Showing posts with label hyundai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hyundai. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Hyundai IONIQ 5 (2025MY minor change)

The Hyundai IONIQ 5, the electric car that forever changed Hyundai, has been given a minor change for the 2025 model year, and this award-winning electric car is now made even better.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

Starting at 52.4 million Korean Won, the facelifted Hyundai IONIQ 5 saw some revisions on the award-winning electric car that forever changed Hyundai, keeping it fresh and competitive as the opportunity arises.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 interior

The IONIQ 5 minor change saw some revisions inside and out. The exterior now sports a V-shaped garnish and revised bumpers, increasing its overall length by 20mm. The rear spoiler's revised as well and a new set of wheels are offered for this minor change. A sporty N Line variant was added to this minor change, mimicking the looks of the high-performance IONIQ 5 N variant and that's it.

The interior is revised with its new center console layout, a new physical button that offers access to frequently used functions, the wireless charging pad repositioned to the upper part, a new steering wheel design, and ccNC implementation with OTA updates, among others. The N Line jams the red ambient lighting, sports seats, metal pedals, red stitching, and the N steering wheel into the mix.

The IONIQ 5's electric powertrain was updated by increasing the size of its Li-ion battery from 77.4kWh to 84kWh, meaning the performance and ecology were updated as well. RWD variants have 229PS of power and up to 485km of driving range while HTRAC AWD variants have 325PS of power and up to 425km of driving range. Apart from the increased battery size, it comes with a new shock absorber, new cowl crossbar, doubled reinforcement at the rear wheels and the lower part of the vehicle, improved body stiffness, and added sound insulation, slightly improving its dynamics for the good of it.

Apart from the reinforced body and eight airbags, the IONIQ 5 minor change features new safety features such as the hands-on detection steering wheel, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2), Forward/Side/Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, intelligent front lighting, Digital Key 2, and Built-In Cam 2.

The award-winning Hyundai IONIQ 5 is now made even better with this facelift and it looks like it's on a roll. Will you?

Available colors: Atlas White, Lucid Blue Pearl, Digital Teal Green Pearl, Cyber Grey Metallic, Ecotronic Grey Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Atlas White Matte, Ecotronic Grey Matte, Gravity Gold Matte, and Ultimate Red Metallic (N Line only).

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Thursday, February 22, 2024

My FH5 Log: The "real" hot hatch Koreans didn't get

The third-generation Hyundai i30 is no doubt the last i30 offered in the South Korean market and production ended in 2020 without a direct successor. Long story short.



However, in a parallel universe, the i30 PD still exists in markets outside South Korea, and much to the dismay of Koreans, here lies a high-performance version of the i30 PD.


It's called the i30 N and I obtained it from Forza Horizon 5's Lunar New Year's Dry Season playlist after hitting the 20-point target. This is the "real" hot hatch Koreans didn't get.


Born in Namyang, Honed at the Nurburgring. This is the concept of the N brand since its 2015 announcement and this is the result; the very first Hyundai N car based on the i30 PD. The i30 N incorporates most of Hyundai's know-how in motorsport to create an everyday sports car suitable for daily commuting in comfort on weekdays or for race track performance on the weekend.  Powering the i30 N is a turbocharged 2.0L engine with up to 275PS of power for the Performance Package, sprinting from 0-100kph in 6.1 seconds while mated to a 6-speed MT.

The i30 N was facelifted in 2020 and it gained a new 8-speed N DCT for the first time. The Performance Package saw an additional 5PS compared to the pre-facelifted model, making its 0-100kph time 0.2 seconds faster than before.


Riding shotgun with the i30 N, I now know what it's like to drive in a high-performance Korean hot hatchback that's not available in South Korea. Sure, it was built by the Czechs but deep down, it has the beating heart of a secret royal inspector from the Joseon Dynasty, always ready for what's next. Gotta love the cackling exhaust sound while changing gears. It has some rally car vibes to it.

Because being a front-wheel-drive hot hatch, it feels moderate to drive. Not too basic but not challenging behind the wheel. It's like putting cheese on a bowl of spicy ramen if you catch my drift.


Such performance demands a plausible question, a "what if" scenario if you may. If the third-generation Hyundai i30 remained in the Korean market and had the N variant in it, what would it be like to drive in the Land of the Oppas? To find out, I played a certain EventLab event modeled after a certain city track from a certain video game. Spoiler Alert: It's Seoul Central from I dunno what game it is.


