Tuesday, 03 April 2012 14:36
The future is now: Hyundai's 2012 Veloster takes center stage at MIAS
Words by Niky Tamayo | Photos by Christopher Kho
Never mind that Hyundai didn’t have any concepts at the 8th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), because the Veloster is a concept car gone wild. Despite the humble specifications, the Veloster is a delight to the senses. Pent-up demand for this stylish ride is so great that gray-market units have been selling like crazy. But Hyundai’s launch at MIAS now makes this three-dour coupe available to a wider audience... maybe. The official line from Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) is that “the Veloster is a preview for Hyundai’s gasoline direct injection technology.” Prices have yet to be finalized, but expect it to cost more than the Elantra and hopefully, less than the Genesis Coupe.
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Newly Launched
Wednesday, 21 March 2012 06:44
10 cars making their debut at the 8th Manila International Auto Show
Words by Christopher Kho
The 8th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is all set to go this March 29, 2012 at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay City. With 26,000 sq. meters of exhibit space, it promises to be the Philippines' biggest motoring event of the year yet again. And in line with year's theme “Life in the Fast Lane,” we're giving you a quick preview of the 10 new cars scheduled to make their official Philippine debut at the show.
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Newly Launched
Monday, 16 January 2012 09:27
Hyundai rouses a rabid riot with the 2013 Veloster Turbo
Words by Niky Tamayo | Photos courtesy of Hyundai Motor America
Though Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) has yet to launch the Veloster locally, this three-door coupe has already been making waves in other parts of the globe for its bold looks and affordable price. While the striking styling has always been a draw, the puny 1.6-liter engine hasn't entirely lived up to the connotations of its rapid name...until now.
At the recently-concluded 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai has finally answered our prayers when they showed off the new 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo. Visually, the new pumped-up Veloster looks much more aggressive, with 18-inch alloys, a larger grill to feed it with more air, twin tailpipes, and LED tail-lamps. But aside from quicker steering response, a turbocharged engine, and bespoke transmission, other engine and mechanical changes are minimal.
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Newly Launched
Friday, 30 December 2011 08:01
*UPDATE* Hyundai confirms 3 new models coming to the Philippines in 2012
Words by Christopher Kho
*UPDATE*
HARI has just advised us that while the all-new Santa Fe's sure to arrive next year, the Eon and Velsoter is still under review with a final statement due first quarter of 2012.
Just before the New Year sets in, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai in the Philippines, has got some big news brewing up for 2012. Expanding its current vehicle line-up, they're bringing in three new models next year - the Eon, the long-awaited Veloster, and the all-new Santa Fe. On top of that, expect prices on new Hyundai's to drop after the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) comes into play, which should reduce import tariff rates to 20%.
Winds of Change
The Eon is Hyundai's entry-level micro car positioned just below the i10. It's powered by an 814cc gasoline engine that allows it to achieve a remarkable 21.1 km/L fuel economy. This little five-door hatchback and claims to have greater interior room than a Suzuki Alto, hold more luggage space than a Chevrolet Spark, and come equipped with front power windows, a driver's side airbag, and a savvy two-tone interior. Infused with Hyundai's signature fluidic design philosophy, the Eon is sure to turn heads on the streets.
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Industry Update
Wednesday, 17 August 2011 09:06
Hyundai remains optimistic despite supply shortage
Hyundai has got to be one of, if not the, fastest growing automotive brand in the Philippines. Their dominance was further reinforced when Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of the marque in the country, was presented as the Global Distributor of 2011 by the Hyundai Motor Corporation (HMC). Yet despite all the accolades and sales figures, HARI is actually stuck in a bit of a predicament. You see, Hyundai is thriving so much on a global scale that they're selling cars faster than they could roll them off the production line. This means despite rising customer demands, HARI can only sell as many cars as its mother company throws at it - translating to a flat sales growth in the first seven months of this year. Models affected by the supply shortage due to global interest are the i10, Accent, Tucson, Santa Fe, and Grand Starex.
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Industry Update
Sunday, 20 February 2011 17:29
Hyundai's Veloster goes VROOM!
Words by Kevin Siy | Photos courtesy of the Hyundai Motor Company
The advent of Hyundai's 2012 Veloster coupe defines a new level of excitement. In contrast to other rival subcompact vehicles, its unorthodox three-door layout and bold accented curvatures, plus the 140 horsepower 1.6 liter engine, is totally game-changing. And the tantalizing prospect does not end here. Hyundai recently entered the sport of rallycross under the aegis of Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) and Red Bull; only evoking more intensity to the already growing heap of anticipation.
“The Veloster Concept inspired me to expand Hyundai’s motorsports program back into their routes of rally,” said Millen, professional race driver and founder of RMR. “We’ve transformed the Veloster’s lightweight, rigid architecture into a rally car with an engine producing 500-horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque. We hope some of the performance learning’s from the Veloster rallycross program have a role in the development of future Veloster models.”
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Rally
