Hyundai Motor PH officially launches model lineup      

More than three decades after first setting foot on our shores, Hyundai revitalizes its presence in the country with the inauguration of Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. (HMPH) last June 1, 2022. Now, the transition is officially complete as it presents an initial lineup of four models. 

For its initial offering, HMPH will be focusing on crossovers and MPVs

For now, the South Korean automaker is focusing on sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) to Filipino customers. Its offerings comprise the Hyundai Creta subcompact, Tucson compact, and Santa Fe midsize crossovers, accompanied by the Staria minivan. 

“We would like to increase market awareness on the Hyundai vision and mission locally,” said HMPH President Dong Wook Lee. “Our brand direction and manifesto for the Philippines is ‘Innovate Everyday’ where we share your passion to improve, to keep moving ahead and we believe better days should always be ahead of us.” 

Hyundai Creta

The Creta is the smallest product so far in HMPH’s lineup. Yet despite its size, it has been the one of the automaker’s best-selling models globally. It will be recalled that the first-generation Creta made its local debut at the 2017 Manila International Auto Show, but ultimately was not offered in the market. 

With HMPH formally established, the Creta makes a proper appearance on the Philippine market 

It’s a mistake that the second generation wants to change, as a subcompact crossover available in three trim levels. The new version boasts Hyundai’s Parametric Pixel grille with LED exterior lighting and extensive body cladding complementing the blacked-out roof. 

Interior features include seating for five, cooled glove box, a 10.25-inch Supervision instrument cluster, and an 8-inch touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice commands. Dual airbags, and hill-start assist are just some of the safety features on offer, accompanied by driver-assist features such as Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning.     

Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)

The standard power unit is a 1.5-liter Smartstream gasoline engine that makes 113 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque. Spinning the front wheels is either a 6-speed manual or an Intelligent Variable Transmission. HMPH is offering the Creta from Php 998,000 for the 1.5 GL manual to Php 1,332,000 for the 1.5 GLS IVT.

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is a nameplate familiar to Filipinos, having been sold here since the first generation. Now on its fourth iteration, the compact crossover also sports Hyundai’s new corporate face, with an interplay of prominent creases on the profile. A power tailgate enables hands-free cargo loading for increased convenience. 

The Tucson is now on its fourth generation

Accommodations in the cabin comprise seating for five, with automatic temperature control, wireless charging, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A comprehensive airbag set, electronic stability control, and Parking Distance Warning are just some of the features protecting the occupants on board.

Buyers can choose between two engine options. One is a 2.0-liter gasoline engine rated at 154 horsepower and 192 Nm of torque, while the other is a 2.0-liter diesel power unit capable of 183 horsepower and 416 Nm of torque. Transmission choices are either a conventional 6-speed automatic gearbox or an 8-speed version that uses shift-by-wire technology. The Tucson's price tag starts at Php 1,570,000 for the 2.0 GLS A/T gasoline to Php 1,840,000 for the 2.0 GLS+ diesel.    

Hyundai Santa Fe

The Hyundai Santa Fe sports a bolder and more aggressive exterior, along with interior and tech enhancements while being underpinned by a new platform which it shares with the current Sorento and Carnival from Kia. Dimensions have mostly increased from its predecessor, including the length, width, and wheelbase. 

European styling dominates the new Santa Fe's aesthetics

Customers can expect LED lighting on the massive grille, accompanied by a more muscular bumper. Daytime running lights on the leading edge of the hood echo the layout used on the bigger Palisade. Euro styling dominates the profile, enhanced by 20-inch alloy wheels. 

Up to seven occupants can settle down in the cabin, with a large console between the front seats housing the vehicle’s controls. The available cargo space at the rear can be expanded by collapsing the second- and third-row seats, and the digital Supervision instrument cluster is accompanied by an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity. 

There's enough room for up to seven occupants

For safety, six airbags, dynamic brake control, and electronic stability control form part of the package, complemented by a Surround View Monitor and parking assist. Available in a single trim level, the Santa Fe packs a 2.2-liter common-rail diesel under the hood, capable of 199 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque while linked to a dual-clutch gearbox. The Santa Fe's lone variant retails for Php 2,420,000. 

Hyundai Staria

The South Korean automaker’s latest MPV replaces the long-running Starex in the local lineup. It brings a more futuristic styling to the people-carrier segment, and it can also be used for business given that the model will be available in Cargo, Commuter, GLS+, and Premium trim levels. 

The Staria inherits the Starex's place in Hyundai's lineup

Hyundai says that the Staria’s exterior was influenced by the interior, with the egg-shaped design bringing large windows to emphasize the passenger space it promises. The low mesh grille on the fascia is flanked by LED headlamps and bordered on top with a full-length light bar. An available smart power tailgate opens and closes automatically without driver input.    

The Staria’s interior can seat anywhere from three (for the Cargo trim level) to 11 (for the Commuter and GLS+ variants). Accommodations for the top-spec Premium trim include available captain’s chairs with slide and recline functions. AM/FM Radio with USB and Bluetooth are standard across the range, with the Premium offering an 8-inch touchscreen patched to a Bose speaker system. Of note, the top-sped Hyundai Staria comes with seven seats. 

Captain's chairs await passengers on the range-topping Premium trim

Six airbags, anti-lock brakes, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and a Surround View Monitor are just some of the safety features on offer. The Hyundai Staria runs on a 2.2-liter common-rail diesel engine with variable geometry turbo, packing 175 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. Either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic spins the front wheels, while the top-spec Premium has all-wheel-drive. The Staria will be available to customers from Php 1,560,000 for the 6-speed manual Cargo variant, all the way to Php 2,930,000 for the flagship Premium AT AWD.  

HMPH is offering a 5-year/200,000-kilometer warranty on its model lineup. It remains to be seen whether the company will eventually bring in its sedan models such as the Accent and Elantra, or even the hugely successful Ioniq 5 electric vehicle. In the meantime, customers can view the refreshed Hyundai lineup at all HMPGH dealers nationwide. 

Be alerted to what automakers have to offer the local market at Philkotse.com.