Okay, next time, let's remember this right away because I've done this twice. Weird about the flicker parts, though.


Had Hyundai sold the i30 N to the Korean market, it would have been the first before the Veloster N but sadly, the i30 is no more. It's too late for that now in the same way Nissan failed to bring a NISMO-fied Sylphy B17 a long time ago. For now, Korean FH5 players are taking a wistful look at the Hyundai i30 N, the "real" hot hatch Koreans didn't get. 

Once sampled, driven in tears. Long story short.

Friday, February 9, 2024

My FH5 Log: I'M ON IT

In the early days of the COVID pandemic, Hyundai showcased the Prophecy concept which previews the company's first fully-electric saloon sized to Sonata proportions. When Hyundai announced the creation of the IONIQ sub-brand of electric vehicles, the Prophecy Concept starred in a music video with BTS performing the IONIQ brand's anthem, IONIQ: I'M ON IT. Two years after the Prophecy Concept showcase, its production equivalent came to life.


Obtained after hitting a total of 80 points throughout Forza Horizon 5's Lunar New Year series update, here comes another Hyundai that will make the ARMY thrilled to bits since the Prophecy Concept popped up in the IONIQ: I'M ON IT music video starring BTS.


This is the IONIQ 6, the first fully-electric executive midsize sedan from Hyundai.


Before getting my ARMY vibes with this car, let's have a quick info with this car now that I got my hands on it.

Launched in 2022, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is the second part of the IONIQ trilogy of electric cars since the IONIQ 5 crossover of 2021. With styling inspired by the Prophecy Concept, the IONIQ 6 is one of the most aerodynamic electric cars ever made thanks to its streamlined silhouette.

Running on the same E-GMP platform as the IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 6 is packed with a 77.4kWh battery capacity. In Long Range variants, it produces a high-performance class 228PS of power, or with 4WD variants, a sports car-like 325PS of power.


Smooth like butter, you say? Because of the aerodynamics being smooth like butter, traveling through the straights is a breeze for the IONIQ 6. However, in terms of dynamics, because the IONIQ 6 featured in-game has 4WD, it feels clinically mild to drive. On the bright side, since this is Horizon, you are free to exploit whatever capabilities this fully-electric Korean executive saloon offers. I'm planning to do some stuff with this K-Pop superstar but in the meantime...


...the IONIQ 6 is transported to an EventLab creation where it will face a couple of ICE-powered competitions in a re-enactment of a certain city course from a certain video game. I don't know what that is but for the IONIQ 6, it just feels like home. Flush in the VTR.


A little rough on the competition but like I said, it just feels like home.


A prophecy turned reality, a BTS favorite turned into a Spiderverse favorite, the IONIQ 6 is proof that Hyundai's EV gamble really paid off and here in Forza Horizon 5, players are starting to behave like the ARMY while sampling this Korean EV saloon. Yes, whenever they got their hands on the IONIQ 6, they reminded them of the Prophecy Concept from the BTS music video of the IONIQ brand anthem.

IONIQ, IONIQ, IONIQ, IONIQ, IONIQ, IONIQ...

My FH5 Log: Detective Kona N

Nobody move! Someone arrived in Forza Horizon 5's 30th series update, the Lunar New Year, to crack the case.


No, you're not expecting some kid in a blue coat, red bowtie, glasses, and tranquilizer watch. What you're looking at is the first and only high-performance crossover from the Hyundai N garage, the Kona N. Does the name ring the bell? Man, I love a good pun.


Deduction time, kids.

The Hyundai Kona N is the first and only high-performance crossover SUV from the N range. Based on the facelifted first-generation Kona, it features unique N aesthetics inside and out while being powered by the same 2.0L 280PS Turbo GDi engine and the 8-speed wet-type N DCT gearbox as the Veloster N. It does 0-100kph in 5.5 seconds with a Launch Control set and a top speed of 240kph. Apart from that, it comes with numerous high-performance functions such as the N Power Shift, N Grin Shift, and the most clever of the three, the N Track Sense Shift which optimizes adaptive shift for racetrack driving.

The addition of the Pirelli P-Zero tires, R-MDPS, ECS, TCS, N Corner Carving Differential, and N Power Sense Axle really made a difference to this front-wheel-drive hot crossover in terms of handling.



Digging deeper through the Kona N's case, my thorough deduction and mystery-solving pointed out the way this crossover performs, and because being front-wheel-drive only, it feels easy to drive only on the tarmac. Still, no regrets. This is the new normal, you know.


Having obtained from the Lunar New Year Wet Season playlist, it's time to give Detective Kona a speedrun to the festival before everyone else does. Glasses off, seatbelts on. Detective Kona's on the case!


Swift justice is served...sort of.


And so, the mystery of the Hyundai Kona N is solved. The first and only hot crossover from the Hyundai N range has proven to be either a head-turner or a head-scratcher. Either way, the detective's work is never done for now but in the meantime, let's enjoy more with our new favorite mystery solver as he's busy solving Lunar New Year's surprises in store.

CASE CLOSED.

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Genesis GV80 (2024MY Minor Change) & GV80 Coupe

The first SUV from Genesis, the GV80, has gained a minor change for the 2024 model year and the latest minor change brings an additional model to the range; the first-ever GV80 Coupe. So, what's it all about the GV80 minor change?


2024 Genesis GV80
2024 Genesis GV80

2024 Genesis GV80
2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe


Starting at 69,300,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the GV80 minor change and the first-ever GV80 Coupe bring the first Genesis SUV to near ascension with its revised looks, interior, and performance you would expect for Korea's answer to the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. There's more to expect from this latest facelift.


2024 Genesis GV80
2024 Genesis GV80

Beginning with the styling, the GV80 looks sleek and sporty with its new front design, new wheel designs, and a refined rear view, keeping it fresh after three years of service. The Coupe version, meanwhile, looks pretty much the same as the normal GV80 but with a sloping roofline mimicking its German opposition. That roofline means less space compared to the normal GV80 by about 91 liters with the second-row seats present but that's more stuff to store compared to the BMW X6 and the Mercedes GLE Coupe.


2024 Genesis GV80
2024 Genesis GV80 interior

2024 Genesis GV80
2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe interior


The interior of the GV80 has been heavily revamped for this minor change, meaning the dashboard has been heavily reorganized to make room for the 27-inch OLED display where the instrumental cluster and the sat-nav join forces rather than working in separate ways. In addition, it even comes with a digital rear-view mirror, a built-in camera that is handy for spotting some sweet potatoes on the road, and an integrated controller which is rather complicated to use compared to touch screens.

The normal GV80 is offered with a choice of being a five-seater, a six-seater, and a seven-seater while the GV80 Coupe is offered only as a five-seater. It even comes with an available rear-seat entertainment system to keep your bosses in the second-row seats occupied while on the move or getting stuck in traffic.

2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe
2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe

The GV80 2024MY minor change features an all-petrol lineup consisting of a Smartstream G2.5T engine sourced from today's Hyundai Santa Fe MX5, producing 304PS of power and 43kgf-m of torque, and the ultra-powerful Smartstream G3.5L V6 turbo engine producing 380PS of power and 54kg-m of torque. Exclusive to the GV80 is the Smartstream G3.5L V6 turbo engine with a 48V electric supercharger producing 415PS of power and 56kgf-m of torque. All are mated to an 8-speed automatic.

Like the pre-facelifted model, the GV80 is rear-wheel drive as standard with an optional all-wheel drive system that works on all road conditions; be it tarmac, gravel, or snow. It even comes with an electronically controlled suspension with road preview, which allows the GV80 to recognize road conditions via the front camera. Although they're bulky to drive, these models behave just like the German opposition, nearly.

The facelifted GV80 is fully prepared with the most advanced safety features offered in its class such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with the additional Evasis Steering Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assistance, Highway Driving Assist 2, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Surround View Monitor, Rear Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The facelifted Genesis GV80 and the first-ever GV80 Coupe promises to become the alpha of the Genesis lineup since its advent three years ago. Although it may be easily overshadowed by the Germans, this updated version promises to propagate itself into presence until it is fully recognized the world over. Be prepared.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N

When Hyundai's high-performance N division said they would brace electrification, they really meant it, shocking the entire world by storm. After years of waiting since the launch of IONIQ 5, the first-ever electrified N car has arrived and it's time to get too jealous about it.

2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N

2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N interior

Welcome to the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, the high-performance version of the award-winning IONIQ 5 electric crossover that signals the start of N's electrified route, like it or not. It costs 76,000,000 Korean Won plus additional costs and from every angle, this commoner's EV gets Physical. Physical: N, of course.

