There is yet another reason to hightail it to your local Hyundai dealers in NH. Not that we needed one, of course.
Hyundai is now an official automotive sponsor of the NFL! Yet another reason to tune in to the game on Sunday…not that we needed one for that either.
Clearly, Hyundai is hoping to lure both its loyal as well as some new customers to its base. And there are plenty of new Hyundai models to help the brand back that up.
Follow me as I explore the Hyundai’s new ad campaign, as well as its featured vehicle: the Hyundai Tucson.
Hike it in a Hyundai!
The first 30-second spot was released during the season opener of the NFL’s 96th season Entitled, “D-Gate,” the commercial features some guys tailgating at an Arizona Cardinals game in a Hyundai Tucson.
Their goal?
Get on the Jumbotron…again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nACHQselCx0
The next one will air on September 24 – this Sunday – and is about a new dad trying to keep up with his beloved Houston Texans, and his newborn. While the focus of the first spot is the Tucson, the second features the Hyundai Sonata.
I’m already looking forward to it, with the same anticipation as the Super Bowl ads.
Hyundai will sponsor the NFL for the next four years, which means you can expect to see the brand promoted at the draft and supplying the Super Bowl’s vehicles.
“Our NFL campaign is all about conveying our love for football and providing opportunities for people to celebrate the game in a meaningful way,” according to the Director of Customer Communications and Promotions at Hyundai Motor America, Jacquelyn Kim.
She also went on to say that “In the new television creative, we want to showcase what passionate fans do #BecauseFootball, and include the role our vehicles can play in that.”
So, what are the new Hyundai Tucson and Sonata made of?
Let’s see…
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson: A Competitive Crossover
Brand new for the 2016 model year, the Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover SUV that’s big on performance and fuel-efficiency.
Available in four trim levels: the SE, Eco, Sport, and Limited, the Tucson features two engine options. The frist, is the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 164 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque, operated by a six-speed automatic transmission in either front or all-wheel drive.
So equipped, the Tucson returns an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of 23 city/30 highway and 26 mpg combined from the front-wheel drive and 21 city/26 highway and 23 mpg combined from the all-wheel drive configuration.
Opting for the Eco, Sport, or Limited models gets you the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 175 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual (operates exactly like a traditional automatic transmission).
Because the Eco sports smaller tires – 17-inches to be exact – which means less rolling resistance, the fuel economy is measured at 26 city/33 highway and 29 mpg combined with the front-wheel drive, and 25 city/31 highway and 27 mpg combined from the all-wheel drive.
Given the 19-inch tires featured on the Sport and Limited, fuel economy dips a bit, rated at 25 city/30 highway and 27 mpg combined in front-wheel drive, and 24 city/28 highway and 26 mpg combined from the all-wheel drive.
New bells and whistles come in the form of a refined interior with loads of storage space, and an easily accessible infotainment touchscreen, measured at five or eight inches, depending on trim level.
Standard technology includes Bluetooth and satellite radio, as well as USB connectivity.
With the new Tucson, you’ll have more cargo space than before. With the backseats in upright position, you’ve got 31 cubic feet to work with; however, fold those seats down and the area extends to 61.9 cubic feet.
Safety is a priority and Hyundai has made features like stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front side airbags, active front head restraints, side curtain airbags, hill-descent control, and hill-hold assist, standard equipment.
Also, every Hyundai Tucson trim is equipped with a rearview camera, with higher trim levels further enhanced by rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.
Featuring Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture 2.0” design, the new Tucson boasts six new exterior colors, including: Chromium Silver, Coliseum Gray, Ruby Wine, Mojave Sand, Sedona Sunset, and Carribean Blue, in addition to its continued Winter White and Ash Black options.
But, let’s say that crossover SUVs aren’t your speed.
If you’re a sedan-lover, Hyundai has something new that should play like music to your ears…
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata: Seriously In Tune
Dubbed by comedian, John Mulaney, as a “Korean classical music car,” the 2016 Hyundai Sonata turns thirty this year. In its seventh generation, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata represents the second year of last year’s refresh.
Also added to the Sonata line for the 2016 model year are the hybrid Sonata and plug-in hybrid Sonata.
Far more spacious and sizable than its rival Toyota Camry, the Sonata boasts serious leg room for passengers seated in both the front and back seats. Although it is considered a midsized sedan, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata is larger and longer than the rest of the segment.
Available in six trim levels: the SE, Sport, Limited, Eco, Sport 2.0T, and Limited 2.0T, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata also has options when it comes the engine.
A trio of powertrains are offered, including the standard non-turbo, naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. As the base model, this Sonata produces 185 horsepower and is operated by a six-speed automatic transmission.
Brand new for 2016, check out the Sonata’s Eco trim level – a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch, or DCT or DSG, automatic transmission. Such transmission types are faster shifting, often resulting in enhanced fuel efficiency. Generating 178 horsepower, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Eco is rated at an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined.
If we’re talking turbocharged, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0T and Sonata Limited 2.0T feature the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Measured at 245 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, the Sport gets a 26 mpg combined, while the Limited gets 25 mpg combined.
An unusual perk associated with the 2.0T is its use of regular unleaded, rather than premium, gasoline.
Sleek and sculpted, the new Sonata features stunning exterior colors, including: Diamond White Pearl, Eclipse Black, Graphite Blue Pearl, Pewter Gray Metallic, Seaport Mist, Starlight Silver, and Venetian Red Pearl.
With its affordable price tag, starting at the MSRP of $21,750, and abundance of options available, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata is a compelling entry in the midsize sedan segment.
If you ask me, I’d be happy to tailgate in either one of these Hyundai models. I’m all in favor of kicking off this year’s football season with “New Thinking, New Possibilities.”
Don’t forget to tune in on Sunday and check out the new Hyundai ad spot! Go team!
