Hyundai's flagship, the 2013 Centennial is now available in the Middle East

The Hyundai Centennial has already broken the status quo in the luxury car market, setting itself apart from the competition, which includes the likes of the Lexus LS, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class. And nothing supports the Centennial's five star credentials better than winning the prestigious J.D Power and Associates award for most appealing large premium car in the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study (SM) for 2011.

The Centennial benefits from Hyundai's Premium Assurance programme, which provides an unbeatable five-year unlimited mileage warranty, plus free servicing for three years / 60,000 km and a guaranteed buy-back value. Owners can also be confident that the Centennial will hold its value better than many of its rivals - in the renowned ALG 2012 Annual Residual Value Awards it outperformed models such as the Porsche Panamera, BMW 7 Series and Audi A8. Yet with a price tag starting from around 71,602 USD for the 4.6Litre version and 67,996 USD for the 3.8Litre, the Centennial offers a package that can't be found in any other luxury cars for such a competitive price.

Head of Hyundai Middle East regional headquarters, Mr Tom Lee said: "We have entered the top end of the luxury car segment with the Centennial and already seen it redefine the segment by offering a great driving experience for the driver and the highest standards of luxury for the passenger, all with an attractive price tag. The Centennial has proved a major hit with Middle East buyers, and sales this year are up significantly on last year. Now, the 2013 model offers Middle East consumers high specification and a beautifully designed premium car, showing Hyundai's commitment to improving and building on its 'Modern Premium' ethos."

The Centennial's charismatic and sophisticated exterior makes an immediate statement to the outside world. An eye-catching front grille and wrap-around rear lights are some of the features that make the Centennial an imposing figure on any road. The LED side repeater mirrors radiate refinement, while the adaptive front lighting system adjusts the beam angle while driving at night.

The five star nature of the Centennial is most apparent in the rear, where every care has been taken to ensure the highest standards of occupant experience. VIP passengers will enjoy the air cell massage seat, power adjustable leg supports for extra comfort, and the centre console which houses a cool box big enough to fit any refreshment. Electric side curtains and luxury seat back tables add to the sense of luxury and refinement.

The premium nature of the Centennial's interior does not end there. Leather upholstery, microfibre suede headliner, natural wood trim and a leather-wrapped French-stitched instrument panel all showcase the richness of this luxury sedan.

Passengers in the rear sears benefit from an abundance of the latest on-board technology. An 8inch LCD rear monitor entertainment screen will keep occupants entertained during the journey ahead, while there are dedicated armrest controls that allow the passengers to manage the multimedia and comfort zone functions.

The beauty and luxury of the car is amplified in the front, where the driver has a wealth of technology at their fingertips. A 3.5inch TFT LCD placed between the gauge cluster provides important information in colour as well as access to other technologies such as the parking guide system, navigation system and AUX/ipod/USB connections. The premium LEXICON audio system, with up to 17 speakers, provides optimal sound from any part of the car.

The Centennial offers a first-class driving experience, with power available from Hyundai's impressive TAU V8 engine that has been named in the prestigious Ward's Ten Best Engines list in 2009 and 2010. This award-winning 4.6-litre Tau DOHC V8 unit produces 373 hp at 6,500 rpm. The model is also available with a 3.8Litre MPI engine that produces 290hp at 6200rpm, giving it a top speed of 240kph.

The engine is coupled with a Hyundai-developed eight-speed transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual shift capability. The transmission adds two additional ratios to enhance acceleration, shifting smoothness, and transmission efficiency by more than six per cent on its predecessor, the six-speed version, giving the driver more power and the passengers a smoother and more comfortable ride.

The driving dynamics are an essential part of any car and especially in a luxury sedan. The Centennial boasts a first-rate drive and excellent handling characteristics, achieved courtesy of an electronically-controlled air suspension that smoothes the ride over a wide variety of everyday surfaces.

A Sport setting has been added to allow more body control, with an alternative normal setting for drivers looking for a ride with more compliance. The flagship model's manoeuvrability is helped by the excellent steering set-up and electronic rear parking assist feature. With a 39.6 foot turning circle and precise wheel control delivered by its five-link front and rear suspension geometry, the luxury sedan has the ability to get out of any tight spot with ease.

The wealth of features also includes a range of safety features, with active as well as passive safety measures to help prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of all the occupants. The Centennial's list of key safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), nine airbags, electronic active front head restraints, lane departure warning system and smart cruise control. A Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system optimally manages the ESC.