Although it looks vaguely similar to the normal IONIQ 5, this beefed-up version features signature N elements, a sporty exterior design, an N Steering Wheel with N-specific functions, and a specific center console with race-specific features fit for your track day use in Inje, among many others. It's hard to say if the IONIQ 5 N is a classified sleeper car because it looks pretty much like the normal one but...who knows. It's going to be a long day.

Armed with an 84kWh Li-ion battery pack and two electric motors powering the front and rear wheels, making it a punchy 4WD prized fighter, the IONIQ 5 N produces a default 609PS of power and 740Nm of torque, more powerful than the Kia EV6 GT. However, with the N Grin Boost engaged for ten seconds, the power gets bumped to 650PS, and with N Launch Control in play, it's capable of a 0-100kph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260kph, faster than a luxury German saloon. As for the driving range, it's good for 351km on one full charge.

Just like the normal IONIQ 5, it supports V2L capability, meaning you can use some of its juice to charge your phones, your laptop, heck, you can even plug in your TV sets and binge-watch some K-dramas while in the middle of a tailgating party with your pals.

Being a 4WD electric street fighter, the IONIQ 5 N is armed with an e-LSD at the rear axle as well as N Torque Distribution with 11 levels of adjustment and by surprise, an N Drift Optimiser. Although it feels bulky to drive as expected for an electric car, its N characteristics made it damn-straight addictive everywhere. You can really forget about your thoughts while trying to wrestle this car like a Ssireum match.

Although controversial, the IONIQ 5 N features numerous gimmicks such as the N e-shift system where a virtual 8-speed DCT comes out for the play and with the manual mode set, it shifts like you were in a video game, and the ultra-flashy N Active Sound+ where two external speakers and eight internal speakers can imitate engine noises including the jet-inspired Supersonic sound effect.

Like the normal IONIQ 5, the N features a host of safety features such as Remote Smart Parking Assist, Surround View Monitor, and Hyundai SmartSense, among many others.

So, what can I say about the IONIQ 5 N? While the virtual gear shifting and the virtual sound effects are flashy enough to be taunted by speedo boys as a poser machine, not to mention the quirky and bulky handling feel that feels like you're in a Ssireum match, the IONIQ 5 N is one of the many reasons that electric cars are getting manly and dangerous at the same time. Mixing subtlety and obviousness is one thing but with the IONIQ 5 N, we're experiencing burning jealousy right now, wishing we wanted to drive one someday.

The commoner's EV has turned...

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 vs Kia EV9

Box-shaped cars never go out of style even in the age of the new normal and Hyundai has decided to think outside the box with their all-new, fifth-generation Santa Fe which is now, you guessed it, a boxy crossover.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Starting at 35,460,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is no longer the Santa Fe that millennials remembered because it went through a radically different approach but it promises to behave like most crossovers should. So, what's it all about the Santa Fe MX5?

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Ditching the sleek silhouettes of its predecessors, the Santa Fe MX5 features a boxy shape that can be awkwardly mistaken for either a Range Rover or a Ford Flex. Either way, Roblox jokes aside, it's not just limited to its cube looks because the headlamps, the front bumper, and the rear lamps are marked with the letter H because...it's Hyundai's kind of fetish.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe interior

If you had enough of staring at its Roblox-ish looks, take a look at the interior. Thanks to its squarish design, it's roomier compared to its TM predecessor although the dashboard feels like it's straight out of Grandeur because of the Grandeur-sourced steering wheel and the gear lever positioned behind it. It now boasts a long monitor where the first half is for the instrumental panel while the second half is for the touchscreen. Minimalism aside, there are knobs for the radio and the aircon, which are rather useful indeed. In expensive variants, you can wirelessly charge up to two smartphones just in case as well as the digital key feature where you will let your gadgets do the unlocking, the digital rearview mirror, and the rather controversial fingerprint authentication system.

Although it only has room for six to seven passengers, depending on the variant, the Santa Fe MX5 is roomier than its TM predecessor. Boot space is decent for a boxy SUV like this, making it more than enough to flex its daily conveniences as an all-rounder.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Believe it or not, the Santa Fe MX5 runs on the same bits and bobs as the Kia Sorento MQ4, meaning it behaves just like its compatriot. Although a lot different to drive compared to its predecessor, the HTRAC all-wheel-drive system with rough road driving modes made it capable through tarmac, gravel, and snow, good enough for a weekend picnic at Hannibal's. Dynamics aside, the available Alcon monobloc brakes deliver a dramatic braking feel unheard of in a Korean SUV.

