Hyundai PH takes on 2019 MIAS with two stunning new models

Hyundai Kona Electric

As its name implies, the Kona Electric is the zero-emission version of the brand’s stylish subcompact crossover. Onto the point, it boasts an environment-friendly motor in the form of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Electric Motor which is run by a lithium-ion polymer battery pack. This enables the Kona Electric to churn out 201 hp with a pulling power of 395 Nm.

Outside, the Kona Electric flaunts an edgy, futuristic design similar to its internal-combustion powered twin. It’s got 17” alloy wheels, unique closed-off front grille, electric-folding side mirrors, high-mount stop lamp, and electric-folding side mirrors that are complemented with body color side mirrors and body color outside door handles. Inside, the car beckons its occupants with wireless smart phone charging, super vision instrument cluster with 7” TFT LCD that allows you to conveniently view key driving data without losing focus on the road ahead.

Aside from its zero-emission motor and edgy styling, the Hyundai Kona Electric also arrived in the Philippines as an award winner, it being a couple of 2019 Edmunds Editors’ Choice Awards from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), and Car and Driver.

Hyundai Palisade

Stepping up to the platform as HARI’s new flagship SUV, the Hyundai Palisade was also unveiled in style. To those who wonder, Hyundai got the Palisade’s name from the Pacific Palisades community in Southern California known for modern architectural masterpiece homes and spectacular sunsets.

Reflecting the area’s grandeur, the Palisade leads the way with its stylish body, accented with distinct character lines and bold curves that exude elegance. As an SUV, the Hyundai Palisade’s cargo area can haul up to 509L, an ideal space to throw in a week’s word of essential goodies for a grand vacation.

Inside, the SUV sports the same infotainment system found in the Kona Electric. The difference is that for this vehicle, the system gets upgraded with more features such as Head-Up Display (HUD) that projects GPS navigation information onto the windshield. Aside from these, the Palisade also has information onto the windshield. Moreover, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade comes with a class-exclusive Blind View Monitor with Blind Spot Collision Warning and Blind Spot Monitor that is activated whenever the turn signal is on.

Under the hood, the Hyundai Palisade is governed by a 2.2-liter CRDi e-VGT GLS engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This motor delivers 197 hp that’s distributed to all four wheels via the HTRAC, Hyundai’s own version of an all-wheel-drive system complete with various modes to provide the driver with optimum traction no matter the driving condition.

And just like the Kona Electric, the Palisade steps into the Philippine market with an award to top it all off. This being the prestigious Red Dot Award 2019 for exceptional design, topping the category for “Product Design” because of its refined visual design breakthroughs, while featuring state-of-the- art technology, safety features, and exceptional comfort.

At press launch, HARI said that the Hyundai Kona Electric is retailed at P2,388,000. On the other hand, the Hyundai Palisade rolls off the showroom with a suggested sticker price of P3,240,000.

Photos: Paolo Lesaca and Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc.