Genesis G80 (RG3)

Back in the start of 2008, Hyundai launched a luxury premium sedan called the Genesis, their first rear-wheel-drive premium sedan, and it was pointed squarely at the Germans with its luxurious offerings in not-so-luxurious pricing. In 2013, it was given a full-model change and it made even better than before. Three years later, with Genesis now a luxury brand of the Hyundai Motor Group, we bid farewell to the Hyundai Genesis but its looks lived on as the Genesis G80. Fast forward to the present, the G80 gained its first full model change as a Genesis and as part of the brand revision which began with the GV80 crossover.

2021 Genesis G80

Starting at 52.91 million Korean Won (around US$46,000), the all-new G80 pushes the envelope further with its new Genesis signature styling introduced on the GV80 last January, new interior, new performance, and new tech, making the competition very nervous to see the new rich kid on the block trying to get a standing ovation from the superiors.

2021 Genesis G80

Before explaining what's what about the new G80, let's observe the design flow and because it carries the new Genesis signature look from the GV80 crossover, you can expect the front face that resembles the Genesis logo as well as the rearview that carries the rear lamps also similar to the logo as well. Speaking of the fake air vents, they're not vents you know. They're indicators and they lit rather well, which is a bit of a show-off for the new G80 if I'm honest.

2021 Genesis G80 interior

2021 Genesis G80 interior

On the inside job, the people that designed it has done a pretty good job creating a brand new interior that works not just as an executive office on wheels but also has plenty of space in the back for the clienteles who are busy with their business ordeals. On the driver's side, you are greeted by its weird-looking steering wheel, fancy instrumental panel, a long sat-nav monitor like you get from a BMW, a climate control, and two knobs; one for controlling the sat-nav and the other one for selecting gears, which is nuts for a car like this. Minimalist as it sounds, yes, and looks like speedo boys are in for a shock when they toy around with its dashboard.

On the passenger side, the new G80 is more spacious than the previous model and when fully equipped, the passenger can enjoy toying around with the rear-seat entertainment system that will keep them occupied for the whole trip to the office and back to the fancy mansion. That's fancy living to you and that "out on the limo" feeling will leave them smug for the whole day. Lucky them. Also, the boot space wasn't half bad for a luxury car.

2021 Genesis G80

Now we get to the really important bits about the all-new Genesis G80. Starting on the choice of engines, the new G80 is powered by three all-new engines starting from the brand new turbocharged 2.5L engine producing 304PS of power and 43kg-m of torque, the brand new turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine producing 380PS of power and 54kg-m of torque, and the new 2.2L diesel engine producing 210PS of power and 45kg-m of torque. All are mated to an 8-speed automatic. I was gonna say the diesel variant is the one to avoid due to you-know-what but since this is South Korea, who cares.

Aside from the performance, the new G80 now behaves like a real premium sedan because it now utilizes a new platform made exclusively for Genesis as well as the extensive use of aluminum to save weight, resulting in better performance and fuel economy. When you take this one for a spin, the new G80's relatively superior dynamics really puts the German imports on notice because this one is a good laugh.

Good laugh aside, the new G80 is serious about safety and with that, it offers a greatly expanded and revised list of safety features such as Highway Driving Assist II, Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning, Pre-active Safety Seat, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist. It even comes with the Remote Smart Parking Assistant that allows the car to automatically park itself at the push of the button.

And there you have it. The new G80 not only marks the evolution of their first rear-wheel-drive saloon but it starts the revolution of the Genesis brand. With new and exciting features in store for Korea's 5-Series eater, there's no denying that we are getting jealous about owning one someday.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Tucson (NX4)

Hyundai's midsize crossover, the Tucson, is now on its fourth generation and this latest regeneration promises a more radical approach to the rapidly-growing SUV boom with a more radical styling, best-in-class space, new tech, and new performance that makes it a real standout from the rest. The question is should you want one?

