The Hyundai Universe (

hangul The Korean alphabet is the modern writing system for the Korean language. In North Korea, the alphabet is known as (), and in South Korea, it is known as (). The letters for the five basic consonants reflect the shape of the speech organs ...

:현대 유니버스) is a heavy-duty luxury

coach Coach may refer to: Guidance/instruction * Coach (sport), a director of Athletes' training and activities * Coaching, the practice of guiding an individual through a process ** Acting coach, a teacher who trains performers Transportation * Coac ...

manufactured by the truck & bus division of

Hyundai Hyundai is a former South Korean industrial conglomerate ("''chaebol''"), which was restructured into the following groups: * Hyundai Group, parts of the former conglomerate which have not been divested ** Hyundai Asan, a real estate construction ...

. Introduced in November 2006, it is primarily available as luxury hi-classic tourist buses. It is related to its sibling, the second generation

Kia Granbird The Kia Granbird () is a high-decker coach produced by the South Korean vehicle manufacturer Kia. It was derived from the Hino S'elega platform and for a brief period of time from former Asia Motors. Production started in 1994, and the exterior ...

since 2007. It is distinguishable by a front 'Universe' badge by Hyundai's global standard luxury coach, but the common Hyundai badge is luxurious bus design usually used on the rear. Its principal competitor is the

Zyle Daewoo Bus Zyle Daewoo Bus, formerly "Zyle Daewoo Commercial Vehicle" is a South Korean manufacturer of buses and is majority owned by Young-An Hat Company, based in Busan. It was established in 2002 as a successor to previous merger, Daewoo Motor Company ...

FX series, and BX212 and

First generation (PV; 2006)

Design

Hyundai Universe RD00 Cockpit Version 2011

Hyundai Universe Space Luxury Front Side

Introduced as the successor to the

Hyundai Aero The Hyundai Aero (hangul:현대 에어로) was a rigid bus, full-sized single-decker bus, single-decker coach (bus), coach built by the Hyundai Motor Company. It was primarily used as an coach (bus), intercity bus. It is distinguishable by a fro ...

, the new model was developed in a period of 3 years under the project codename: PY. Unlike its predecessor, the Universe has been developed with Hyundai's proprietary technology and was fitted with a monocoque body to enhance structural rigidity and provides lightweight body construction. This contributes to a reduction in vibration and better roll over protection. Furthermore, disc-brake equipped versions would also benefit from the Electronic Stability Program including ABS and ASR. The Universe also features modern dynamic styling, sporting a sleek aerodynamic look, accentuated by optional spoilers. Driving ergonomics were also improved as well as greater durability to extend service life. The engines are Hyundai's units from the Q family, coupled with 5-speed manual gearbox. A cleaner and economical Euro-III compliant engine is also offered. Most powerful was the electronically controlled Powertec D6CB engine capable of , but also available in a version. These have 5-speed manual gearboxes or a 12-speed ZF AS Tronic

Semi-automatic transmission A semi-automatic transmission is a multiple-speed Transmission (mechanics), transmission where part of its operation is Automation, automated (typically the actuation of the clutch), but the driver's input is still required to launch the vehicle f ...

. In 2008, Euro-IV compliant engines were added up to the range following the development of the new D6HA and Powertec D6CC engines, with outputs ranging from .

Carbon footprint A carbon footprint (or greenhouse gas footprint) is a calculated value or index that makes it possible to compare the total amount of greenhouse gases that an activity, product, company or country Greenhouse gas emissions, adds to the atmospher ...

-conscious operators could also opt in for alternative fuel engines such as the CNG powered Q-engine with . In 2018 a fully automatic transmission with a

torque converter A torque converter is a device, usually implemented as a type of fluid coupling, that transfers rotating power from a prime mover, like an internal combustion engine, to a rotating driven load. In a vehicle with an automatic transmission, the ...

became available; the 6-speed ZF EcoLife was available together with the Powertec engines. The model lineup includes "Classic" and "Luxury" trim levels in the standard deck "Space" variant, while the "Noble" trim level in the high deck "Xpress" variant stands at the top of the range. Additional trim levels for Korean domestic models includes "Comfort" and "Elegance" for the Space variant as well as "Prime" and "Noble Queen" for the Xpress variant. The "Limousine" trim level introduced for VIP class is the ultimate in luxury and comfort. The difference between each trim levels lies primarily on the features adapted per application such as aesthetics, engine power output, suspension type, passenger capacity, and interior configuration. The Universe is also offered in right-hand drive orientation and can also be equipped with an on-board restroom, wheel chair lift, or an emergency door.

Models

The Universe was designed by

Hyundai Motor Company Hyundai Motor Company, often referred to as Hyundai Motors, ( ) and commonly known as Hyundai (), is a South Korean multinational corporation, multinational Automotive industry, automotive manufacturer headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, which ...

Jeonju Jeonju (, , ) is the capital and List of cities in South Korea, largest city of North Jeolla Province, South Korea. It is both urban and rural due to the closeness of Wanju County which almost entirely surrounds Jeonju (Wanju County has many resi ...

Design Center. It was based on a rebadged Hyundai Bus Chassis. Starting in 2019, a long-axis model called EX was released. The variants include: *Space **Comfort: successor to Aero Space LD **Classic **Elegance: successor to Aero Space LS **Luxury **Luxury Premium (2019-present) *Xpress **Prime: successor to Aero Hi-Space **Prime EX (2020–present) **Noble **Noble Queen: successor to Aero Queen Hi-Class **Noble EX (2019–present) **Prestige

2019 facelift

Unveiled on 22 January 2019, the refreshed Hyundai Universe is the first coach model remained to use Hyundai's commercial vehicle chassis, that also shared with the basis of the refreshed Kia Granbird from 2020. It also comes with Blue Link connected services. It features a restyled grille instead of Hyundai's cascading grille, restyled headlamps with I-shaped LED tech, and restyled tail lamps with also an LED. The interior also features a restyled entertainment system, and the dashboard retains a large color instrument cluster, and a large touchscreen infotainment system. The powertrain of the refreshed coach is a Powertech 12.7-liter diesel engine paired to both manual and automatic transmissions. File:Hyundai Universe Mobile Office (4).jpg, 2019 Front view (FCEV) File:Hyundai Universe Mobile Office (6).jpg, Rear view (FCEV)

References

External links