Hyundai unveils two new hybrid models
The Hyundai brand is finally back on its feet and pushing for significant market share. The brand’s traditional internal combustion engined models are impressive covering almost every vehicle segment. The Filipino buyers are finding confidence to give the brand, once known as a bargain alternative, a second look as the sexy, spicy and exciting option.
With a strong traditional internal combustion engine and battery electric vehicle lineup, Hyundai is seeking to capture the middle ground, as well, a half step into an electrified future for mobility.
Enter, the new hybrid Hyundai models for the Philippines.
Introducing the Hybrid Santa Fe 7-seat crossover SUV and the Tucson 5-seat crossover SUV. Both models are very much in high demand, in highly competitive segments of the local automotive industry.
The latest Tucson hybrid variant also receives a mild visual update with smoothened headlights, revised bumpers, and a new 19-inch wheel design.
The dash is now dominated by a new single pane of curved glass that houses two 12.3-inch displays, a new and sportier three-spoke steering wheel with a column-mounted shifter and lastly, a floating center console that houses the wireless charging pad for your mobile devices.
Hyundai SmartSense ADAS is standard, which includes blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, side parking distance warning, and a 360°camera to ensure impressive safety and security.
The Tucson Hybrid, priced at P2.29 million, becomes the top variant in the lineup, joining the two traditional ICE powertrains. The diesel is priced at P1.98 million, and the gasoline model is P1.68 million. It represents a significant jump, but is well worth it considering its advantages of lower fuel cost, better efficiency and coding exemption benefit.
The new Santa Fe Hybrid, on the other hand, is based on the range-topping Calligraphy variant trim level, meaning it’s fully loaded with features like Nappa leather, UV-C sterilization, dual wireless charging pads, dual 12.3-inch screens, and the Hyundai SmartSense ADAS suite.
Setting it apart are unique 20-inch wheels, captain’s chairs for the interior, giving it a more luxurious and exclusive ambiance with its 6-seater format, plus the addition of the hybrid drivetrain. It’s very well priced at P3.330 million, only marginally higher than the standard Calligraphy variant.
The same hybrid drivetrain powers both Hyundais: a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor for a combined system power output of 231hp and 350N-m for the Tucson, and 231hp and 365N-m for the Santa Fe.
A six-speed automatic sends power to the front wheels, and additional tech such as the e-Dynamic Drive system improves handling, with features like evasive handling assist, torque vectoring, and regenerative braking.
Both hybrids have five years (or 200,000km) of warranty, and eight years (or 160,000km) for the high-voltage battery.
Both Hyundais are favorites in our team. The addition of a hybrid drivetrain only makes them more desirable, adding a new level of motoring experience made spicier thanks to its Korean origin!
