2004 Hyundai Centennial Overview

The only negative to this powertrain is its front-wheel drive layout, hardly a premium car configuration. Hyundai

The only negative to the Centennial's powertrain is its front-wheel drive layout, hardly a premium car configuration. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada)

would be wise to incorporate an all-wheel drive setup before attempting to take on top competitors in North America, as front-wheel drive has many limitations, especially when mated to powerful engines.

While I haven't driven the Centennial, I've spent time in the Kia Amanti that shares its suspension. The Kia is one of the smoothest riding cars I've ever tested, but one of the worst handling. It grounds out over dips and dives and wanders aimlessly when asked

Top-tier electro-luminescent instruments and ventilated seats are part of the Centennial's premium level interior. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada)

to maneuver beyond its capacity, which is just about anything beyond boulevard cruising. Still, a little tweaking might make the Centennial's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension respond to input better than it does in the Kia. What's more, Hyundai offers active damping as optional equipment, which if optimized correctly can go a long way to flattening out curves.

Of course, despite performance available from Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, handling corners like a sports car isn't all that's required of a car in this luxury class. Top-tier electro-luminescent instruments and ventilated seats join safety features such as whiplash protection, xenon headlamps and intelligent airbags.