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“More Than Meets the i expresses how Hyundai has
come of age in the global automotive industry.With its commitment to
conceptualize and create cars built on only the strictest of
engineering standards, Hyundai has successfully mapped out a
paradigm shift and is now, more than ever, fast becoming a
determined challenger,” said HARI Executive Vice President and
Chief Officer Ma. Fe Agudo.
Agudo explained Hyundai named its
new i-Series as such to “establish a link” between technology
and the brand’s core values, citing the letter “i” has been
associated with technology-driven products. It also signifies, Agudo
added, Hyundai’s intention of “moving away” from
“good-bargain vehicles” to those with a “more sophisticated
profile.”
Targeted at what the carmaker
identifies as the tech-savvy “iGeneration,” the i-Series begins
with the i10. The i10 is a subcompact hatchback that’s powered by
a 66-horsepower 1.1-liter engine—clearly Hyundai’s answer to
present consumer demand for cars that are miserly with fuel. Hyundai
also claims the i10’s intake and exhaust systems were designed to
minimize toxic emissions.
Two transmission options are
offered with the i10 (although we drove only the automatic): a
five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. The car also boasts
equipment that are above those found in its class, like a
tachometer, keyless entry, CD/MP3 player with iPod connectivity and
driver’s airbag. In the fuel-economy contest at the event,
participants were able to eke out around 20 kilometers to a liter of
gas in light-traffic highway driving in the i10.
Up a rung in the i-Series ladder
is the i30, which, like the i10 is a five-door hatchback—although
bigger in size and qualifies as a compact. It also packs a bigger
engine, Hyundai offering either a 1.6-liter gasoline or a 1.6-liter
diesel power plant.
The i30’s 119-horsepower gas
engine is mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox while its
113-horsepower diesel unit is fitted with a common rail injection
and a variable geometry turbo charger. Combined with a five-speed
manual, the diesel variant i30 should prove to be a peppier car than
its gasoline sibling courtesy of its 255 Newton-meters of torque
(available from 1,750rpm to 2,750 rpm), which is almost double than
what the gasoline engine puts out.
Completing the i30’s upscale
intents are 16-inch alloy wheels, LCD information display, CD player
with iPod connectivity and DVD capability that can be viewed in a
2.7-inch monitor, electro-chromic mirrors and a host of safety
features that start with ABS and EBD.
Meanwhile, the Genesis is totally
premium. Flaunting looks that is a cross between a Mercedes-Benz and
a BMW, the Genesis is built on a rear-drive platform and is
available with a 286-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine (a V8 is an
option in other markets). A continuously variable transmission puts
the Lambda engine’s power to the 18-inch alloy wheels, which in
turn are controlled by an electronic stability program, stopped by
ABS with EBD and brake assist, and ride on a sophisticated system of
links that are damped by an air suspension. The car’s front wheels
are steered by an electro-hydraulic system.
Numerous airbags, active
restraints and adaptive lighting are included in the Genesis’
extensive list of safety features while an multi-information display
with an eight-inch monitor, a Lexicon 7.1-channel, 17-speaker audio
system, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, and multiway adjustable
seats with memory are some of its luxurious appointments.
Though HARI has not released
prices on the three models, it is nonetheless confident of success
with its new products—particularly the i-Series.
“The economic situation is a
bit challenging these days and fuel prices are at an all-time high.
But we at HARI believe that the timing is right for us to introduce
Hyundai’s i-Series because they answer the current needs of
today’s customers, especially those who are looking for practical
cars to fit their lifestyle,” Agudo said.
Along with the Genesis, it’s
clear Hyundai is hedging their bets pretty well by catering to needs
that range from fuel efficiency to luxurious indulgence—all done
in high style.
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