Because the Santa Fe MX5 is built for the new normal, there is no diesel powertrain offered. Only a choice of a 1.6L turbo-hybrid powertrain with a total power output of 235PS mated to a 6-speed AT, and a powerful Smartstream G2.5T-GDi mated to an 8-speed AT, producing 281PS of power and a combined 10.1km/L of fuel economy. 

The Santa Fe MX5 marks the first time a Hyundai vehicle has a hybrid variant mated with the all-wheel-drive system. That's something that should have been done a long time ago.

Back to the new normal, the Santa Fe MX5 features an improved Hyundai SmartSense with Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance assist, and Lane Keeping Assist 2. Coupled with the multiple anti-collision automatic braking systems, advanced rear passenger notification, reverse guiding lamp, and 10 airbags, it really is the safest Santa Fe ever made.

The fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe is no longer the Santa Fe that millennials remembered because of its Roblox-ish exterior design that intrigues insiders everywhere but with its spacious interior, turbocharged performance, HTRAC, and tech, it has progressed into utilitarian status. It truly is innovation in motion for the new model.

However, if you're unhappy about the Santa Fe MX5's squarish looks and because this is the new normal, here comes the more expensive alternative that makes the all-new Santa Fe look like Oxford, the Korean Lego of course.


2024 Kia EV9
2024 Kia EV9

This is the first-ever Kia EV9 electric full-size crossover SUV. With prices starting at 77,280,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, it is the most expensive in the Kia SUV lineup, although it's less expensive than the BMW iX3, a meager bargain of the season.

2024 Kia EV9
2024 Kia EV9

With styling that stays true to its concept car roots, the EV9 signals a new design approach for Kia recreational vehicles in the future, meaning the styling will heavily influence the fate of upcoming people movers from the said brand. Apart from its Mohave-sized proportions and the side view reminiscent of the Infiniti QX80, the EV9 has a surprising show-off feature when you switch the front lights on as the hidden parts lurking around the grille-less front view light up like a Rina-chan board. Get it?

2024 Kia EV9
2024 Kia EV9 interior

Although the exterior design has some cyber vibes to it, the interior is all about first-class comfort in every way. On the driver's side, you will be greeted with the steering wheel emblem lighting, a column-type shift lever positioned behind the wheel, a panoramic wide display where the first half is for the instrumental panel while the second half is for the touchscreen, dual color ambient lighting, and the available Meridian Premium Sound System. The GT-Line variant adds digital side mirrors, a digital rearview mirror, and a hidden touch button on the console, among others.

Inside, the full-sized EV9 can accommodate six or seven passengers and has decent boot space not bad for a full-size electric SUV but the six-seater variant has a party piece no luxury people mover has, not even today's Toyota Alphard; swiveling second-row seats. When coupled with the Lounge Package, you get yourself a luxury cruiser fit for taking high-rollers from Seoul to Busan.

2024 Kia EV9
2024 Kia EV9

Speaking of Seoul to Busan, the electric powertrain is capable of up to 501km of range for rear-wheel-drive variants while 4WD variants, especially the GT-Line, are good for around 454km, but driving conditions can vary. Running on a 100kWh Li-ion battery pack and the Electric Global Modular platform, rear-wheel-drive variants produce 150kw of power while 4WD variants produce a powerful 283kw of power. That's 385PS to you and me.

Although the driving feel is nothing compared to the Mohave or today's Santa Fe mentioned above, the EV9, even in 4WD GT-Line guise, feels like driving a Toyota Alphard in different directions and because of its electric drivetrain, it's surprisingly quiet as well. It even packs a wide array of safety features such as high beam assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, among others.

Which would you go for? The Roblox-esque Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 or the heavyweight ultra-luxurious Kia EV9 with a front view that makes the Rina-chan board look like...Tobot Big Boss? It's an interesting question because even though they behave differently, they look futuristic in every way but in every way, it's hard to pick the definitive winner in this round of Unanswered Questions. Only time will tell.

Photo: Hyundai/Kia

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Hyundai Sonata DN8 The Edge

Launched in 2019, the eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata was meant to be the evolution of what's known to be Korea's people's car of the generation but due to today's motoring climate, it seems that more and more Koreans are starting to wane off from it and it faces the risk of its demise. 

