Smart cars are ruling the sales charts. Often passed over in favor of larger automobiles, small cars are now in the spotlight because they’re getting sleeker and smarter, fitting the lifestyle of the typical urbanite.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) is now the Philippines third largest selling automotive brand. And it seems there's no stopping this Korean freight train has they have launched two new models at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS): the Eon sub-compact hatchback and the Veloster hatchback.

Manufactured in India, the new Eon slots below the i10 has HARI's most affordable car. The retail price of the Eon is a mere P 438,000 and P 498,000 for the range-topping model. Powered by a 0.8-liter (yes, as in 800 cc), the Eon has a peak power of 55 horsepower and 75 Nm of torque. More importantly, it promises over 25 km/L in fuel efficiency. Despite being a basic sub-compact, the Eon comes with front power windows, keyless entry, a driver's airbag and an audio system with USB input.

Meanwhile, the Veloster has also been previous at MIAS. Pricing and specifications still haven't been finalized as the Veloster is officially on "preview" mode. However, it's clear from the exterior that the Philippines will be getting the Veloster 1.6 GDi (as opposed to the new turbo-charged model). The Veloster 1.6 GDi will push out 138 horsepower and 167 Nm of torque. This stylish and unique three-door hatchback will slot below Hyundai's sporty and sleek Genesis Coupe in terms of price.

Things are apparently heating up for the Manila International Auto Show. The biggest annual motoring event, which opens its doors on Thursday, March 29 is already playing host to the Philippine launch of the Subaru XV compact crossover.

Now, it's just been confirmed that Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai cars and commercial vehicles in the Philippines is set to launch the Veloster and Eon at MIAS. The Veloster, which is already grabbing headlines in the North American market for its head-turning looks as well as fun but fuel-efficient drivetrain will be the star of HARI's more than 1,000 square-meter display at the World Trade Center. Meanwhile, the Eon, which is a sub-compact city car designed for the Indian market, will also make its debut at MIAS. The Eon, which is in the same category as the Suzuki Alto should become a game-changer for HARI.

We'll be live from the MIAS floor on March 29, so follow us then!

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

Typically, it's hard to coax car makers to reveal their 2012 plans so early in the year. It comes as a big surprise that Kotse.com was able to reveal that HARI (Hyundai Automotive Resources, Inc.) will be unveiling the all-new Santa Fe and possibly two other vehicles this year.

Though details about the all-new Santa Fe are still not readily available at this time, different spy shots reveal that it will gain a similar facia found on the Sonata and Equus sedans. Speculations also point to revised engine choices including the possibility of a turbocharged mill as the range-topping variant.

In the same report, Kotse.com did mention that the new micro car, Eon and Veloster are set to be launched but according to HARI executives, these two vehicles are still "being considered" at this point. But as Kotse.com points out, with the reduction of tariffs between Korea and the ASEAN countries, there's a big, and we mean, big possibility of seeing a more robust (and affordable) line-up from Hyundai.

Source: Kotse.com