2021 Hyundai Tucson

2021 Hyundai Tucson

With prices starting at 24.35 million Korean Won, every angle of this new generation Tucson makes a clear statement about what a Korean midsize crossover SUV can do, whether you love it or hate it. As an all-new model, the Tucson NX4 promises a bold leap ahead of its predecessors because of what lies under its radical looks but first, let's observe its radical looks. With your eyes squinted, you can easily mistake it for a first-generation Ford Edge but with the new wing-shaped front lamps to boot, you might think that radical new face is a real show-off when taken to the streets. On the rear side, it's highly reminiscent of the Mustang Mach-E's but forget about that because the new model's design is, how can I sum this up, unfriendly to the neighborhood because it kinda makes their skins crawl.

2021 Hyundai Tucson interior

The new interior can be somewhat questionable because, with the minimalist dashboard and gear changing buttons, speedo boys will be running scared but don't worry because such minimalism only comes to the more premium models because the lesser models will have buttons and dials to toy around with.

Sticking to the driver's view, the Tucson is loaded with lots of toys to fiddle with such as smartphone connectivity, a wireless charging station for your smartphones, a heated steering wheel, climate controls, and the built-in cam for when you want to go KMJS on incoming sweet potatoes on the road.

On the passenger side, this is where the new Tucson stands out because of its best-in-class space and luggage capacity, meaning people can find great ways to enjoy its impressive space. It may be a five-seater but it's amazing to handle all kinds of stuff, proving that who says you can't sit on both boards. I can talk it over if you want but with that kind of space, it's all work and all play for all. It's a win-win for Hyundai.

2021 Hyundai Tucson

The fourth-generation Tucson is powered by two choices of engines at launch; the Smartstream Diesel 2.0L engine that produces 186PS of power, 42.5kg-m of torque, and up to 14.8km/L of fuel economy while mated to an 8-speed AT and the high-performance Smartstream Gasoline 1.6L Turbo engine that produces 180PS of power, 27kg-m of torque, and up to 12.5kmpl of fuel economy while mated to a 7-speed DCT. They may sound diddy but they're sensible enough for the long haul.

In addition, a hybrid variant will follow shortly post-launch, and like the Sorento Hybrid a while back, the first-ever Tucson Hybrid will come with the first-ever Smartstream Turbo Hybrid powertrain where the turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine is bolted to a 44.4kW electric motor and a li-ion battery, while mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Engines aside, the new Tucson is livelier to drive than the last one thanks to its new Electronic Controlled Suspension and some other improvements underneath, giving it a sharper, quieter ride unlike any other. For HTRAC models, it features three additional terrain modes that will make it fit enough to spend weekends at Hannibal's, well almost.

The new Tucson is now even safer than ever because the list of safety features have been greatly expanded and revised such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning, new Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, new Highway Driving Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control Curve, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, upgraded Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor, Rear Occupant Alert, Lane Following Assist, upgraded Lane Keeping Assist, and Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist, in addition to any existing safety features offered.

While the new Tucson has a minimalist interior not suitable for all speedo boys and the more perplexing exterior that raises a lot of questions from insiders, the spacing, convenience, and revised performance is what made the fourth-generation Tucson a cut above the predecessors. Whether you like it or not, the fourth-generation Tucson is the strong suit the Korean carmaker wielded to the competition. Consider this your wake-up call, people.

Available colors: White Cream, Shimmering Silver, Titan Gray, Amazon Green, Phantom Black, and Crimson Red.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Avante/Elantra CN7

The previous Avante/Elantra AD wasn't a bad medium sedan full-stop when it came out several years ago but when the facelift came, it felt a bit different compared to the competition. With that, Hyundai went back to the drawing board and regenerated the Avante into the CN7 generation, and looks like they're onto something with this new model.

2021 Hyundai Avante

Starting at 15,700,000 Korean Won, the all-new Avante is the most stunning, yet technologically-advanced Avante to date because of the new features this new model offered and it's proof that Hyundai is still committed to making saloons as everyone else in the neighborhood's got succumbed to the airwaves of Crossover FM, metaphorically speaking.

