Update 1: Hyundai PH has revealed its launch date: October 22 (10/16).
Is Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) going to spoil Kia Stonic’s party? In a cryptic social media post, the exclusive importer and distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines posted what looks to be some hip party goer with a copy that reads, “See you!” (see photo below).
While it seems innocuous enough, the party goer’s sunglasses reflect what looks to be rectangular lights. Those familiar with Hyundai’s headlight patterns will quickly recognize this as the Venue sub-compact SUV’s. It sits below the Kona in both size and positioning yet carries the same larger-than-life appearance. Its design cues include an upright cascading grille and the spit-design headlights (hence the unique DRL pattern).
Depending on where HARI sources the Venue, its powertrain could be a 1.6-liter Gamma MPi putting out 123 horsepower and 151 Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed automatic (Korea), or a 1.2-liter Kappa MPi with 83 horsepower and 114 Nm of torque mated to a 5-speed manual (India). It’s worth noting that for the Indian market, the slush box is only available with the turbocharged 1.0-liter. This engine puts out 120 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque mated to a 7-speed dual clutch. There is also the option of the clutch-less manual dubbed iMT. For those wondering, sorry the next-generation 1.6-liter SmartStreamG engine is not available for our emissions standard.
While its length is down 129 mm, and width is down 30 mm compared to the Kona, it doesn’t give up much in terms of interior volume. Interior space is down just 62 liters for the passenger area.
If HARI is indeed teasing the Venue for a Philippine launch, this isn’t the first time they’ve reacted to a move done by Kia locally. It must be remembered that less than 24 hours after the Kia Soluto’s market launch, Hyundai also previewed the Soluto’s platform twin, the Reina early last year.
"For those wondering, sorry the next-generation 1.6-liter SmartStreamG engine is not available for our emissions standard."
ReplyDeleteHi, did you write the sentence above or copy it from the company brochure? If Lambos, Ferraris and Bentleys can run on local fuel, a Hyundai can't? What do you think? Are we being duped into the fuel standard scam so we get third class engines?
I wrote it. Sadly, the SmartstreamG isn't available for countries with emission standards of Euro 4 or lower...I guess Korean engineers don't want to certify it for one reason or another.
DeleteSo is this a gasoline issue?
ReplyDeleteMe thinks it's more of a homologation issue. In other words, if your fuel doesn't meet certain standards, that spec won't be approved for your country.
DeleteI'm sure they can go through lengths to certify the SmartStream engine--ask for fuel samples, etc.--that's how Mazda was able to get the Skyactiv-D certified locally. But I doubt if HARI will lift a finger or Hyundai will allow HARI to go that route.
Now THIS is the kind of car I'm waiting for, a micro SUV and not a jacked up hatchback. I'm surprised it's smaller than the Kona. Hoping one day a car closer to the Suzuki S-Presso in size and price but less dorky looking will appear.
ReplyDeleteHomologation? Simply stated, the motoring community, especially local journalists do not really campaign or fight for better and safer cars. I think your site is the only one that give cars a fair "review" , meaning to say you actually criticize. All other sites, they're just happy to be invited and get free cocktails during the launch.
ReplyDelete