Hyundai PH sets sights to the future, releases 4 new models to spice up 2019

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December 27, 2018

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, recently dropped 4 new models to kick-start 2019. In an event held to celebrate its success this year, the Korean carmaker unveiled the latest Accent and Tucson, as well a new variant of the Grand Starex called the Urban, and the Ioniq hybrid.

Starting off with Hyundai’s entry into the fast-rising local electric and hybrid vehicle segment, the Ioniq features state-of-the-art styling inside and out. According to Hyundai, it took inspiration from the flowing air when it designed the Ioniq, hence its fluidic exterior looks.

However, the headline feature of the Hyundai Ioniq is what’s housed under the hood. It runs with a 1.6L gasoline mill with a Li-ion battery-powered electric motor as range extender. On paper, this layout, which can be controlled via 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, delivers 103 hp with a torque figure reaching 147 Nm. Being a hybrid, HARI is confident that the Hyubdai Ioniq will make its mark in terms of customer acceptance, thanks to the tax exemption rule granted onto electric and hybrid vehicles by the Tax Reform Law.

Next is the Grand Starex Urban, a people carrier that HARI pegs as its flagship vehicle. For 2019, this van features not only its tried and true 2.5L CRDI diesel motor, it also comes showing off a sleeker, more elegant-looking exterior design. This leveled-up aesthetic transcends inward as the Grand Starex Urban beckons its 9 occupants with an assortment of goodies fit for long trips in, out, and around the urban jungle.

Aside from its standard niceties like leather-wrapped captain’s seats on the 2nd and 3rd rows and a bench seat on the 4th row, it also comes with an array of amenities such as cruise control (perfect for alleviating driver fatigue during long trips), infotainment system with floating type 8-inch screen (includes Bluetooth/MP3/USB support), full automatic climate control, among others.

Third on the list is the 2019 Hyundai Tucson, a fierce competitor in the hotly-contested local crossover market. The Tucson boasts a refreshed interior and exterior vibe, albeit not deviating too far from the outgoing model’s overall design. The highlight, though, is that it now joins the ranks of the latest Hyundai Santa Fe and Kona in showing off the brand’s updated global design platform.

Akin to the previous model, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson is motivated by a 2.0 mill, available in either gasoline or diesel format. The gasoline version comes with a 6-speed automatic, while the diesel motor has 2 additional gears.

Lastly is HARI’s grand showstopper, the all-new Hyundai Accent. For 2019, the Accent boasts a sportier, more edgy exterior design. Do note that HARI will not be offering the hatchback version this time around.

At a glance, the all-new Accent heads the way with a redesigned front end. It dons Hyundai’s new global design platform, including a new shaped “cascading” grille just like the Tucson, Grand Starex Urban, Ioniq, and the latest Elantra. Inside, Hyundai splashed in a few styling refinements to make the Accent reach the same level as its big brothers in the line up.

Of its variants, HARI offers the Accent in 5 kinds; 2 of which run with a 1.6L diesel motor, while the remainder comes with a gasoline-fed 1.4L mil. Transmission is of a 6-speed kind, available in either manual or automatic.

“2018 brought extraordinary challenges in the marketplace, resulting from the tough economic environment that tested our capabilities. As such, we have remained focused by laying down the groundwork to ensure an unhampered and successful takeoff of our business for the brand in 2019. ‘Runway to the Future’ is our way of expressing our appreciation of the gallant men and women in the Hyundai dealership network, our esteemed friends from the media and partners in the banking industry who inspired us in braving this year’s headwinds and turbulence in our industry. Given this backdrop, we look forward to take off and fly high towards more notable achievements, and set new records through innovative mobility, headlined by the Hyundai Grand Starex Urban, the Hyundai Tucson facelift, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, and the all-new Hyundai Accent come 2019.” Said HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.

 
Photo by Paolo Lesaca

About the Author

Randolph de Leon
Randy is a person with disability (PWD), a partially-blinded person with only his left eye functioning. Since childhood, the automobile has always been his passion, and is able to express it through photography and most recently, through writing as well. Outside the motoring beat, Randy spends time manning the media aspect of his business which he co-founded with his sister/college classmate. It's called Dragonlight Wellness and Solutions, a multi-business venture centering on improving peoples' lives through earning.