Beginning with the styling, the new CN7-spec Avante is about as radical as the current Honda Civic, one of its main rivals, because of its coupe-like styling that bears the same silhouette as the one I've mentioned earlier. It's striking at its normal form but when you spec it with some LEDs at the front and at the back, it gets even more striking. One of the many reasons why the new Avante is the best-looking budget-friendly sedan at this time of new normal.

2021 Hyundai Avante interior

2021 Hyundai Avante interior

On the interior, Hyundai's done a great job creating the new Avante's interior to make it more usable and more enjoyable for all. On a more premium variant, the new model comes with two 10.25-inch monitors, one for the speedos and the other for sat-nav purposes, as well as high-tech vents, 64-color mood lighting, and many others. While the cockpit layout's more jet-set rather than the previous model, the rear space wasn't as bad as the old one as well as the boot space, which Hyundai says that it's more spacious than today's Toyota Corolla. Touche, but don't let anyone see you squeezing a big chair you got from your mom's workplace that is about to get permanently closed for obvious reasons.

Aside from the spacing, the new Avante features lots of toys to play with such as Kakao i, climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation updates on the go, heated steering wheel, heated 10-way adjustable seats, Hi-Pass System, BOSE Premium Sound System, and Hyundai CarPay, which allows you to pay for services without getting out of the car.

2021 Hyundai Avante

Under the hood, the new Avante is powered by a Smartstream 1.6L petrol engine producing 123PS of power and 15.7kg-m of torque while mated to the same IVT gearbox derived from the Kia K3. With that, combined fuel economy is 15.4km/L, which is nice but like the K3, this gearbox is too dreary to drive on the straights and it's about as enjoyable as a Japanese car mated to a CVT gearbox, which is too average but don't worry because there will be additional models heading its way.

On the handling side, thanks to its new platform, the new Avante feels so lively to move about and easier to live with. Couple that with the revised suspension setup and the results are so much you can expect from a Korean car that behaves like a good car.

In terms of safety, the new Avante offers SmartSense safety features that will make drivers heavily noticed such as FCA with Pedestrian Detection, LKA, LFA, HBA, DAW, as well as the available BCA, SCC, HDA, SEW, and PCA. Sorry, too much information.

While the performance side is a bit too Japanese because of the IVT gearbox, the new Avante is a youthful midsize sedan that not only looks good on the road, it feels good to live with.

Of course, with the midsize sedan population's decreasing to endangered levels due to the crossover phenomenon, most of them are mated with the CVT gearbox, which makes them too dreary to drive. The new Avante is one of them but while it struggles to push itself because of the IVT, it tries to stand out from the endangered midsize sedan population because of its tech, dynamics, and design, and with that, Hyundai knows how to keep this sedan alive for this new generation. The more you know.

Available colors: Polar White, Fluid Metal, Amazon Grey, Electric Shadow, Fiery Red, Phantom Black, Lava Orange, Cyber Grey, and Intense Blue.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Santa Fe TM - 2021 minor change

Two years ago, the Hyundai Santa Fe reached its fourth generation and it promised to be a better-looking and more functional Santa Fe than ever before. As the year 2020 marked Santa Fe's 20th anniversary since the first one, the current-generation Santa Fe gained a big minor change and it promises to be the best Santa Fe to cut the rest, although unsure about the big news this recent minor change offered.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Starting at 31,220,000 Korean Won (around $26,000), the reasonably-priced Santa Fe TM big minor change promises to be the best Santa Fe to date because even though it's basically a facelift, the revised model now sites on the new third-generation vehicle platform first seen on the Kia Sorento MQ4, meaning it's getting better to drive than the old one.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