Not giving up, Hyundai unleashed the facelifted DN8 Sonata with prices starting at 280,800,000 Korean Won plus additional costs. The question is, is the big minor change made the Sonata the best-looking Korean midsize sedan yet?

2024 Hyundai Sonata
2024 Hyundai Sonata

Beginning with the design, the big minor change retains the side view of the pre-facelifted DN8 Sonata but what happens at the front and back is a completely different story. The front features a Staria-styled nose while the back mimics its little brother, the Avante CN7. With such radical restyling, it looks like the once-boring executive midsize sedan for the commoners became a much fiercer, likable one. Touche.

2024 Hyundai Sonata
2024 Hyundai Sonata

The interior has been heavily revised for this big minor change with the dashboard bearing a Hyundai-first panoramic curved display akin to today's Opel/Vauxhall models that were driving under the influence of Peugeot, if you catch my drift. With an extra-long monitor featuring a 12.3-inch instrumental and a 12.3-inch sat-nav touch screen positioned at the driver's side, it features a new steering wheel with a gear lever positioned behind it just like its big brother, the Grandeur GN7, repositioned switches for the climate control, and the similar creature comforts carried over from its pre-facelifted model, this is luxury reasserted for the heavily revised model.

2024 Hyundai Sonata
2024 Hyundai Sonata

The choice of engines remains the same for this updated model ranging from the 180PS 1.6L Turbo, 2.0L petrol, 2.0L LPG, and 2.0L Hybrid, and for the N-Line model, a 290PS 2.5L Turbo petrol engine mated to an 8-speed DCT. 

Like the old one, the new Sonata can be either comfortable or sporty at the push of a button but drivers can use the CUSTOM feature to choose just how sporty or comfortable their car is to their liking, resulting in a more personalized driving pleasure. In the case of the N-Line model, the N-tuned parts add some spice to its dynamics if you're into that.

Apart from the driving pleasure for all, the new Sonata comes ready with the Hyundai SmartSense suite of safety features that will keep itself safe on the journey home unless you know what.

With the biggest update for the current-generation model, will this be Hyundai's last-ditch attempt to make the Sonata great again? You judge.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Hyundai Kona SX2

Hyundai's kicking off the new year with the arrival of the second-generation Kona crossover, packed with new and improved features fit to become your first ride for the first day of your driving life, whatever the reason.

2024 Hyundai Kona
2024 Hyundai Kona

Priced at 24,680,000 Korean Won (around $25,000) plus additional costs, the all-new, second-generation Kona is the evolution of Hyundai's first-ever compact SUV sold in the Korean market and although no longer as compact as it looks because its youngest brother, the Casper, takes the spot, it's still worth enough to humiliate crossovers like the Nissan Kicks and the Toyota Yaris Cross in a heartbeat.

2024 Hyundai Kona
2024 Hyundai Kona

2024 Hyundai Kona
2024 Hyundai Kona

Beginning with the design, the new Kona adopts the Staria's front face, which is rather unorthodox because with Hyundai took a liking to the Staria's front face, they've decided to plaster it on newer and future models like this and last year's Grandeur GN7. Apart from the face, the sleek side view and the rear lamps inspired by the IONIQ 6 really made a clear statement about the all-new Kona, and when kitted with the N Line variant, it's the first impression in a nut shack.

2024 Hyundai Kona
2024 Hyundai Kona interior

Inside, the new model matches the theme of today's Hyundai interiors while jam-packed with heaps of gadgets to play with. On the driver's side, you will be greeted by the massive split horizontal monitor where the 12.3-inch instrumental cluster and the 12.3-inch touchscreen mean business for the all-new Kona. The gear lever is positioned near the steering wheel rather than below, just like the new Grandeur, it's got dual full-auto aircon, ambient lighting, and other stuff you can find on the new model. In terms of spacing, the all-new Kona is slightly more spacious compared to the previous model thanks to the added wheelbase provided by its new platform. It's packed with smart features such as the Digital Key 2 Touch and the Smart Power Tailgate for added convenience.

2024 Hyundai Kona
2024 Hyundai Kona

Petrol and hybrid are the only powertrain choices offered in the all-new Kona at launch. On the petrol side, it's offered with a choice of a Smartstream G 2.0L and the powerful Smartstream G 1.6T engine. The one with the Smartstream G 1.6T engine produces 198PS of power and 27kgf-m of torque. They're all mated to an 8-speed AT and can be fitted with an HTRAC All-Wheel-Drive system for better driving on and off the road. Handy if you're itching to have a picnic at Hannibal's.

