My GT7 Log: The Genesis Vision Gran Turismo

Since its inception in 2013, the Vision Gran Turismo project has invited the world's best carmakers to create concept cars that fit the theme of the Gran Turismo franchise. As a general rule, since the Gran Turismo series is purely Japanese, they only allow carmakers, foreign or domestic, that are available in Japan. However, there's one carmaker that broke the general Vision Gran Turismo rule.

Can you guess what this is? I can tell you, it's not what you think it is. It's a car that broke the general Vision Gran Turismo rule.

This is the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept. It's Genesis' entry to the Vision Gran Turismo concept and a real rulebreaker. Genesis, the luxury arm of the Hyundai Motor Group, is not available on Japanese roads, yet it managed to slip into the world of Gran Turismo under the radar.

So, what's it all about the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Gran Turismo? This concept is the byproduct of Genesis' near-decade history since the brand emerged at the end of 2015. Unveiled at the Gran Turismo World Series 2023 World Finals, this concept features the ultimate expression of Genesis' signature design elements that debuted on the GV80 crossover in January 2020 such as the quad lights and the grille inspired by the Genesis logo. 

It even sports a Magma exterior color that first appeared in the GV80 Coupe Concept, the exterior color no production Genesis model has, as of now.

Powering this concept is a twin-charged Lambda II V6 engine that produces 870HP of power and with the electric motor synchronizing the petrol engine, it produces a total output of 1071HP.

I'm going to take the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept for a one-lap time attack around Watkins Glen. I know because this is the only place I can let it loose because the USA is a huge market for the Genesis brand, therefore, it's ideal. Anyway, let's roll the tape.

Having pushed this 4WD Korean cuisine around New York's finest race track, I did it in 1m52.075s. Not too shabby but a lot of effort is needed. Still, I did my best to get my first dibs on this Genesis Vision Gran Turismo concept.

For a concept that defied the general Vision Gran Turismo rule, because Genesis is not available in the Japanese market, the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept demonstrates the Korean luxury brand's near-decade dedication to disrupting the rules of luxury cars. This is the template and the sign of things to come from Genesis. The more you know.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 (2025MY minor change)

The Hyundai IONIQ 5, the electric car that forever changed Hyundai, has been given a minor change for the 2025 model year, and this award-winning electric car is now made even better.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

Starting at 52.4 million Korean Won, the facelifted Hyundai IONIQ 5 saw some revisions on the award-winning electric car that forever changed Hyundai, keeping it fresh and competitive as the opportunity arises.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 interior

The IONIQ 5 minor change saw some revisions inside and out. The exterior now sports a V-shaped garnish and revised bumpers, increasing its overall length by 20mm. The rear spoiler's revised as well and a new set of wheels are offered for this minor change. A sporty N Line variant was added to this minor change, mimicking the looks of the high-performance IONIQ 5 N variant and that's it.

The interior is revised with its new center console layout, a new physical button that offers access to frequently used functions, the wireless charging pad repositioned to the upper part, a new steering wheel design, and ccNC implementation with OTA updates, among others. The N Line jams the red ambient lighting, sports seats, metal pedals, red stitching, and the N steering wheel into the mix.

The IONIQ 5's electric powertrain was updated by increasing the size of its Li-ion battery from 77.4kWh to 84kWh, meaning the performance and ecology were updated as well. RWD variants have 229PS of power and up to 485km of driving range while HTRAC AWD variants have 325PS of power and up to 425km of driving range. Apart from the increased battery size, it comes with a new shock absorber, new cowl crossbar, doubled reinforcement at the rear wheels and the lower part of the vehicle, improved body stiffness, and added sound insulation, slightly improving its dynamics for the good of it.

Apart from the reinforced body and eight airbags, the IONIQ 5 minor change features new safety features such as the hands-on detection steering wheel, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2), Forward/Side/Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, intelligent front lighting, Digital Key 2, and Built-In Cam 2.

The award-winning Hyundai IONIQ 5 is now made even better with this facelift and it looks like it's on a roll. Will you?

