Impressive tech, great dealer
For many, choosing which brand-new car to get can be a tedious and nerve-wracking process that can take weeks or months.
But for Alexander Fernandez, that decision took about as long as a primetime television newscast after seeing the 2024 Hyundai Tuscon Hybrid, which was launched in the Philippines last July.
“After one hour, we were done,” he told Inquirer Mobility in an exclusive interview.
“It was very smooth and very fast,” Fernandez added. “I walked in one afternoon before they closed – the unit they had in the showroom was available, but I told them to give me time to decide. Once I secured the funds, I bought it.”
Fernandez noted that the ease of dealing with Hyundai Commonwealth in Quezon City helped seal the deal.
“My very first option was a hybrid crossover from another brand,” he said. “But what I don’t like is if you don’t avail their financing services, they don’t prioritize you. I find this very absurd.”
Second Tucson
Fernandez said he also went with the Tucson Hybrid following his pleasant experience owning a 2017 Tucson turbodiesel.
“My objective is to try something new and, more importantly, fuel economy,” he said. “It works two ways – I get direct savings and this is my contribution to saving the planet.”
The Tucson Hybrid is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine is mated to an electric motor for a combined output of 232 horsepower and 367 Newton-meters of torque. This is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
So far, Fernandez said he enjoys his Tucson Hybrid’s totalrefinement and range.
“I filled up yesterday around 40 liters and according to the console, it will do 815 kilometers,” he said. “Even my old Tucson used to 9 to 11 kilometers per liter in the city and 15 kilometers per liter on the expressway. For this one, I’m estimating 20 to 25 kilometers per liter in the city.”
Proven aftersales
Fernandez said among all the other electrified crossovers that he looked at, the Tucson Hybrid ticked all the right boxes.
“I considered another choice from another brand,” he said. “But my issue is that it an untested brand, as far as the Philippine market is concerned – the resale value is an unknown, along with the aftersales service. With a major brand like Hyundai, I’m confident that they can deliver.”
Fernandez also preferred hybrid-electric crossovers because he doesn’t feel that a battery-electric vehicle (EV) would suit his needs.
“My issue also is that full EVs are not yet totally viable because there are not that many charging stations,” he said. “I think it would take 5 to 10 years before you see the worth of EVs.”
Effective safety features
Fernandez said what really stood out with his all-new Tucson Hybrid is its Hyundai Smartsense active-safety suite.
“I was driving on Commonwealth Avenue and I noticed the carreading the lines,” he said. “When I deviate from the lines, there’s a jerk. I thought I ran into something, but I finally understood that the vehicle is bringing me back into lane, which is really impressive.”
“And when you use the signal lights, there’s a view of what’s beside you,” Fernandez added. “The sensors are very intelligent.”
The Tucson Hybrid incorporates various features to help make drives safer and more convenient. These include 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.
Fernandez said his two of his friends will be checking out the 2024 Tucson Hybrid soon after seeing his brand-new ride.
“I think they’re going to buy,” he said. “I was telling them that the technology and the service are really very good.”
