Hyundai launches 4 new models at MIAS

Top officials of Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. unveil the all-new Veloster sporty hatchback. photos by eugene araneta

Hyundai Asia Resources launched no less than four new vehicles at the 14th Manila International Auto Show last April 5: the all-new Santa Fe large SUV; all-new Veloster sporty hatchback; and two new nameplates, the new Kona subcompact SUV and Ioniq Hybrid.

The all-new Santa Fe takes Hyundai’s large SUV to a new level of styling and interior appointments, at par with European offerings.

Santa Fe is powered by a 2.2-liter diesel engine featuring turbocharging and common-rail direct injection. It packs 200 ps and 440 Nm of torque, and is paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Santa Fe measures 4770 mm long x 1890 mm wide x 1680 mm tall, with a 2765 mm wheelbase.

Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels with 235mm tires, LED headlamps and daytime running lights, and rear spoiler.

Its seven-seat interior features leather and metallic trim that make for an upscale cabin.

Amenities include automatic climate control with rear vents, bluetooth audio with six speakers, and power front seats. Safety features include dual front, side, and curtain airbags, ABS brakes, stability control and rear camera. Colors are Phantom Black, White Cream, and Earthy Bronze.

The Veloster is back in an all-new, sportier guise. The sporty hatchback and utility vehicle in one is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 204 ps and 265 Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Veloster comes in at 4240 mm length x 1800 mm width x 1409 mm height, with a 2650 mm-wheelbase.

Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and daytime running lights. Convenience features include power driver’s seat, split-folding rear seat, audio with 8-inch display, and smart key access, dual front, side, and curtain airbags, ABS brakes, and rear parking assist with camera.

There are 12 colors (black, white, silver, dark gray, tangerine, cobalt, red, yellow, blue, gray), and two matt finishes (Ice Storm and Shooting Star).

Kona is Hyundai’s all-new entry into the subcompact SUV. It has a more upscale feel than the Creta previously launched at MIAS.

It’s powered by a 2.0-liter gasoline engine running on an Atkinson cycle for better torque, usually employed in hybrid cars.

The four-cylinder generates 149 ps and 179 Nm, and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Santa Fe takes Hyundai’s large SUV to a new level of styling and interior appointments, at par with European offerings.

The Kona is equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch alloys, and rides on McPherson strut front and torsion beam rear axle.

Interior has manual airconditioning, fabric seats, Bluetooth audio system, and rear aircon vents.

Safety equipment are dual front airbags and ABS brakes.

Kona comes in white, silver, gray, yellow, and red.

The Ioniq Hybrid is a launch well-timed to the new tax break for hybrid vehicles.

The Ioniq hybrid sedan has a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 105 ps and 147 Nm. It’s augmented by a 43.5 ps electric motor with a robust 170 Nm of torque. The motor is powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery.

The US version of the Ioniq hybrid is rated at 25 km/liter. Hyundai promises quick driving response with the standard dual-clutch transmission.

Colors are black, white, silver, and orange. The four new vehicles are covered by Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

The four new Hyundais were at the center of the brand’s 680-square meter display at the MIAS main hall.

Dubbed “The Greatest Show from Hyundai,” the launch featured the Korean Buganda drumbeaters, Douglas Nierras’ Powerdance, and a rock number from Jett Pangan.

Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. president and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said at the launch, “We have gone beyond measuring the revolutions per minute, for this is the real revolution: to boost your beats per minute with excitement, to let you get more out of life, and to give more power to your very own beating heart.”