Available colors: Atlas White, Lucid Blue Pearl, Digital Teal Green Pearl, Cyber Grey Metallic, Ecotronic Grey Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Atlas White Matte, Ecotronic Grey Matte, Gravity Gold Matte, and Ultimate Red Metallic (N Line only).

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

My FH5 Log: The "real" hot hatch Koreans didn't get

The third-generation Hyundai i30 is no doubt the last i30 offered in the South Korean market and production ended in 2020 without a direct successor. Long story short.

However, in a parallel universe, the i30 PD still exists in markets outside South Korea, and much to the dismay of Koreans, here lies a high-performance version of the i30 PD.

It's called the i30 N and I obtained it from Forza Horizon 5's Lunar New Year's Dry Season playlist after hitting the 20-point target. This is the "real" hot hatch Koreans didn't get.

Born in Namyang, Honed at the Nurburgring. This is the concept of the N brand since its 2015 announcement and this is the result; the very first Hyundai N car based on the i30 PD. The i30 N incorporates most of Hyundai's know-how in motorsport to create an everyday sports car suitable for daily commuting in comfort on weekdays or for race track performance on the weekend.  Powering the i30 N is a turbocharged 2.0L engine with up to 275PS of power for the Performance Package, sprinting from 0-100kph in 6.1 seconds while mated to a 6-speed MT.

The i30 N was facelifted in 2020 and it gained a new 8-speed N DCT for the first time. The Performance Package saw an additional 5PS compared to the pre-facelifted model, making its 0-100kph time 0.2 seconds faster than before.

Riding shotgun with the i30 N, I now know what it's like to drive in a high-performance Korean hot hatchback that's not available in South Korea. Sure, it was built by the Czechs but deep down, it has the beating heart of a secret royal inspector from the Joseon Dynasty, always ready for what's next. Gotta love the cackling exhaust sound while changing gears. It has some rally car vibes to it.

Because being a front-wheel-drive hot hatch, it feels moderate to drive. Not too basic but not challenging behind the wheel. It's like putting cheese on a bowl of spicy ramen if you catch my drift.

Such performance demands a plausible question, a "what if" scenario if you may. If the third-generation Hyundai i30 remained in the Korean market and had the N variant in it, what would it be like to drive in the Land of the Oppas? To find out, I played a certain EventLab event modeled after a certain city track from a certain video game. Spoiler Alert: It's Seoul Central from I dunno what game it is.

Okay, next time, let's remember this right away because I've done this twice. Weird about the flicker parts, though.

Had Hyundai sold the i30 N to the Korean market, it would have been the first before the Veloster N but sadly, the i30 is no more. It's too late for that now in the same way Nissan failed to bring a NISMO-fied Sylphy B17 a long time ago. For now, Korean FH5 players are taking a wistful look at the Hyundai i30 N, the "real" hot hatch Koreans didn't get. 

Once sampled, driven in tears. Long story short.

My FH5 Log: I'M ON IT

In the early days of the COVID pandemic, Hyundai showcased the Prophecy concept which previews the company's first fully-electric saloon sized to Sonata proportions. When Hyundai announced the creation of the IONIQ sub-brand of electric vehicles, the Prophecy Concept starred in a music video with BTS performing the IONIQ brand's anthem, IONIQ: I'M ON IT. Two years after the Prophecy Concept showcase, its production equivalent came to life.

Obtained after hitting a total of 80 points throughout Forza Horizon 5's Lunar New Year series update, here comes another Hyundai that will make the ARMY thrilled to bits since the Prophecy Concept popped up in the IONIQ: I'M ON IT music video starring BTS.

This is the IONIQ 6, the first fully-electric executive midsize sedan from Hyundai.

Before getting my ARMY vibes with this car, let's have a quick info with this car now that I got my hands on it.

Launched in 2022, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is the second part of the IONIQ trilogy of electric cars since the IONIQ 5 crossover of 2021. With styling inspired by the Prophecy Concept, the IONIQ 6 is one of the most aerodynamic electric cars ever made thanks to its streamlined silhouette.

Running on the same E-GMP platform as the IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 6 is packed with a 77.4kWh battery capacity. In Long Range variants, it produces a high-performance class 228PS of power, or with 4WD variants, a sports car-like 325PS of power.