The FF-only Kona Hybrid's Smartstream G 1.6 petrol engine is bolted into a 32kW electric motor and Li-ion battery as well as a regenerative braking system, producing 141PS of power output. The only gearbox offered in the hybrid is a 6-speed DCT. Despite being FF-only, the Kona Hybrid comes with e-Motion Drive and rear multilink suspension for a dramatic driving feel that can upset the Nissan Kicks full stop.

Coupled with the Hyundai Smart Sense and parking assist features, the all-new Kona is by no means the safest compact crossover in its class, which is rather surprising and annoying at the same time for the yuppies behind the wheel.

The second-generation Hyundai Kona truly is all-new from top to toe and it really is a class apart compared to the likes of the Nissan Kicks and the Toyota Yaris Cross. Like it or not, this is the Kona that everybody deserves, and looks like Hyundai is doubling down on the all-new Kona. That's the new normal for you.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Monday, November 14, 2022

Hyundai Grandeur/Azera GN7

Once the icon of the late 80s, the Hyundai Grandeur is now on its seventh generation and this all-new model is all about honoring the past while embracing the future in the age of a new normal where sedans are becoming endangered species thanks to the rise of the crossovers.

2023 Hyundai Grandeur
2023 Hyundai Grandeur

2023 Hyundai Grandeur
2023 Hyundai Grandeur

Priced at 37,160,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the all-new, seventh-generation, Hyundai Grandeur is all about the past, present, and future colliding together in this bold new take of Hyundai's flagship saloon that became the status symbol for every Korean businessman when the first model was launched in 1986.

Beginning with the design, the front view of the all-new Grandeur features a Staria-styled nose because the people who designed it were enamored by the Staria's futuristic looks so they decided to copy it on the new Grandeur. Apart from the Staria-styled nose, the rear view draws inspiration from the IONIQ 6 while the side view is heavily inspired by the first-generation Grandeur. They're right about celebrating the Grandeur lineage with this design, though.

2023 Hyundai Grandeur
2023 Hyundai Grandeur interior

On the inside, the all-new Grandeur is all about futuristic in every detail as the dashboard features two touch screens; above for the connected car Navigation Cockpit (making its debut on this car) and below for climate control, which adds complexity for those who got their hands cleaned with their hand sanitizer. There are two knobs that can adjust the volume or change radio stations, a set of buttons for easy use, HUD, and a steering wheel reminiscent of the one from the first-generation Grandeur. What's complexing is that the gear lever is now positioned below the steering wheel, an ode to the first-generation Grandeur as well.

While the driver's side is all business, the passenger space is the real standout for the all-new Grandeur because of its slightly longer wheelbase compared to the previous IG model, meaning it's got more space for the VIPs to relax in their sweet spot. As for boot space, it's not so bad for carrying even the most sensitive stuff bosses can only understand.

2023 Hyundai Grandeur
2023 Hyundai Grandeur

Because it now runs on the same bits and bobs from the Kia K8, the all-new Grandeur is subtler and more enjoyable to drive than the previous model, making it the most sophisticated Grandeur to drive. Coupled with the electronically controlled suspension with road preview and HTRAC all-wheel-drive, the Grandeur delivers the impression of driving an outrageously-priced European import, which is rather surprising for a Korean-made luxury sedan. Although not in a Mercedes level of luxuriousness, it's a bit Audi-ish to drive, to be honest.

Like the Kia K8, the Grandeur GN7 features four powertrains such as the Smartstream 2.5L petrol engine producing 198PS of power, the Smartstream LPG 3.5L engine produces 240PS of power, and 7.8km/L of combined fuel economy, the hybrid variant with the Smartstream 1.6L turbo hybrid engine on it produces 180PS of power and 18km/L of combined fuel economy, and the flagship Smartstream G 3.5L petrol engine producing 300PS of power and 10.4km/L of combined fuel economy. All variants are mated to an 8-speed AT while the hybrid variant is mated to a six-speed AT.

In the interest of safety, the Grandeur GN7 features the latest version of Hyundai Smart Sense, which features numerous active safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blindspot View Monitor, Safe Exit Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and many more.

