At this point, we’re not entirely sure if this was supposed to be a secret, but thanks to a couple of sales agents, we finally have our first clear look at Hyundai Philippines’ launch line-up.
As we previously reported, newly-minted Hyundai distributor, Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) will have an impressive salvo of vehicles to offer for the local market. These are the Staria, Tucson, Santa Fe, Creta, and Palisade (the Kona has now disappeared from their initial plans).
Before talking about the units, let’s talking about warranties. Apparently, HMPH will be tweaking the warranty coverage of its vehicles when their authorized dealers start releasing cars in July. These include a 5-year / 200,000-kilometer warranty (excluding wear-and-tear items), but will include the paint. In terms of corrosion, they carry the same 5-year warranty, but the mileage is dropped to 100,000 kilometers. Meanwhile, the OE battery comes with a 24-month/40,000-km warranty, while the on-board infotainment system has a 36-month/60,000-kilometer warranty.
Now, let’s talk cars.
With the exception of the Kona (which will now be replaced by the refreshed Palisade), we finally have our first look at the local spec units straight from the dealer conference which concluded just recently.
Let’s start first with what’s gotten dealers all excited: the all-new Staria. Replacing the Starex as Hyundai’s full-sized MPV, the Staria will be made available in three variants apparently: a base 11-seater, and two variants of the Staria Premium: the 7- and 9-seater versions.
The 7-seat Premium model comes equipped with Relaxation Seats in the second row. It reclines electronically, and also has sliding capabilities for easy reach or to maximize cargo space. Meanwhile, the 9-seat Premium model’s individual seats in the second row can swivel 180 degrees to face passengers in the third row, while in the Staria standard model (the 11-seater), all rear seats fold flat making it perfect as a makeshift bed.
Next, we have the all-new Tucson. Set to compete in the ultra-competitive compact SUV segment, the Tucson gets Hyundai’s Parametric design. This is seen in the very angular face and aggressive creases on the sides. The headlights remain hidden in the grille, unless lit; a design element echoed at the back.
The Philippine-spec Tucson will reportedly be the long wheelbase version which means it’ll have an overall length of around 4,670 mm and a wheelbase of 2,755 mm. Weirdly enough, despite the girth, it doesn’t look to sport a 360-degree camera nor front sensors. It also doesn’t appear to have any kind of advanced driver assist as well (no visible front-racing camera or radar). Unconfirmed reports say it will be available in diesel first with the gasoline to follow. The diesel will use the Smartstream D 2.0-liter producing 186 horsepower and 417 Nm of torque. This is mated to an 8-speed automatic.
Since we’re on the subject of the Tucson, its platform parent, the all-new Santa Fe also made an appearance at the dealer conference. Reportedly launching after the Tucson and Staria, it now rides on the newer N3 platform. It also gets the distinctive T-shaped LED lights that merge into the wider “cascading” grille.
Unfortunately, not much is known about the Santa Fe, but it’s clear from the photos that will ride on standard 19-inch wheels (235/55R19), and will have a 360-degree camera installed. It will likely sport the Smartstream D 2.2. If that’s the case, this engine should be enough for 202 horsepower and 441 Nm of torque. Due to weight-saving measures, it’s worth noting that Hyundai opted to shift back to a timing belt as opposed to a timing-chain for this engine.
Finally, let’s hit the biggest surprise: the Creta. Despite earlier leaks, the Philippine-spec Creta will now adopt Hyundai’s newest design language as well. Reportedly sourced from Indonesia, it will sit as the brand’s compact crossover fighter.
Based on the photos circulating around, the Creta will sport a dark chrome grille and a two-tone roof. If this is the same as the one in Indonesia, then we could stand to get the Creta Style variant. This one comes with a 1.5-liter (115 horsepower, 143 Nm of torque) 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT gearbox. Key features include LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, and ambient interior lighting. Reportedly, it will be joined by two other variants, including a base manual.
Along with these all-new models, HMPH will keep the Venue as its entry-level SUV. On the other end of the spectrum, they also plan to launch the refreshed Palisade further down the line.
Now for the most important question: the price. Well, HMPH has kept its cards close to its chest. While reservations are now open for all of these models, they’ll be releasing the full specifications and prices closer to its market launch in a few weeks’ time.
New line up that's about to launch. Ok, so with the new distributor, is there any chance that existing models get updated as well? Say accent?
ReplyDeleteSince the Accent's production line is owned by the previous HARI, maybe writing is not on the wall for that car, for now. But if HMP answered requests for an Elantra N (or any N-Line car) at any moment, then it could be the end for Accent here. (Reina has been axed earlier on, so I won't get shocked if Hyundai decided to stop selling and building the Accent here.)
DeleteIt seems Hyundai is ditching cars in favor crossovers, SUVs and MPVs. I hope the Venue is priced around 800-900 with the Creta between 900 to 1.1M... Kona should be around 1M to 1.3... Tucson from 1.2M to 1.5M... Sta Fe's should only be priced 1.6M to 2M. With the Palisades between 2M to 2.5M. Hyundai should not overprice if they want to win back Pinoys.