Smooth like butter, you say? Because of the aerodynamics being smooth like butter, traveling through the straights is a breeze for the IONIQ 6. However, in terms of dynamics, because the IONIQ 6 featured in-game has 4WD, it feels clinically mild to drive. On the bright side, since this is Horizon, you are free to exploit whatever capabilities this fully-electric Korean executive saloon offers. I'm planning to do some stuff with this K-Pop superstar but in the meantime...

...the IONIQ 6 is transported to an EventLab creation where it will face a couple of ICE-powered competitions in a re-enactment of a certain city course from a certain video game. I don't know what that is but for the IONIQ 6, it just feels like home. Flush in the VTR.

A little rough on the competition but like I said, it just feels like home.

A prophecy turned reality, a BTS favorite turned into a Spiderverse favorite, the IONIQ 6 is proof that Hyundai's EV gamble really paid off and here in Forza Horizon 5, players are starting to behave like the ARMY while sampling this Korean EV saloon. Yes, whenever they got their hands on the IONIQ 6, they reminded them of the Prophecy Concept from the BTS music video of the IONIQ brand anthem.

♪IONIQ, IONIQ, IONIQ, IONIQ, IONIQ, IONIQ...♪

My FH5 Log: Detective Kona N

Nobody move! Someone arrived in Forza Horizon 5's 30th series update, the Lunar New Year, to crack the case.

No, you're not expecting some kid in a blue coat, red bowtie, glasses, and tranquilizer watch. What you're looking at is the first and only high-performance crossover from the Hyundai N garage, the Kona N. Does the name ring the bell? Man, I love a good pun.

Deduction time, kids.

The Hyundai Kona N is the first and only high-performance crossover SUV from the N range. Based on the facelifted first-generation Kona, it features unique N aesthetics inside and out while being powered by the same 2.0L 280PS Turbo GDi engine and the 8-speed wet-type N DCT gearbox as the Veloster N. It does 0-100kph in 5.5 seconds with a Launch Control set and a top speed of 240kph. Apart from that, it comes with numerous high-performance functions such as the N Power Shift, N Grin Shift, and the most clever of the three, the N Track Sense Shift which optimizes adaptive shift for racetrack driving.

The addition of the Pirelli P-Zero tires, R-MDPS, ECS, TCS, N Corner Carving Differential, and N Power Sense Axle really made a difference to this front-wheel-drive hot crossover in terms of handling.

Digging deeper through the Kona N's case, my thorough deduction and mystery-solving pointed out the way this crossover performs, and because being front-wheel-drive only, it feels easy to drive only on the tarmac. Still, no regrets. This is the new normal, you know.

Having obtained from the Lunar New Year Wet Season playlist, it's time to give Detective Kona a speedrun to the festival before everyone else does. Glasses off, seatbelts on. Detective Kona's on the case!

Swift justice is served...sort of.

And so, the mystery of the Hyundai Kona N is solved. The first and only hot crossover from the Hyundai N range has proven to be either a head-turner or a head-scratcher. Either way, the detective's work is never done for now but in the meantime, let's enjoy more with our new favorite mystery solver as he's busy solving Lunar New Year's surprises in store.

CASE CLOSED.

Genesis GV80 (2024MY Minor Change) & GV80 Coupe

The first SUV from Genesis, the GV80, has gained a minor change for the 2024 model year and the latest minor change brings an additional model to the range; the first-ever GV80 Coupe. So, what's it all about the GV80 minor change?

2024 Genesis GV80

2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe

Starting at 69,300,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the GV80 minor change and the first-ever GV80 Coupe bring the first Genesis SUV to near ascension with its revised looks, interior, and performance you would expect for Korea's answer to the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. There's more to expect from this latest facelift.

2024 Genesis GV80

Beginning with the styling, the GV80 looks sleek and sporty with its new front design, new wheel designs, and a refined rear view, keeping it fresh after three years of service. The Coupe version, meanwhile, looks pretty much the same as the normal GV80 but with a sloping roofline mimicking its German opposition. That roofline means less space compared to the normal GV80 by about 91 liters with the second-row seats present but that's more stuff to store compared to the BMW X6 and the Mercedes GLE Coupe.

