Hyundai unveils quartet of contenders

A HOT hatch, a crossover, an SUV and a hybrid comprised the summer salvo of launches by Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. ( HARI), the country’s official distributor of Hyundai passenger and commercial vehicles, at the recent Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

During the opening day of the annual car show, HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez- Agudo led the introduction of the all- new Hyundai Veloster, Kona, Santa Fe and the Ioniq Hybrid. Dubbed the “Greatest Show From Hyundai,” the unveilings were done amid a number of entertainment productions from Korean Buganda drumbeaters, Douglas Nierras’ Powerdance, and Jett Pangan of the The Dawn.

VELOSTER

The first-generation Veloster debuted in 2011, and overtly tar- gets a younger segment of drivers. Sleek and low, the coupé is staunchly quirky and funky in design execution — most notably with its 2+1 door concept. With its MIAS launch, Filipinos got to quickly see the second iteration of the Veloster, which was first presented globally early this year at the North American International Auto Show.

The Veloster is powered by a turbocharged, 201-hp, 265-Nm, 1.6-liter engine mated to a sevenspeed dual-clutch transmission. Priced at P1.798 million, the hot hatch is poised to be a contender in the “pocket rocket” niche with its aggressive looks and expected sprightly performance.