The Hyundai Grandeur GN7 is all about honoring the past while embracing the future in the age of a new normal. Having been around for 36 years, this latest generation is proof that the Grandeur is here to stay, whatever it takes, and looks like the Koreans are not kidding with it. The sedan that redefined South Korea is now reborn.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Hyundai IONIQ 6

Following the success of the IONIQ 5, the second chapter of the IONIQ trilogy of electric cars has arrived, and looks like the "prophecy" was fulfilled, pun intended. Inspired by the Prophecy Concept, the first-ever IONIQ 6 has arrived to follow the same success story as the IONIQ 5, only in a saloon setting never done by the Koreans.

2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6
2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6

Priced at 52,000,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the IONIQ 6 can be downright outrageous to call the poor man's Tesla Model 3 because, with such pricing, it's cheaper to own than the said rival. Although it doesn't have the credentials of its American EV rival, the IONIQ 6 is made for one thing only; to get the job done without the drama.

2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6
2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6

Like the IONIQ 5 was inspired by the 45 Concept, the IONIQ 6's styling draws inspiration from the Prophecy Concept, the ideal recipe for a rap song with the words "prophecy" at one end and "six" at the other end. Rhymes aside, the Prophecy-inspired styling is the charming point of the IONIQ 6. While the front view is about as clean as a Mitsubishi GTO, the 911-esque rear view with the Lincoln Mark VIII-esque rear lamps is dramatic indeed, not to mention the rear spoiler that is downright out-of-context for an electric car like this. Above all, the streamlined styling made the IONIQ 6 one of the most aerodynamic electric cars ever made, as smooth as the BTS song Butter. Get it?

2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6
2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 interior

Smooth like butter the exterior design is, the interior of the IONIQ 6 is part minimalist, and part user-friendly at the same time. Aside from toying around with the super-long monitor plastered to the driver's side of the dashboard, the digital side mirror, voice recognition, and the Dual Full Auto Air Conditioner, not to mention the show-off ambient lighting that feels like you're in the nightclub, the IONIQ 6 features a bridge-type center console that allows you to use multiple devices inside the car, turning it into an office desk on wheels. Word of warning though because most of the charging ports allow USB-C connectivity, feels like none of your existing chargers rather than USB-C types will work. Speaking of spacing, it's about as roomy as a Hyundai Sonata and the boot space isn't bad for a rear-wheel-drive electric saloon with coupe-like styling.

Like the IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 6's interior materials have been derived from renewable materials such as the Eco Process Genuine Leather made from vegetable oil extracted from flax seeds, BIO Paint Door Trim from flowers and corn, BIO TPO crashpad and PET yarn headlining made from yarns extracted sugar cane, and carpets made out of old fishing nets. Such resources made the IONIQ 6 come in peace with nature.

2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6
2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6

Time to uncover the IONIQ 6's electric propulsion system. Running on the same E-GMP platform as the IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 6 is packed with a 77.4kWh battery capacity. In Long Range variants, it produces a high-performance class 228PS of power, or with 4WD variants, a sports car-like 325PS of power. Questioning about the range, the rear-wheel-drive Long Range variant is good for a combined 524km, which beats the old lean-burn engine-powered Hyundais of the late 90s by a long shot. 4WD Long Range variants are good for a combined 484km of driving range, which is still better than lean-burn engine-powered Hyundais that can get you from Seoul to Busan. While charging at a public charging station, it will take about 18 minutes to charge the batteries from 10% to 80%.

With electric cars becoming alternative power sources, the IONIQ 6 is no exception and with its V2L capability, it's a whole new experience for people to find some cool and show-offy life hacks with this vehicle. Sometimes show-off, sometimes life-saving. This is V2L in action and the IONIQ 6 is as useful as any other electric car in the world.

Because safety is the top priority for electric cars, the IONIQ 6 features Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of active safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, rear-side collision avoidance assist, lane departure prevention assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, high beam assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assistant 2.

Despite not being as cool as a Tesla Model 3, the first-ever IONIQ 6 from Hyundai shows that electrification is addictive and worth toying about because of the wondrous features it possesses. For a Korean-made electric saloon, this is pretty impressive and it could be the Sonata of the new age, which is outlandish to say it. It's the new normal, after all.

Available Colors: Gravity Gold Matte, Digital Green Matte, Serenity White Pearl, Nocturne Gray Metallic, Ultimate Red Metallic, Digital Green Pearl, Transmission Blue Pearl, Bio Philic Blue Pearl, and Abyss Black Pearl.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company