But first, let's take a look at the new design, and although still a fourth-generation model, this big minor change really made a statement because of its massive front grille that is downright terrifying for a family mover and because the headlamps are positioned above the grille, you'd get the expression of Big Bertha coming to eat you. Not only the Big Bertha look made the big minor change scary to look at but it makes your skin crawl.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe interior

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe interior

The interior's heavily revised on the big minor change and it now mimics like the one you saw on the Palisade, meaning there are now buttons in place of a gear lever, a new 10.25-inch AVN touchscreen, digital instrumental cluster, and this new feature that I'm going to mention it later. Anyway, while most cast doubts about the new interior design, it's still as comfortable and as spacious as the pre-facelifted model and you can have up to seven people on board, as long as no one's ruining the most important thing of the family mover; the sweet spot.

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Like the latest Kia Sorento MQ4, the Santa Fe TM big minor change is offered only with the brand-new Smartstream D2.2 engine which produces 202PS of power and 45kgf-m of torque. Mated to a brand new Smartstream 8-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox, it delivers a combined fuel economy of about 14.2km/L. That's not bad but that's just the start because while on talks about the new platform, the Santa Fe is surprisingly aerodynamic, more quieter, more rigid and better to drive the pre-facelift model.

For HTRAC models, the Santa Fe comes with a brand new Terrain Mode selector as seen on the Palisade. This feature allows the driver to switch through different drive modes as well as taking on Mud, Snow, and Sand, making it a good car to tackle the dirt and more than enough to play elephant at Hannibal's, although unwise to take it cross-country like most wannabe SUVs don't. As for safety, the Santa Fe comes with Hyundai SmartSense suite of driving aids but that's all TMI I can give today.

Although unhappy with the Big Bertha-esque looks, the diesel-only offering, and the tech-laden dashboard unfriendly for speedo boys in the rough, the facelifted Santa Fe is free to stretch itself with its new platform and spacious interior fit for today's families. We may be living in the new normal but the Santa Fe truly fits rather well at this moment in time and as the nameplate celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, this is the big bottom line that makes Santa Fe THE Santa Fe.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Genesis GV80

Since its 2015 launch, the Genesis brand has spawned three luxury sedans; the flagship G90, the middle child G80, and the junior class G70, and these three saloons are the rising stars of the luxury car market dominated by the Germans. With these three rising stars busy honing themselves on the road, the time is just right for Genesis to unveil their first-ever SUV, the GV80.

2021 Genesis GV80

The GV80, priced at 65,800,000 Korean Won, is the first SUV from Genesis, the luxury arm of Hyundai, and it's a bold take on the ever-popular German luxury crossovers of its size such as the BMW X5, the Audi Q7, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Whether you like it or not, the GV80 is all about utility and ruggedness while retaining the driving character of what makes a Genesis.

2021 Genesis GV80

First off, let's observe the design although the side view is downright impressive to look at, there's something unsure about the front and rear because according to them, the hexagonal-shaped grille and the split lamps are heavily inspired by the Genesis logo and looks like they do have a point. They did this once on the G90 flagship saloon and we can expect more to come wearing the Genesis design language someday.

2021 Genesis GV80 interior

Questionable looks aside, the GV80's interior blends the perfect balance of tech, convenience, and comfort, a common feat for luxury crossovers. On the driver's side, it still has the odd-looking steering wheel like you'd expect from the G70 but with the interest of tech, the GV80 nicks all of the familiar tech stuff you get from the opposition, meaning it works like every luxury crossover you're familiar with. Strange but not bad.

On the comfort side, the GV80 can be a five-seater or a seven-seater, depending on how you use it, and when hitting its sweet spot, you're in for an out-on-a-limo feeling because it's about as comfortable as a fancy apartment wealthy Koreans live in and it's all thanks to the world's first Road Active Noise Cancellation which sharply drops road noise while driving. 

It's a poor man's Cullinan for all the right and wrong barrels and space-wise, the GV80 offers a good boot space for just about everything.

