Hyundai launches 2005 models

Hyundai launched its four latest models for the Philippine market yesterday at the NBC Tent inside The Fort. Introduced during the event were the NF Sonata luxury sedan, the Tucson compact SUV, the compact Getz and the common-rail diesel-powered Matrix.

According to Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) managing director Fe Agudo, "With the launch of these exciting new models, we hope to offer a wider range of choices to value-conscious customers and build on the market success of our bestselling Starex van."

Sonata

The NF Sonata is a midsized sedan with an all-aluminum 3.3-liter V6 engine with variable valve and intake timing developing 235ps at 6000rpm and 31kg-m of torque at 3500rpm. The V6 is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with Hyundai’s H-matic manual-mode system. Styling does away with the Jaguaresque curves of the previous model but is nonetheless distinctive in a European way.

Suspension duties are handled by fully independent suspensions with double wishbones in front and a multi-link setup at the rear. Rack-and-pinion steering with engine rpm-sensing power assist, as well as four-wheel disc brakes that combine Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and ABS ensure strong and controlled cornering and stopping power. In addition, an electronic stability program (ESP) automatically controls the brakes and engine power if the car begins to lose control.

The Sonata has passed the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) with five stars for both frontal and side-impact collisions. No less than six (two each for front, door and head) airbags protect the occupants.

The Sonata boasts an all-leather interior, a power sunroof, a 6-speaker audio system, power-adjustable driver’s seat, power-adjustable pedals, remote power door locks with panic function, among many others.

Tucson

Powered by a 2.0-liter CRDi (common-rail direct injection) diesel engine which develops 112ps at 4000 rpm and maximum torque of 25kg-m at 1,800 rpm, the Tucson compact SUV features an electronic full-time 4WD system with Hyundai’s H-Matic automatic transmission.

Its suspension consists of independent McPherson struts with coil springs in front and independent struts with multi-links and coil springs in the rear. Standard fitments are a driver-side airbag, ABS with four-wheel disc brakes, and Hyundai’s TCS or traction control system.

Inside the Tucson’s surprisingly spacious and versatile interior are all-power features and a 6-speaker audio system. Exterior styling and functionality are enhanced by grey side moldings, a roof rail, mudguards, fog lamps, and rear wiper/washer. The Tucson was recently given the "Best New Crossover" title in the 2005 Canadian Car of the Year awards.

Getz

Hyundai’s Getz is available in two variants: a 1.1-liter with M/T and a 1.3-liter with A/T. The 1.1-liter engine produces 62ps at 5500 rpm and torque of 9.7kg-m at 3200 rpm. The 1.3, on the other hand, develops 84ps at 5500 rpm and 9.7 kg-m of torque at 3200 rpm.

A smart, stylish mini that should give the Kia Picanto a run for its money, the 5-door 5-passenger Getz is a result of Hyundai’s "System Design" philosophy, giving it a clean contemporary shape, a remarkably versatile multi-configuration interior and advanced safety features.

No wonder then that the Getz has sold more than 100,000 units in less than 14 months in Europe, making it a bestseller in that discriminating market. It was the official car of the 2004 Athens Olympics and has won several prestigious awards, including Car of the Year titles in India, Portugal, Denmark, UK, and Australia.

There are also door map pockets, a deep glove box, a floor console with cup holders, assorted storage trays, plus a handy rear seat hook to hold shopping bags. Another plus is that the entire cabin is insulated with sound-absorbing acoustical padding to ensure a smooth and quiet drive.

The Getz has also earned a 4-star rating or higher in in-house testing identical to EURO NCAP front impact tests.

Matrix CRDi

A CRDi (common-rail direct-injection) turbodiesel variant of the Hyundai Matrix compact MPV is now also available. The Matrix CRDi features a 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine which delivers 83ps at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 18.8kgm at 2,000 rpm.

Fuel economy tests conducted by HARI technicians and verified by motoring journalists from the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) have produced consistently excellent results for the Matrix CRDi. For instance, on a long drive of 88 kilometers where driving conditions were controlled (minimal traffic, speed at 0-80kph, rpm at 2,000 rpm), a CAGI representative was able to get 25.1 kilometers to a liter. Another CAGI tester achieved 24.33 km/li. while Hyundai tests produced 21.69km/li.

Driving through about 60+ kilometers of heavy traffic in the city, HARI and CAGI tests resulted in an average fuel consumption of 13.34 km/li. Meanwhile, combined city, highway and uphill driving through 180 kilometers produced a 15.22-km/li. average.

Unlike current diesel engines which rely on an indirect low-pressure injection of the fuel, the common rail (CRDi) engine injects diesel fuel at high-pressure directly to the cylinders, thereby increasing fuel efficiency. The fuel delivery and ignition are monitored by an onboard ECU, which precisely controls timing, amount, and pressure before injecting fuel into the cylinder. Moreover, the Matrix CRDi’s advanced variable geometry turbo (VGT) ensures good engine response, fuel economy, and increased useful engine operating speed range.

Check out the new Hyundais at their dealers in Alabang, Commonwealth, E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., EDSA, Makati, Ortigas, Quezon Ave., and soon in Balintawak. Provincial dealers are in Bacolod, Cabanatuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dagupan, Iloilo, La Union, Laguna, Pampanga, Southern Mindanao, and soon, Cavite.