Hyundai Centennial is the Middle East “Car of the Year”

Middle East car magazine Sport Autohas named the Hyundai Centennial the 2012 Car of the Year.

Tom Lee, head of Hyundai’s Middle East regional headquarters was presented with the award by Gerard Saunal of Motor Sport.

The presentation took place at the Specialized Systems for Exhibitions and Conference -EXCS International Motor Show in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The Centennial, which is known as Hyundai Equus in other parts of the globe, is a glowing example of Hyundai’s commitment to producing luxury vehicle. It also stands as a symbol for the carmaker’s philosophy of “Modern Premium.”

Sport Auto has been around for more than 30 years and is considered to be a leader in the industry.

Gerard Saunal, editor-in-chief of Sport Auto, spoke about the Centennial, saying that the magazine team had been given the opportunity to drive the vehicle and were amazed at the amazing development the car represented in the segment.

He said it was that which made choosing the Centennial as the 2012 Car of the Year a very easy decision.

Hyundai Centennial is now considered to be the vehicle that will challenge the Japanese and German entries into the premium market.

That is already starting to show in the Middle East market where the sales of the Centennial have grown by 298% over the same period last year. Those numbers have installed the Centennial as the flagship for Hyundai in the region.

Tom Lee, head of Hyundai’s Middle East regional headquarters, spoke about how honored the company was to have received the award.

The fact that it was the first time the Centennial had received this type of award in any part of the world made it all the more special.

Lee also said that he believed ii was a clear indication of just how far Hyundai have come in the luxury car segment.

The luxury is evident in every aspect of the Centennial, starting with the leather upholstery, wood trim, and leather-wrapped instrument panel that show up inside.

The vehicle also comes with air cell massage seats, power adjustable leg supports, and a center console that hold a cool box which can fit a number of refreshments.

Electric side curtains and seat back tables add a further touch of class. Technology is also well represented, including an 8-inch LCD monitor in the rear.

The style continues with the beautifully designed exterior and then carries on under the hood with the addition of a 4,6L Tau DOHC V8 engine produces 373 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, while the model is also available with a 3,8L V6 unit that produces 290hp at 6200rpm, giving it a top speed of 240kph.