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."
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.
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.
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.
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.