Largely wonderful weather this last week!

As the holiday season draws near, it’s been clear skies with cool, refreshing breezes that can help us lay off the air-conditioning (and, consequently, bring our sky-high electric bills down).

Despite the chilliness rolling in, it’s been a hot week for one Asian carmaker – and for once, it isn’t from China! Hyundai Philippines launched two new models last week and is mulling over bringing even more.

The South Korean company is among your five favorite stories from Oct. 16 to 21, 2023. This is the AutoFun Philippines Rearview Roundup!

Make minivans cool again!

The first of Hyundai Philippines’ duo of new cars is the rather stylish 2024 Hyundai Custin.

It’s a seven-seat minivan, complete with sliding doors, a cavernous cabin and a premium interior. The competitive pricing puts it right up there with the likes of the Toyota Zenix.

Will the Hyundai Custin succeed in making the minivan a go-to family hauler once more?

READ: Sliding doors! 2024 Hyundai Custin launches in the Philippines, starts at P1,770,000

Well-sorted

Speaking of the Custin, AutoFun Philippines Junior Writer Joey Deriquito managed to try out the top-spec variant of the new minivan after its launch.

He lauded the spacious and premium cabin, along with the refined ride. However, Joey did note a few things that could be improved with Hyundai’s seven-seater.

Would you go for the Custin?

READ: FIRST DRIVE: 2024 Hyundai Custin 1.5T GDI Premium

Return of the Accent?

In the fine tradition of AutoFun Philippines, Joey pushed hard to get a scoop from the Hyundai Philippines launch.

And boy, oh boy, did he get one. The South Korean automaker is eyeing the reintroduction of sedans in the Philippines after the likes of the Reina, Accent, and Elantra were dropped from the local lineup after last year’s management change.

Should Hyundai take on the likes of the Toyota Vios and Honda City once again?

READ: SCOOP: Hyundai still open to reintroducing sedans in the Philippines

Coming soon

A break from Hyundai Philippines.

This time, AutoFun Philippines Content Head Mikko David has been behind the wheel of a highly anticipated Chinese crossover – the Omoda 5 EV.

This battery-electric model will join the rest of the Omoda and Jaecoo Philippines lineup, which is expected to officially start sales before the end of 2023.

With the Japanese and even the Koreans still playing catch up in offering affordable EVs, will the likes of the Omoda 5 EV sweep the local market soon?

READ: FIRST DRIVE: Omoda 5 EV, just biding its time

Shooting for the X

The Hyundai Stargazer has made its name as one of the most stylish seven-seat multi-purpose vehicles in the market.

And now, it has a flagship variant that directly takes on the likes of the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross and the Honda BR-V. Hyundai Philippines launched the Stargazer X with more rugged styling and taller suspension for more ground clearance.

Could the South Korean contender take down its Japanese rivals?

READ: Xpander Cross rival! 2024 Hyundai Stargazer X enters the Philippines for P1,348,000

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