2021 Genesis GV80

The GV80 is powered by the same 3.0L diesel engine as the Kia Mohave but it produces 278PS of power and 60kg-m of torque and it is mated to an 8-speed AT. On its five-seater guise, it returns with a combined fuel economy of 11.8km/L.

Despite being an SUV, the GV80 is rear-wheel drive as standard and before you have second thoughts, it's too bulky and too social to poke its back end like most rear-wheel drive crossovers, but for the sake of intelligence, it comes with the electronically controlled suspension with road preview, which allows the GV80 to recognize road conditions via the front camera. 

To get the most out of the GV80, there's an optional all-wheel drive system that works on all road conditions; be it tarmac, gravel, or snow, and it's good off-road as well but not quite as good as a Range Rover.

The GV80 ups the technology ante with a wide range of safety features and it is the first production car in the world to apply new safety features such as Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning, Highway Driving Assist II, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Driver Attention Alert Warning. Stuff like these results in being the most intelligent luxury car ever made for the most intelligent people who know how to drive one.

The Genesis luxury brand really started the year 2020 with its first-ever SUV, the GV80, and despite its questionable looks and the diesel engine, the premium sedan riding comfort, near good capability on and off the road, and tech really results to be the most intelligent car ever built and it's hard to put an argument with it.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Kia K7 (2nd gen) vs. Hyundai Grandeur (6th gen) - 2020 minor change

Kia's K7 and Hyundai's Grandeur, in their current generation, are now on their 2020 model years with their minor changes sporting bold new looks while retaining their same experiences for the drivers ever since they went on sale three years ago.

2020 Kia K7 Premier

First off, let's take a look at the facelifted second-generation Kia K7. Starting at 30,940,000 Korean Won (around $31,000), the K7 Premier, as they called it, features a distinctively new look inside and out, and new engine choices, not to mention the added tech involved.

Starting at the design, Kia must have done a good job revising the second-generation K7 for the 2020 model year. Tthe trademark Tiger Nose grille now sized like the grilles from the BMW 8-Series while the DRLs now aligning with the grille for a more dramatic look. On the back, Kia copied the rear view of the Genesis G90 while slapping some Kia credentials on it, making it harder for people to distinguish between the two cars in terms of rear views insights.

2020 Kia K7 Premier interior

The interior has been heavily redesigned on this minor change except for the steering wheel, which is a carry-over from the pre-facelifted model. The new interior throws away the analog clock from the pre-facelifted model, which is rather obvious for this model, while implementing a much longer touch screen which is updated on the go and works with the camera feature in case of sweet potatoes on the road, the K9-inspired digital instrumental panel which works with the Behind View Monitor, and a more comfortable seats for a more luxurious feel. Of course, it may be a Kia but it's about as luxurious as a BMW 3-Series of course.

In addition to the 2.2L diesel engine and 3.0L GDi engine with 266PS of power and R-MDPS, the K7 Premier comes with a brand new Smartstream G2.5 GDi engine, which combines the qualities of a gasoline direct injection and multi-port injection engines into one efficient packaging. This new engine produces a high-performance class-ish 198PS of power and 25.3kgfm of torque with combined fuel economy is expected from 11.1 to 11.9km/L. 

2020 Kia K7 Premier Hybrid

Those who are looking for a fuel-efficient ride to work may consider a hybrid variant which bolts the 159PS 2.4L petrol engine to a 38kW electric motor and a 1.76kWh li-ion battery, not to mention a six-speed AT on it to make it slightly more engaging to drive than any Japanese midsize hybrids, although the 16.2km/L combined fuel economy wasn't enough to upset its Japanese rivals.

Apart from the engine choices, the K7 Premier still comes with the front MacPherson struts and rear multilink suspension, making it as handy as expensive European imports on the go. Not bad for a poor-man's K9.

Of course, it wouldn't be a luxury car of today without tech and the K7 Premier offers Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as well as UVO connectivity, giving it plenty of reasons to explore the gadgetry lurking through this semi-luxury car for the businessmen working in the Gangnam offices.