2024 Genesis GV80 interior

2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe interior

The interior of the GV80 has been heavily revamped for this minor change, meaning the dashboard has been heavily reorganized to make room for the 27-inch OLED display where the instrumental cluster and the sat-nav join forces rather than working in separate ways. In addition, it even comes with a digital rear-view mirror, a built-in camera that is handy for spotting some sweet potatoes on the road, and an integrated controller which is rather complicated to use compared to touch screens.

The normal GV80 is offered with a choice of being a five-seater, a six-seater, and a seven-seater while the GV80 Coupe is offered only as a five-seater. It even comes with an available rear-seat entertainment system to keep your bosses in the second-row seats occupied while on the move or getting stuck in traffic.

2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe

The GV80 2024MY minor change features an all-petrol lineup consisting of a Smartstream G2.5T engine sourced from today's Hyundai Santa Fe MX5, producing 304PS of power and 43kgf-m of torque, and the ultra-powerful Smartstream G3.5L V6 turbo engine producing 380PS of power and 54kg-m of torque. Exclusive to the GV80 is the Smartstream G3.5L V6 turbo engine with a 48V electric supercharger producing 415PS of power and 56kgf-m of torque. All are mated to an 8-speed automatic.

Like the pre-facelifted model, the GV80 is rear-wheel drive as standard with an optional all-wheel drive system that works on all road conditions; be it tarmac, gravel, or snow. It even comes with an electronically controlled suspension with road preview, which allows the GV80 to recognize road conditions via the front camera. Although they're bulky to drive, these models behave just like the German opposition, nearly.

The facelifted GV80 is fully prepared with the most advanced safety features offered in its class such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with the additional Evasis Steering Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assistance, Highway Driving Assist 2, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Surround View Monitor, Rear Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The facelifted Genesis GV80 and the first-ever GV80 Coupe promises to become the alpha of the Genesis lineup since its advent three years ago. Although it may be easily overshadowed by the Germans, this updated version promises to propagate itself into presence until it is fully recognized the world over. Be prepared.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N

When Hyundai's high-performance N division said they would brace electrification, they really meant it, shocking the entire world by storm. After years of waiting since the launch of IONIQ 5, the first-ever electrified N car has arrived and it's time to get too jealous about it.

2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N

2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N interior

Welcome to the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, the high-performance version of the award-winning IONIQ 5 electric crossover that signals the start of N's electrified route, like it or not. It costs 76,000,000 Korean Won plus additional costs and from every angle, this commoner's EV gets Physical. Physical: N, of course.

Although it looks vaguely similar to the normal IONIQ 5, this beefed-up version features signature N elements, a sporty exterior design, an N Steering Wheel with N-specific functions, and a specific center console with race-specific features fit for your track day use in Inje, among many others. It's hard to say if the IONIQ 5 N is a classified sleeper car because it looks pretty much like the normal one but...who knows. It's going to be a long day.

Armed with an 84kWh Li-ion battery pack and two electric motors powering the front and rear wheels, making it a punchy 4WD prized fighter, the IONIQ 5 N produces a default 609PS of power and 740Nm of torque, more powerful than the Kia EV6 GT. However, with the N Grin Boost engaged for ten seconds, the power gets bumped to 650PS, and with N Launch Control in play, it's capable of a 0-100kph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260kph, faster than a luxury German saloon. As for the driving range, it's good for 351km on one full charge.

Just like the normal IONIQ 5, it supports V2L capability, meaning you can use some of its juice to charge your phones, your laptop, heck, you can even plug in your TV sets and binge-watch some K-dramas while in the middle of a tailgating party with your pals.

Being a 4WD electric street fighter, the IONIQ 5 N is armed with an e-LSD at the rear axle as well as N Torque Distribution with 11 levels of adjustment and by surprise, an N Drift Optimiser. Although it feels bulky to drive as expected for an electric car, its N characteristics made it damn-straight addictive everywhere. You can really forget about your thoughts while trying to wrestle this car like a Ssireum match.

