Hyundai Trajet

Hyundai Trajet
Hyundai Trajet (pre-facelift)
Overview
ManufacturerHyundai
Also calledHyundai Highway Van (Netherlands)
Production1999–2008
AssemblySouth Korea: Ulsan
Indonesia: Bekasi (HIM)[1]
Body and chassis
ClassLarge MPV
Body style5 door minivan
LayoutFront engine, front-wheel drive
PlatformHyundai–Kia Y4
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission5 speed manual
4 speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,830 mm (111.4 in)
Length4,695 mm (184.8 in)
Width1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Height1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Chronology
PredecessorHyundai Santamo

The Hyundai Trajet (Hangul: 현대 트라제; pronounced as trajay), is a seven-seater car that was manufactured by Hyundai Motor Company between 1999 and 2008. Described as a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the series was officially launched in 1999, with the 2.0 GSI model and choices of gasoline, diesel, or LPG fuel. A limited-edition SE version with a 2.7 V6 engine was added in 2001.

Sales began in South Korea in spring 1999 and the UK premiere was at the London Motorfair in October of that year.[3] Vehicle sales in Europe began in spring 2000.

The name is derived from the French word "trajet" which means "journey",[4] "path, walk, course, haul, itinerary"[5] or to "travel from one point to another." In South Korea, it was marketed as the Hyundai Trajet XG to align it with the more luxurious Grandeur XG which uses the same platform.[6][7]

Overview

Rear view

2000-2004

Hyundai developed a seven-seat MPV targeting large families and the shuttle market segments.[8] It is based on the platform shared with the Sonata and the first-generation Santa Fe.[8] The Trajet was styled in Frankfurt, and made its public debut at the 1999 London Motor Show.[9] The front end design was similar to some U.S. minivans and featuring a chromed grille flanked by horizontal headlamps and a sedan-like front bumper.[8] The Trajet's tall greenhouse, front-hinged side doors, and a large liftgate "made it look like a large station wagon."[8]

The Trajet features three rows of seats. The front seats can rotate 180 degrees to face the passengers in the back when the car is stationary, and the back seats can also be turned into tables, making a virtual office space, or a picnic area. The second- and third-row seats are double folding and can also be completely removed. Because the Trajet size is bigger than many of its rivals, it provides comfort and room for seven adults as well as cargo space with all the seats in place.[10]

According to reviews, the Trajet does not do as well compared to the best European and Japanese MPVs because of "an overly firm around town" that "becomes bouncy at speed" with a "lot of body lean around corners."[10] The light steering does not have enough feedback, and the engines are noisy under acceleration.[10]

2004-2008

Hyundai Trajet (facelift)

The model range was updated in September 2004.[11] The gasoline 2.0 GSI included CVVT, which was previously available in the Coupé, and going from 133 to 139 bhp (99 to 104 kW; 135 to 141 PS), with lowered CO2 emissions from 223 g/km to 208 g/km.[12]

Fuel consumption was improved — the combined figure (average consumption in town and highway driving) rose from 30.4 to 32.5 mpg‑US (7.7 to 7.2 L/100 km; 36.5 to 39.0 mpg‑imp). Trajets now included three point seat belts for all rear passengers.[13]

Departing from most minivans that offered sliding doors, Hyundai retained the regular hinged rear passenger doors.[14] Following the pattern of U.S. minivans, the automatic transmission gear selector was mounted on the steering column and the center console was eliminated.[14] For specific markets and engines, a 5-speed manual with a floor-mounted shifter between the front seats was available.[14]

Rather than developing a new vehicle, Hyundai adapted an existing line market needs even though consumer trends had already shifted.[14] Just like the name of the model "itself, meant a route to follow, and the vehicle was adequate for that.[8] Production and marketing ended in 2008 without a direct successor.[15]

References

  1. ^ "Mengenal Hyundai Trajet, Ingin Berburu Bekasnya?" [Get to know the Hyundai Trajet, want to hunt the used examples?]. otomotifnet.gridoto.com (in Indonesian). 11 July 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  2. ^ "현대 트라제XG / 고급차 분위기에 승차감도 좋아 / 소음 없고 힘 좋지만 비싼게 흠" [Hyundai Trajet XG / The atmosphere of a luxury car and the ride comfort are good / No noise and power is good, but expensive is a drawback]. www.hani.co.kr (in Korean). 18 November 1999. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  3. ^ "The London Motor Show has been moving further and further". archive.commercialmotor.com. 28 October 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  4. ^ "Translation of trajet – French-English". Cambridge Dictionary. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  5. ^ ""trajet" in English". bab.la. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  6. ^ "Vehicle History 1999 TRAJET XG". HYUNDAI MOTORS. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  7. ^ "[카&드라이브] 미니밴 : 온가족의 '모빌홈' 시대 활짝" [[Car&Drive] Minivan: The era of the ‘mobile home’ for the whole family]. 한경닷컴 (in Korean). 16 November 1999. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  8. ^ a b c d e "Hyundai Trajet specs & photos - 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004". autoevolution. 26 March 2021. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  9. ^ "Hyundai Trajet (2000 - 2008) used car review". rac.co.uk. 6 October 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  10. ^ a b c "Used Hyundai Trajet Review - 2000-2007". whatcar.com. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  11. ^ "Hyundai Trajet now with more kit". testdriven.co.uk. 29 June 2004. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  12. ^ "Hyundai Trajet (00 on)". parkers.co.uk. 13 November 2004. Archived from the original on 13 November 2004. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  13. ^ "Used Hyundai Trajet Estate (2000 - 2006) Review". parkers.co.uk. 6 June 2019. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  14. ^ a b c d "Hyundai Trajet specs & photos - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008". autoevolution. 11 December 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  15. ^ Demandt, Bart (10 February 2014). "Hyundai Trajet European sales figures". carsalesbase.com. Retrieved 1 August 2022.

Media related to Hyundai Trajet at Wikimedia Commons