong personality to the vehicle, as well as a sense of refinement and luxury.”

“Through the profile of the new generation i30, a strong character line runs over the front and rear wheelarches all the way to the tail lamps. A softer, lower character line rises up the car’s flank creating a play of light and shadow – a fundamental feature of fluidic sculpture,” Thomas Bürkle concluded.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “We expect the new-generation i30 to appeal to young, progressive buyers who want a car that not only performs well but looks great too. In this way, the new-generation i30 will contribute to future sales success, growing brand awareness and improving perceptions of Hyundai among European consumers.”

“The car has been designed to take on the leading vehicles in the C-segment and join the all-new i40 as a quality benchmark for Hyundai. Our ultimate customer care package, Five Year Triple Care, will be a valuable point of differentiation for the new-generation i30 in its highly competitive class,” Allan Rushforth added.

The award-winning Five Year Triple Care package provides five years of unlimited-mileage warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks.

http://bit.ly/noVXjk

Monday, September 12, 2011

Kudos to our staff for providing excellent customer service.

"This place is awesome! The general manager, Steve Foresta took very good care of me. I bought a used car from there and I mentioned that there was a weird noise coming from the front, got it checked out, they told me I would need tires and guess what, the dealership paid for my new tires.

Very friendly staff. They do not pressure you, they take care of you and I liked my car buying experience very much."

"I was having a problem with my brake lights. The bulbs weren't out, the fuses weren't out but the lights were not working. I explained this to Ryan who automatically knew that the brake switch was the problem. The place was pretty packed so he offered to get me a ride home because there was a chance it would take all day to fit me in between appointments. I got lucky and someone was able to look at my car right away and I was in and out in 15 minutes. The best part was that Ryan saw that I had a warranty on the car still so I ended up getting the whole service at no charge. He was extremely nice and helpful and had a few good jokes up his sleeve. Will be coming back to him for all my car troubles now."

http://bit.ly/gz7n7P

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Hyundai Tucson FCEV to make an appearance on Sept.15

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Hyundai is committed to bold and innovative change to make the world a better place, and part of this is to be a leader in developing the best alternative fuel solution for a greener planet. To demonstrate the environmental advantages and performance of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), while benefitting kids with cancer, a Hyundai Tucson (FCEV) will be traveling across the country collecting handprints from childhood cancer patients and survivors from San Francisco to New York during the month of September.

The Hyundai Tucson FCEV looks like any other Tucson at first glance: same size, interior, components and even a similar looking engine.  However, it leaves zero carbon emissions, will help create a cleaner future, and allows individuals and families to continue their lifestyles without interruption – free of constraints.

The Hyundai Tucson FCEV will be in Chicago and we would love for you to join us at The Drake Hotel on Thursday, September 15th, 2011 at 6 p.m. to celebrate the potential of this future technology. The Tucson will be available for viewing, Hyundai representatives will be on hand and appetizers and beverages will be served. 

 

Date:                     September 15, 2011

Time:                    6 p.m.

Location:             The Drake Hotel

                                140 East Walton Place

                                Chicago, IL 60611

 

We are very excited about the opportunities this vehicle presents for our industry and for the better of our planet, and we hope you will take this opportunity to celebrate with us.

 

Regards,

Steve Foresta - GM

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Receive 10 percent off parts and services at O'Hare Hyundai

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We have you covered! Check out our eCoupon for this month and receive 10 percent off parts and services. Don't miss out. Take advantage of this offer today.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Gina and Tony, we would like to thank you for your hard work and great customer service.

"I worked with Tony Aviano on buying a new 2012 Hyundai Elantra on Saturday, September 3, 2011. I had received a call from Gina DiGiacomo, an online sales representative with whom I had spoken to before, earlier in the day when an Elantra Ltd. unexpectedly became available on the lot with features I had requested. She kept me in mind, as she had promised, and gave me a call as soon as the car arrived. I met Tony upon walking in and immediately found him to be a likable and genuine person. I had a price quote on a car I had pre-ordered from another dealership, and Tony worked with me to match that excellent price. The process of buying the car was comfortably quick and without hassle (nobody tried to hard sell me on unnecessary add-ons). They evaluated my trade-in fairly, and Tony gave me a how-to tour of some of the features on my new, freshly washed and waxed Elantra before I drove off the lot as a satisfied customer. Overall, it was an excellent experience and I would recommend O'Hare Hyundai to anyone looking for a new Hyundai!"

http://bit.ly/gz7n7P