Although controversial, the IONIQ 5 N features numerous gimmicks such as the N e-shift system where a virtual 8-speed DCT comes out for the play and with the manual mode set, it shifts like you were in a video game, and the ultra-flashy N Active Sound+ where two external speakers and eight internal speakers can imitate engine noises including the jet-inspired Supersonic sound effect.

Like the normal IONIQ 5, the N features a host of safety features such as Remote Smart Parking Assist, Surround View Monitor, and Hyundai SmartSense, among many others.

So, what can I say about the IONIQ 5 N? While the virtual gear shifting and the virtual sound effects are flashy enough to be taunted by speedo boys as a poser machine, not to mention the quirky and bulky handling feel that feels like you're in a Ssireum match, the IONIQ 5 N is one of the many reasons that electric cars are getting manly and dangerous at the same time. Mixing subtlety and obviousness is one thing but with the IONIQ 5 N, we're experiencing burning jealousy right now, wishing we wanted to drive one someday.

The commoner's EV has turned...

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 vs Kia EV9

Box-shaped cars never go out of style even in the age of the new normal and Hyundai has decided to think outside the box with their all-new, fifth-generation Santa Fe which is now, you guessed it, a boxy crossover.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Starting at 35,460,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe is no longer the Santa Fe that millennials remembered because it went through a radically different approach but it promises to behave like most crossovers should. So, what's it all about the Santa Fe MX5?

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Ditching the sleek silhouettes of its predecessors, the Santa Fe MX5 features a boxy shape that can be awkwardly mistaken for either a Range Rover or a Ford Flex. Either way, Roblox jokes aside, it's not just limited to its cube looks because the headlamps, the front bumper, and the rear lamps are marked with the letter H because...it's Hyundai's kind of fetish.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe interior

If you had enough of staring at its Roblox-ish looks, take a look at the interior. Thanks to its squarish design, it's roomier compared to its TM predecessor although the dashboard feels like it's straight out of Grandeur because of the Grandeur-sourced steering wheel and the gear lever positioned behind it. It now boasts a long monitor where the first half is for the instrumental panel while the second half is for the touchscreen. Minimalism aside, there are knobs for the radio and the aircon, which are rather useful indeed. In expensive variants, you can wirelessly charge up to two smartphones just in case as well as the digital key feature where you will let your gadgets do the unlocking, the digital rearview mirror, and the rather controversial fingerprint authentication system.

Although it only has room for six to seven passengers, depending on the variant, the Santa Fe MX5 is roomier than its TM predecessor. Boot space is decent for a boxy SUV like this, making it more than enough to flex its daily conveniences as an all-rounder.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Believe it or not, the Santa Fe MX5 runs on the same bits and bobs as the Kia Sorento MQ4, meaning it behaves just like its compatriot. Although a lot different to drive compared to its predecessor, the HTRAC all-wheel-drive system with rough road driving modes made it capable through tarmac, gravel, and snow, good enough for a weekend picnic at Hannibal's. Dynamics aside, the available Alcon monobloc brakes deliver a dramatic braking feel unheard of in a Korean SUV.

Because the Santa Fe MX5 is built for the new normal, there is no diesel powertrain offered. Only a choice of a 1.6L turbo-hybrid powertrain with a total power output of 235PS mated to a 6-speed AT, and a powerful Smartstream G2.5T-GDi mated to an 8-speed AT, producing 281PS of power and a combined 10.1km/L of fuel economy. 

The Santa Fe MX5 marks the first time a Hyundai vehicle has a hybrid variant mated with the all-wheel-drive system. That's something that should have been done a long time ago.

Back to the new normal, the Santa Fe MX5 features an improved Hyundai SmartSense with Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance assist, and Lane Keeping Assist 2. Coupled with the multiple anti-collision automatic braking systems, advanced rear passenger notification, reverse guiding lamp, and 10 airbags, it really is the safest Santa Fe ever made.

The fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe is no longer the Santa Fe that millennials remembered because of its Roblox-ish exterior design that intrigues insiders everywhere but with its spacious interior, turbocharged performance, HTRAC, and tech, it has progressed into utilitarian status. It truly is innovation in motion for the new model.