2020 Hyundai Grandeur

If you think that the facelifted Kia K7 is very 3-Series-ish, the facelifted, sixth-generation Hyundai Grandeur might change your mind over budget luxury cars.

Priced at 32,940,000 Korean Won (around $33,000), the facelifted Grandeur is more expensive than the K7 relative but what makes it more unique is the styling this minor change delivers. Drawing inspiration from the Le Fil Concept, the facelifted Grandeur features a unique front face where the edges of the massive grille lit up, giving it a more concept car feel for a production car. Apart from the unique front view, the rear view's massively revised with a Kia Stinger-inspired rear view, which is rather unorthodox for a Hyundai.

2020 Hyundai Grandeur interior

Just like the Kia K7 Premier, the Grandeur's minor change featured a brand new interior which looks like a mashup between the Lexus LS's and the Hyundai Palisade's, that's for sure, not to mention the steering wheel which looks like the Kia K9's, but long story short because questionable interior design aside, it works like every luxury midsize saloon should be thanks to its numerous gadgets offered, the smartphone connectivity, the plush leather seats, the gear buttons, the JBL sound systems, and more. Everything that will please the luxury car buyers for more.

2020 Hyundai Grandeur Hybrid

The facelifted Hyundai Grandeur is offered in a choice of various powertrain choices ranging from the brand new Smartstream G2.5 GDi engine, which offers similar fuel efficiency as the Kia K7 Premier, the 159PS 2.4L petrol engine to a 38kW electric motor and a 1.76kWh li-ion battery for the hybrid variant, the more powerful 3.3L V6 engine with a sporty 290PS of power output, and a 3.0 LPi engine for fleet purposes.

Apart from the engine choices that made the Grandeur different to its K7 relative, they share some similar technology with safety comes first and convenience later. You get the point, of course.

So, which would you pick? For pricing, the K7 is the pick but if you consider a more powerful luxury car on a budget, consider the Grandeur with the 3.3L engine on it. Either way, they behave like expensive European imports and these two recently facelifted models are something Korean businessmen would want to have for all the right or the wrong barrels.

Photo: Kia Motors/Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Venue vs. Kia Seltos

Crossovers are becoming as influential as Hollywood superheroes you saw in theaters and looks like the Koreans are busy leading the most mainstream category of all. For Hyundai and Kia, they're not resting their laurels on the SUV craze as they are so busy launching crossovers, their eyes come rolling. Such examples are the debutantes known as the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Seltos.

2020 Hyundai Venue

2020 Hyundai Venue

Starting with the Hyundai Venue, it’s the newest compact crossover you’ve never heard of. Prices start at 17,990,000 Korean Won (less than 800,000 PhP), so it’s basically the cheapest of the SUV lineup, less than the Kona. With all that affordable pricing, what do you get in a cheeky little crossover with a name that breaks tradition from city-naming ones like the Santa Fe, Tucson, and the Palisade?

Checking on the design, the boxy styling on this high-riding compact is just one of the noticeable details of the Venue. There is the front face reminiscent of the Kona, although the waffle-styled nose shows its cheapness unless you go for the other grille that is slightly good than this, as well as the squarish rear lamps with the letter Z on it. The minimalist approach to the Venue’s styling really shows just how cheap this C3 Aircross rival is.

2020 Hyundai Venue interior

The interior of the Venue is about as functional as a revived Nokia 3310 phone but it’s decently practical for the small family and some boot for today’s grocery. While you may consider it a family car, the Venue can also be used for TNVS purposes, and with a cabin of this size, it’s like having a little chat room with you and the passenger who called you. Although cheap to look around, the Venue feels not so bad to live with.

2020 Hyundai Venue

Despite being an SUV, the Venue is available only with front-wheel drive and while it comes with a nifty choice of drive modes, especially snow, mud, and sand, the Venue feels like it won’t catch up with the likes of the Citroen C3 Aircross’s wondrous Grip Control feature but it feels so decent playing as the elephant in the room even with a wide array of safety tech too much to mention.

