HYUNDAI has taken out the award for the fastest-growing car brand last year.

Sales grew by 39 per cent to 63,207 units, its best annual result since the brand was launched here in 1986 and a welcome turn-around from a 9.2 per cent slump in 2008.

Best results were the i30 on 21,400 units (up 110 per cent), the Tucson on 11,405 units (up 86 per cent) and the Getz on 19,643 (up 14 per cent).

A new compact SUV, the ix35 will be released here next month.

Pik-Up a Mahindra bargain

MAHINDRA is offering savings of up to $3000 in a run-out sale of all of its 2009-plated Pik-Up models, which include cab chassis, single cab and dual cab.