HYUN-BRIDS
Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. (HMPH) is intensifying its push towards electrification with the introduction of two hybrid-electric crossovers.
The Korean carmaker officially launched the all-new Tucson Hybrid and the all-new Santa Fe Hybrid on Thursday at the “Hyundai Mobility Experience” showcase at the Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City.
Both these electrified models serve as the top variants in the Tucson and Santa Fe lineup. These are also the latest hybrids from Hyundai Motors since the Ioniq Hybrid was introduced locally in 2018.
“Through the introduction of these two cars, Hyundai further diversifies its lineup – we now have a fleet of SUVs, MPVs, EVs, high performance cars, and, finally, Hyundai Hybrid,” said HMPH managing director Cecil Capacete in a press statement.
“Whichever stage of life you’re in, there is a Hyundai vehicle that suits your needs, solidifying our purpose to provide a Hyundai for every Filipino,” he added.
Most powerful Tucson ever
The Tucson Hybrid five-seater crossover gets an updated appearance from the non-hybrid model launched last August 2022, courtesy of a revamped radiator grill and bumpers, as well as new 19-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the new Tucson Hybrid features a 12.3-inch panoramic, curved infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Things like the Floating Type Console Box and Seat Remote Folding System provide a cleaner and roomier cabin.
It also comes with e-Dynamic Driving and Smart Regenerative Braking for optimal fuel-efficiency. Aside from the traditional driving modes like Eco, Smart and Sport, the Tucson Hybrid has a “Baby” mode that ensures acceleration is more comfortable for young passengers.
And there is plenty of acceleration, thanks to the turbocharged 1.6-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. This pumps out 232 horsepower and 367 Newton-meters of torque, making this the most powerful Tucson ever sold in the Philippines.
All this grunt is coursed through a 6-speed automatic gearbox that uses a Steering Column-Mounted Shift-by-Wire Lever for a completely open center footwell.
The Tucson Hybrid is likewise equipped with the Hyundai SmartSense active-safety suite that helps make drives safer and more convenient with features like Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping & Following Assist, Side Parking Distance Warning, Smart Cruise Control and a Surround View Monitor.
The new Tucson Hybrid will retail in select Hyundai dealerships for P2,290,000 and comes in seven colors: Pine Green, Phantom Black Pearl, White Cream, Shimmering Silver, Amazon Gray, Deep Sea and Cashmere Bronze.
6 seats, standout styling
Meanwhile, the Santa Fe Hybrid uses exactly the same 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid drivetrain, but in a larger and even more striking body that seats six.
The big Hyundai is only available in the top Calligraphy trim, which means first-row relaxation comfort seats and second-row captain seats with remote folding function, the latter being accessible through the 12.3-inch panoramic, curved infotainment display.
The massive screen also shows hybrid system-related information like the battery level, fuel economy and electric-motor usage. Furthermore, dual wireless smartphone charging ports with built-in cooling fans, a UV-C sterilization tray and a bi-directional storage console are handy features for all passengers.
Hyundai SmartSense is likewise standard in the Santa Fe Hybrid and includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, All-around Parking Distance Warnings, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and a Surround View Monitor.
The all-new Santa Fe Hybrid is available in select Hyundai dealerships for P3,330,000. It comes in six colors: Abyss Black, Creamy White, Magnetic Gray, Earthy Brass, Terracotta Orange and Ocado Green.
Both the Tucson Hybrid and Santa Fe Hybrid come with a 5-year/200,000-km warranty (whichever comes first) and a High Voltage Battery warranty for 8 years/160,000 km (whichever comes first). Reservations can be made at the following Hyundai dealerships: Alabang, Bacolod, Cebu South, Commonwealth, E. Rodriguez, Makati, Pampanga and Pasig.
HMPH said the two electrified crossovers will be on display at the “Hyundai Mobility Experience” until July 21, 2024. Visitors who drop by can enjoy free coffee from Nomad Café and take unique snapshots with family and friends at the Hyundai photobooth.
Additionally, customers who make onsite reservations of any variant of the Hyundai Creta or Stargazer can enjoy an event exclusive discount worth P10,000.
Will the “Hyun-brids” succeed in making more join the electrified bandwagon?
