The local motoring media were treated to a test drive with the New Hyundai Reina, from the Hyundai dealership in Cainta up to the windmills in Pilila. If you are familiar with the route, there are lots of twists and turns with steep inclines. No wonder Hyundai picked this route; it was to showcase the engine power, excellent suspension,and fuel efficiency.
This was a turn-around from traditional launches; no parties or program, just a no-frills road test to showcase the Reina’s overall performance on the road.
Everyone was marvelled with the new flowing shape. The interior was also impressive, as space was the main consideration in the design. Everyone was eager to test the Reina, so after a short program and a hearty breakfast, the media team were given their own Reina subcompact… and away they go!
Although the overall shape and design was celebrated, the engine performance was quite impressive for a 1.4 engine. Torque was present in the early rpm range, and fuel economy was noted. Not bad for a brand new engine, with only 40km on the odometer.
The best surprise was the Reina’s suspension. The MacPherson Strut with Stabilizer and the rear Coupled Torsion Beam Axle is the perfect combination. The ride is firm but not hard, and it showed little body roll during sharp turns. The potential of the Reina is somewhat limited to skinny tires (for lower costs), but with the addition of bigger and wider tires, the Reina could be a canyon carver for sure. We think the engineers knew of the potential of the Reina, and left the upgrading of the wheels to the future owners preferences.
The media trippers were joined in by none other than the Queen herself, HARI President. Ms. Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo. Announcing a new sales avenue, she expressed, “Hyundai’s partnership with O Shopping ushers in a transformative new era of the car shopping lifestyle in the Philippine market, as it accords customers the convenience of two powerhouse retail channels, TV and online shopping, thereby shaping a more convenient and rewarding car shopping experience for Filipinos.”
A whole lot of Reina going on.
O Shopping, is a joint venture between ABS-CBN Corporation and CJ ENM Company Limited from Korea, offers quality home TV & online shopping experience through informative, entertaining, and convenient formats.
Ms. Agudo emphasized that “this collaboration is one among many of the distributor’s strides toward making innovation accessible for Filipinos at every customer touchpoint through unique collaborations with global brands.”
Catch the Hyundai Reina on O Shopping website starting February 12, 2019; watch it aired on ABS-CBN Channel 2, Skycable Channel 11, and ABS-CBN TV Plus Channel 8 starting March 15, 2019.
Visit hyundai.ph, Hyundai Philippines’ official Facebook page @HyundaiPH, or your nearest Hyundai dealership to learn more about the Hyundai Reina.
Text/Images by Earl Manalansan