However, if you're unhappy about the Santa Fe MX5's squarish looks and because this is the new normal, here comes the more expensive alternative that makes the all-new Santa Fe look like Oxford, the Korean Lego of course.

2024 Kia EV9

This is the first-ever Kia EV9 electric full-size crossover SUV. With prices starting at 77,280,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, it is the most expensive in the Kia SUV lineup, although it's less expensive than the BMW iX3, a meager bargain of the season.

2024 Kia EV9

With styling that stays true to its concept car roots, the EV9 signals a new design approach for Kia recreational vehicles in the future, meaning the styling will heavily influence the fate of upcoming people movers from the said brand. Apart from its Mohave-sized proportions and the side view reminiscent of the Infiniti QX80, the EV9 has a surprising show-off feature when you switch the front lights on as the hidden parts lurking around the grille-less front view light up like a Rina-chan board. Get it?

2024 Kia EV9 interior

Although the exterior design has some cyber vibes to it, the interior is all about first-class comfort in every way. On the driver's side, you will be greeted with the steering wheel emblem lighting, a column-type shift lever positioned behind the wheel, a panoramic wide display where the first half is for the instrumental panel while the second half is for the touchscreen, dual color ambient lighting, and the available Meridian Premium Sound System. The GT-Line variant adds digital side mirrors, a digital rearview mirror, and a hidden touch button on the console, among others.

Inside, the full-sized EV9 can accommodate six or seven passengers and has decent boot space not bad for a full-size electric SUV but the six-seater variant has a party piece no luxury people mover has, not even today's Toyota Alphard; swiveling second-row seats. When coupled with the Lounge Package, you get yourself a luxury cruiser fit for taking high-rollers from Seoul to Busan.

2024 Kia EV9

Speaking of Seoul to Busan, the electric powertrain is capable of up to 501km of range for rear-wheel-drive variants while 4WD variants, especially the GT-Line, are good for around 454km, but driving conditions can vary. Running on a 100kWh Li-ion battery pack and the Electric Global Modular platform, rear-wheel-drive variants produce 150kw of power while 4WD variants produce a powerful 283kw of power. That's 385PS to you and me.

Although the driving feel is nothing compared to the Mohave or today's Santa Fe mentioned above, the EV9, even in 4WD GT-Line guise, feels like driving a Toyota Alphard in different directions and because of its electric drivetrain, it's surprisingly quiet as well. It even packs a wide array of safety features such as high beam assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, among others.

Which would you go for? The Roblox-esque Hyundai Santa Fe MX5 or the heavyweight ultra-luxurious Kia EV9 with a front view that makes the Rina-chan board look like...Tobot Big Boss? It's an interesting question because even though they behave differently, they look futuristic in every way but in every way, it's hard to pick the definitive winner in this round of Unanswered Questions. Only time will tell.

Photo: Hyundai/Kia

Hyundai Sonata DN8 The Edge

Launched in 2019, the eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata was meant to be the evolution of what's known to be Korea's people's car of the generation but due to today's motoring climate, it seems that more and more Koreans are starting to wane off from it and it faces the risk of its demise. 

Not giving up, Hyundai unleashed the facelifted DN8 Sonata with prices starting at 280,800,000 Korean Won plus additional costs. The question is, is the big minor change made the Sonata the best-looking Korean midsize sedan yet?

2024 Hyundai Sonata

Beginning with the design, the big minor change retains the side view of the pre-facelifted DN8 Sonata but what happens at the front and back is a completely different story. The front features a Staria-styled nose while the back mimics its little brother, the Avante CN7. With such radical restyling, it looks like the once-boring executive midsize sedan for the commoners became a much fiercer, likable one. Touche.

2024 Hyundai Sonata

The interior has been heavily revised for this big minor change with the dashboard bearing a Hyundai-first panoramic curved display akin to today's Opel/Vauxhall models that were driving under the influence of Peugeot, if you catch my drift. With an extra-long monitor featuring a 12.3-inch instrumental and a 12.3-inch sat-nav touch screen positioned at the driver's side, it features a new steering wheel with a gear lever positioned behind it just like its big brother, the Grandeur GN7, repositioned switches for the climate control, and the similar creature comforts carried over from its pre-facelifted model, this is luxury reasserted for the heavily revised model.