Powering it is a 1.6L Smartstream MPi engine producing 123PS of power and 15.7 kg.m of torque and with the available Intelligent Variable Transmission, which is basically a CVT first applied on the latest Kia K3, expect combined fuel economy up to 13.7km/L. So, it’s not as enjoyable to drive as the competition from its class but the Venue sure has a lot to go for the extra mile.

2020 Kia Seltos

With the Hyundai Venue in the glossary, what about the stylish equivalent known as the Kia Seltos? As the compact crossover inspired by the SP Concept and one of the most ambitious models Kia has ever made due to the fact that it will be the first Kia to be available in India soon, the Seltos has a lot to talk about for a compact crossover with the 19,290,000 Korean Won (830,000 PhP) price tag, which is more expensive than the Hyundai Venue mentioned above.

2020 Kia Seltos interior

2020 Kia Seltos interior

Unlike the Hyundai Venue, the Kia Seltos features a much thought-provoking design that is relatively superior for such size and while the exterior design is about as dramatic as the concept car it was based on, the interior is not Nokia 3310-level like the one from the Hyundai Venue. This is as functional as today's Samsung Galaxy smartphone and you'll have a lot of reasons to toy around with its self-updating sat-nav, its smartphone connectivity, its HUD, the BOSE sound system, climate control, and other stuff. Aside from toying around with its gadgets, the Seltos, like the Hyundai Venue, is decently comfortable for a compact crossover of many uses; be it a family car, a road-tripper's car, or for TNVS duty. Expect anyone doing the latter driving the Seltos anytime soon but don't get your hopes up because of what lies underneath.

2020 Kia Seltos

The Seltos is powered with a choice of either a 1.6L T-GDi or a 1.6L CRDI-VGT diesel engine, both mated to a 7-speed DCT, but the turbocharged petrol is the one to go for because of its 177PS of power, meaning that it has the gusto to get to work as easy as pie. The diesel has a lot of torque to pull some stuff but who cares about diesel today. Of course, the DCT promises faster shift times compared to the normal automatic but for an inexperienced user, this can be somewhat of a hassle.

While the Seltos comes with the same driving modes as the Hyundai Venue, it comes with the optional 4WD system for better traction and usability in case you are busy listening to today's weather forecast but considering that if you want to take it on gravel or snow, go help yourselves because the Seltos has slight offroad capability despite the optional 4WD drivetrain.

Of course, the Seltos has a wide array of safety features in its class but again, too much to mention.

Looking at the combined fuel economy rating, the diesel can get through 17 to 17.6km/L whereas the petrol can get through 11.8 to 12.7km/L, both in front-wheel drive configurations, which is decently impressive.

With both of these Korean crossovers in the glossary, which would you pick? For budget, you can go for the Venue, but for something much of an all-rounder, you can go for the Seltos. The decision is up to you.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company/Kia Motors

Hyundai Sonata DN8

The previous LF Sonata was meant to be a technological tour de force for Hyundai to be a class apart from the competition but due to its regular styling reminiscent of the YF model, there were only a few people interested in it until the New Rise gave a new life to the LF and slightly gained some attention to it. Responding to the lukewarm reception of the old LF model, Hyundai called the shots to give the Sonata a new lease on life with this full model change.

2020 Hyundai Sonata

There's a big reason why the chassis code for this generation is called DN8 because some might joke as "did not ate", it truly is the eighth generation Hyundai Sonata for this full model change, the Sonata is now a class on its own and with only a few executive midsize saloons out in the open, the DN8 Sonata strives to become the alpha of the now-endangered species.

