Hyundai PH set to relaunch with new models (and outgoing ones) 

Hyundai Philippines is seeking to revamp its model lineup by releasing a bunch of all-new models this year, coinciding with the brand’s relaunch in the Philippine market under the new management of Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. The list of models confirmed by the Korean marque includes the all-new Staria, the next-generation Tucson, and the Creta subcompact crossover. 

The Hyundai Staria

For the Staria, it practically replaces the Grand Starex in the van category. We don’t know which trim will be brought to the Philippines though, but it is projected to be launched sometime in July. However, most of you will already know what it looks like, and it is a certified head-turner. In fact, Red Dot Awards already gave it the “2022 Best of the Best'' title for its design. 

Next-up is the Tucson, which currently has three different engine options in its home country of South Korea. Again, we still aren’t sure which of these will be launched locally, but the 2.0-liter CRDi that’s capable of 183 horsepower and 417 Nm of torque looks promising.  

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson

Meanwhile, the Creta will become Hyundai Philippines’ new entry into the subcompact crossover segment. Interestingly, it might mean that this model will stand side-by-side with the Kona in that class. Maybe Hyundai PH will readjust the pricing and/or specs of the Kona, but for now, let’s keep our eyes peeled for more updates on this.  

Of course, new models will also mean some adjustments to the current lineup. One of those affected by these changes will be the Reina subcompact sedan, which Hyundai Philippines is dropping from its current offerings.  

The Accent as it is right now will reportedly stay in the lineup, but we’re wishing for the brand to somewhat update it to make it on par with the versions being sold in other markets. Particularly, the Accent already received a facelift in China and India, and these certainly look more contemporary than the one we have locally. 

The Hyundai Creta

And of course, there are also some Hyundai models that we wish to see on our shores. There’s the fourth-generation Santa Fe midsize crossover for one, which is already being sold in other ASEAN countries. Particularly juicy is the said model’s 2.2-liter Smartstream D2.2 CRDi diesel engine that’s capable of making 199 horsepower and 441 Nm of torque. There’s also the fact that it can seat seven, and that might make it attractive to Pinoy buyers. 

If you want to catch more updates regarding the upcoming Hyundai Staria, Tucson, and Creta, keep it here on Philkotse.