New entry-level and flagship models redefine Hyundai

If there has been any lingering doubt as to Hyundai’s commitment to the Philippine automobile market, they should have been totally decimated with the recent entry of two new players as well as the introduction of state-of-the-art common-rail diesel engines in most its models.

In one fell swoop, Hyundai should now be considered as having one of the most complete line-ups of car models ranging from the fuel-sipping Getz (which is now available with the aforementioned and even more economical diesel engine), the best-selling Starex (ditto), the CR-V/RAV4/Escape/X-Trail/Tribute-class Tucson (which offers the only diesel engine option in its class), the good-looking mid-sized Sonata sedan, the versatile Matrix MPV (yet another diesel alternative) and the head-turning Hyundai Coupe.

Now while those models need no introduction, the two all-new Hyundais do deserve a closer look.

Hyundai Azera

Following the footsteps of the mid-sized Sonata sedan that debuted last year is the even bigger Azera. The new Azera, unveiled at the Drive Your Way with Hyundai Motorshow in Glorietta a couple of weeks back, is Hyundai’s entry to the premium luxury sedan segment. It comes with a price tag of P1,907,000.

The Azera is styled with classic European influence and boasts advanced features like automatic High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers that automatically activate and adjust their speed depending on rainfall intensity — features more commonly seen in cars with names like Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. The Azera also comes with heat-reflective glass that reduces the amount of radiant heat transmitted to the interior.

The Azera has a roomy interior with all the amenities expected of a luxury sedan: adjustable pedals, a premium 10-speaker audio system from Infinity, an Intelligent Memory System (IMS) for the driver’s seat, side mirrors and the power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, and the Dual-Zone Automatic air conditioning coupled with an Air Quality System.

The Azera is powered by a large 3.3-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine developing 235 ps at 6,000 rpm and is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. It comes with more standard safety features than any vehicle in its class, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), ABS, active front head restraints and no less than eight airbags to transform the interior into a super-safe cocoon in the event of an accident.

If there’s a Hyundai that can totally overwrite all the earlier (read: not so flattering) impressions of Korean-built cars, the Azera is the one.

Hyundai Accent

It all began with the Pony in 1975. That first-generation entry-level sedan made Hyundai the leading car maker in Korea. Seven years later, the Pony underwent a successful facelift that set off the new model launch of Pony Excel later in 1985. More progress continued with the 1989 refreshed new model followed shortly by the introduction of the first Accent in 1994. After five years, Hyundai gave the Accent a new birth, making it a premium small car equipped with class-leading safety features and performance.

Now, Hyundai welcomes the New Accent, the sixth generation of Hyundai’s entry-level sedan. The New Accent transcends each preceding model by meeting the higher expectations of its customers across all markets. It offers lower NVH (noise/vibration/harshness), higher fuel efficiency, improved ride and road-holding, higher overall performance, superior ergonomics, and comfort features and wraps all these in a distinctive new look.

The New Accent has a clean, sleek, and modern styling. The rounded and well proportioned lines, moderately flared wheel arches, strong shoulder lines, widely spaced character lines, and flowing windscreen treatment give the impression of sportiness, dynamism, and strength. Solid appeal also comes from its smooth side profile, well proportioned doors, a distinctive waist line molding, and sophisticated aerodynamics.

Comforting, practical, and stylish interiors await the New Accent driver. New shades and textures add a fresh ambience. The cabin features wrap-around styling, finely tempered metal garnish, versatile crash pad, and a unique center fascia. Door-mounted map pockets, a deep glove box and front seat back pockets are all easily accessible.

The new 1.5 VGT diesel engine is truly state-of-the-art having been designed and developed with input from the Hyundai R&D facility in Rüsselheim, Germany. The motor is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Passive and active safety features abound with reinforced bulkheads, pillars and side impact structures, front three-point seatbelts with dual pretensioners and load-limiters.

The new Hyundai Accent starts at P748,000 and comes in Ebony Black, Space Silver, Midnight Gray, Wine Red, Gold Beige, and Blue Onyx.