Is Hyundai not premium? 
Not yet, at least not over here. Korean owned manufacturers are viewed as a Budget brand, the kind of car you would buy cos ya have no money... a Cheap offering...
We owners know different of course but try a straw poll amongst friends.
In general here...
Perceived Premium brands (for the sector, I'm not trying to list ALL premium brands)
Audi, VW, BMW, Lexus, Toyota, Jaguar et al...
Perceived Budget brands
Kia, Hyundai, Ssangyong, Proton, Fiat et al...
You get my drift? Moving from the latter to the former will take time, the biggest significant difference has always been price.
Low price = Budget brand.
So raising the price doesnt necessarily tak a brand into Premium territory... but if the price differential becomes erroded, buyers will... IMO ... take a look at Premium brands more often that if the price differential remained.
I wont cos I always buy used! at around 3 years old when the Showroom value has already plummeted!