ReplyDeleteYou can only choose between competitively-spec'ed or competitively-priced, you can't have both. Hyundai should sell at least 2 trims for each model, a bare bones, cheap base model & a full-spec'ed pricey TOTL model. The previous regime unfortunately decided to sell overpriced, under-spec'ed models.
DeleteThis isn't 2009 so DREAM ON DUDE 🤣
DeleteExpect same HARI-like prices for Tucson and Santa Fe but 100,000 Pesos cheaper
Palisade at 2 Million?Get a life dude!It'll be priced at 3 Million Pesos for sure.
true, Palisade at least will be in range around 3M
DeleteTucson will probably start at 1.6m while Santa Fe will start at 2.5m.
DeleteAny mention of the recalls?
ReplyDeleteDoubt if they'll mention it during a dealer con / ra-ra sales rally. My friend got contacted by Hyundai QA. Asked for info. But so far, that's about it. If there are updates to his case, we'd let you know.
DeleteWag ka na umasa rg, ebenta mo nlang yan sa taga dti lol
DeleteThanks Uly. Fortunately it appears our unit is not covered based on listed VIN. Still scary though for others.
DeleteOh shut up Ford hater. You bought a crappy car. The end. Stop whining.
DeleteAnonymous @ June 21, 2022 at 3:11 PM
DeleteDude what's your problem with RG lol it seems like he struck a lot of nerves on y'all
@Anon 3:11pm - True. Sobrang triggered ng fans ko lol.
DeleteJust ignore them. Their insults are getting old and boring 🥱
I meant @ Anon *2:02AM.
Deleteewwwww. RG has a groupie. get a room you two.
DeleteThe Kona was pretty popular. I still see many on the road. I am surprised it was removed.
ReplyDeleteI think they will price it competetively, yeah HARI no more lol
ReplyDeleteDoon naman sila sa Changan PH mamumutakti haha
DeleteHARI is now focused on Hyundai Trucks and Buses distribution
DeleteAnd Changan.
DeleteUly, it looks like it'll be the Staria (the Starex replacement) that'll get the ADAS first, I think?
ReplyDelete(I'm basing this observation on the plastic contraption below the driver's license plate. This could be the radar housing? I could be proven wrong though.)
Unknown. But yeah...that plastic housing sure does look like a radar of some kind. It also looks to have a monocular camera as well. Might be something for the Staria Premium?
DeleteHyundai Motor Philippines (HMP) must be probably eyeing either the Alphard or the Hi-Ace Super Grandia (the variant with TSS) for the Staria competition. It is also possible that they're just testing the grounds here for future ADAS specifications.
DeleteI also feel like it'll be the Santa Fe (the slightly larger brother of Tucson) that'll be the next to get ADAS—the 360° camera is there, though there's no indication of front (plastic) radar housing, maybe in future variants?
Makes sense. But if I were their product planning, I'd make ADAS standard across the line-up. At least highest variant of Creta upward.
DeleteWas wondering as well, why don't HMP just adapt what Toyota did with their Corolla and RAV4 vehicles? E.g. make versions of such variants as TOTL with ADAS and a hybrid engine? (Santa Fe is a good start on its it might go lower than the PH-spec RAV4's spec. Santa Fe does already have a hybrid variant overseas. Maybe, in the future once the Indonesian plant goes full-swing—HMP please?)
DeleteOther countries had the Kona & Seltos 1.6 CRDi turbodiesel, a slightly higher tuned version of the 1.6L U2 engine on the Accent CRDi, I was waiting for that. Too bad the new distro didn't decide to bring that. That would have ruled the subcompact CUV category.
ReplyDeletewhat? no casper
ReplyDeleteI'm just curious if Hyundai Philippines launched the Custo & Casper
ReplyDeleteLaunched? Nope and nope. Only the vehicles mentioned here are so far confirmed for the local market.
DeleteHyundai is preparing a Casper derivative (I read somewhere that it has an internal code of AX1) for southeast Asian markets
DeleteIs the Venue sourced from Indonesia as well? Planning to buy one but I'm not so sure with regards to reliability if it comes from India.
ReplyDeleteAccording to sources, no changes to the Venue. This means current stocks are from Korea.
DeleteIf the interior of this Creta is similar to the Indonesian-spec model, the quality and feel is below that of even the already nasty-feeling Corolla Cross G. There are a plethora of other options with much better interior quality like the HR-V and the Chinese crossovers. With the Venue already aimed at the 900k mark, the Creta might start at the 1.1m mark, which with its ugly interior, is bound to struggle against its competitors. Engine specs are also surprising, having a weaker 1.5 engine compared to the Venue's 1.6. I'm not sure if the Kona's 2.0 is available in Indonesian markets, because that engine would make more sense here than the 1.5.
ReplyDeleteDid they mention anything about EVs(Electric Vehicles)?
ReplyDelete