2024 Hyundai Sonata

The choice of engines remains the same for this updated model ranging from the 180PS 1.6L Turbo, 2.0L petrol, 2.0L LPG, and 2.0L Hybrid, and for the N-Line model, a 290PS 2.5L Turbo petrol engine mated to an 8-speed DCT. 

Like the old one, the new Sonata can be either comfortable or sporty at the push of a button but drivers can use the CUSTOM feature to choose just how sporty or comfortable their car is to their liking, resulting in a more personalized driving pleasure. In the case of the N-Line model, the N-tuned parts add some spice to its dynamics if you're into that.

Apart from the driving pleasure for all, the new Sonata comes ready with the Hyundai SmartSense suite of safety features that will keep itself safe on the journey home unless you know what.

With the biggest update for the current-generation model, will this be Hyundai's last-ditch attempt to make the Sonata great again? You judge.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Kona SX2

Hyundai's kicking off the new year with the arrival of the second-generation Kona crossover, packed with new and improved features fit to become your first ride for the first day of your driving life, whatever the reason.

2024 Hyundai Kona

Priced at 24,680,000 Korean Won (around $25,000) plus additional costs, the all-new, second-generation Kona is the evolution of Hyundai's first-ever compact SUV sold in the Korean market and although no longer as compact as it looks because its youngest brother, the Casper, takes the spot, it's still worth enough to humiliate crossovers like the Nissan Kicks and the Toyota Yaris Cross in a heartbeat.

2024 Hyundai Kona

2024 Hyundai Kona

Beginning with the design, the new Kona adopts the Staria's front face, which is rather unorthodox because with Hyundai took a liking to the Staria's front face, they've decided to plaster it on newer and future models like this and last year's Grandeur GN7. Apart from the face, the sleek side view and the rear lamps inspired by the IONIQ 6 really made a clear statement about the all-new Kona, and when kitted with the N Line variant, it's the first impression in a nut shack.

2024 Hyundai Kona interior

Inside, the new model matches the theme of today's Hyundai interiors while jam-packed with heaps of gadgets to play with. On the driver's side, you will be greeted by the massive split horizontal monitor where the 12.3-inch instrumental cluster and the 12.3-inch touchscreen mean business for the all-new Kona. The gear lever is positioned near the steering wheel rather than below, just like the new Grandeur, it's got dual full-auto aircon, ambient lighting, and other stuff you can find on the new model. In terms of spacing, the all-new Kona is slightly more spacious compared to the previous model thanks to the added wheelbase provided by its new platform. It's packed with smart features such as the Digital Key 2 Touch and the Smart Power Tailgate for added convenience.

2024 Hyundai Kona

Petrol and hybrid are the only powertrain choices offered in the all-new Kona at launch. On the petrol side, it's offered with a choice of a Smartstream G 2.0L and the powerful Smartstream G 1.6T engine. The one with the Smartstream G 1.6T engine produces 198PS of power and 27kgf-m of torque. They're all mated to an 8-speed AT and can be fitted with an HTRAC All-Wheel-Drive system for better driving on and off the road. Handy if you're itching to have a picnic at Hannibal's.

The FF-only Kona Hybrid's Smartstream G 1.6 petrol engine is bolted into a 32kW electric motor and Li-ion battery as well as a regenerative braking system, producing 141PS of power output. The only gearbox offered in the hybrid is a 6-speed DCT. Despite being FF-only, the Kona Hybrid comes with e-Motion Drive and rear multilink suspension for a dramatic driving feel that can upset the Nissan Kicks full stop.

Coupled with the Hyundai Smart Sense and parking assist features, the all-new Kona is by no means the safest compact crossover in its class, which is rather surprising and annoying at the same time for the yuppies behind the wheel.

The second-generation Hyundai Kona truly is all-new from top to toe and it really is a class apart compared to the likes of the Nissan Kicks and the Toyota Yaris Cross. Like it or not, this is the Kona that everybody deserves, and looks like Hyundai is doubling down on the all-new Kona. That's the new normal for you.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company