2020 Hyundai Sonata

First, let's get to know about the design but sadly, there's something perplexing about the exterior design. On the front, you will notice the hexagonal-shaped grille and the Malibu-styled lamps but look closely at the edge of the headlamp and you will notice that the edge of the headlamp's stretching through the car's side. It's as messy as looking at a little kid with overstretched eyelids, something you would put on the Body Bizarre documentary. While the front face looks horrendous due to the overstretched edges from the headlights, the coupe-like styling is somewhat of a compliment for some while the rear view looks like it came from the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. In other words, the design of the new model looks rather bizarre than blasphemy. On the inside, however, tells a different story.

2020 Hyundai Sonata interior

On the inside, you are welcomed by the G70-styled steering wheel, mood lighting, seating for five people, climate control, heated seats, HUD, adjustable seats, and so on, which isn't so bad for a car like this but the biggest party piece is that for expensive versions, the new DN8 Sonata comes armed with a built-in camera, which is perfect to record some crazy moments on the road and then share it on social media. This is just like every other people nowadays where they won't go out without a dashcam to record even the silliest things on the road just to break the internet. There's also another party piece for the DN8 Sonata and with the Hyundai Digital Key app ready, your smartphone becomes a key for the Sonata and you can get away from every single journey in a keyless manner. It really is the future, people.

2020 Hyundai Sonata

At launch, the DN8 Sonata is powered by a G4NM 2.0L Smartstream G MPi engine producing 160PS of power and 20kg-m of torque, which is rather regular for a midsize saloon, and while mated to a 6-speed AT, it promises a combined fuel economy of up to 11.9km/L as is. Of course, there's also a variant powered by a 2.0L LPG engine which consumes more than petrol but is cheaper to fill it up than petrol, which is fit for taxi drivers and company car users. Of course, there will be turbo and hybrid variants to follow later.

In terms of driving feel, the DN8 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. 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 one of you needs to go to the rest stop for a toilet break.

The DN8 Sonata starts at 23,460,000 Korean Won and this is still as reasonably priced as the old model. So, while the DN8 Sonata looks bizarre on the exterior design, its technological marvel really makes it more like the man of the people and concerned drivers can't wait to get their hands on its built-in camera feature to record even the silliest stuff on the road just to break the internet. Needless to say, it really is the Sonata for concerned drivers who can't wait to smell some freshly picked sweet potatoes from the troll farm. Typical...

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai IONIQ (2020 minor change)

Since two years ago, Hyundai launched the IONIQ as a response to the Toyota Prius and while it wasn't as efficient as its chief rival, this hybrid does all the things the Prius can't and that is behaving like a normal car. With the latest minor change, there's more work to do for Hyundai's dedicated eco car for the masses.

2020 Hyundai IONIQ

2020 Hyundai IONIQ interior

Available in hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid versions, the facelifted Hyundai IONIQ has made it even more clever than the previous model. With a new grille, new LED lights, and new wheels, the revised exterior design really means business and on the inside, the dashboard's revised with a new touchscreen (in 8-inch display audio or 10.25-inch navigation guise) and a new climate control. That's pretty much it for the new interior, which is still as comfortable as the old model and sustainable as well thanks to extensive use of sustainable materials.

The fuel efficiency remains the same for these models. The hybrid model with its Kappa 1.6L GDi engine connected to a 32kW electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, mated to its double clutch gearbox, delivers a combined fuel efficiency of 22.4km/L while the Plug-in with its Kappa 1.6L GDi engine connected to a 44.5kW electric motor and a 6-speed Double Clutch Gearbox promises a combined rate of 20.5km/L. Nothing's changed of course but these models are getting a new mode that switches these IONIQ models into electric-only mode when driving into designated low-emission zones. It works well on city centers but sounds above average if you ask them.

For the sake of cleverness, the facelifted IONIQ's been offered with a wide range of tech such as regenerative braking, optional one-pedal operation, Hyundai SmartSense safety features, and many others.

The Hyundai IONIQ minor change starts at 24,680,000 Won while the IONIQ Plug-in minor change starts at 28,940,000 Korean Won.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Palisade

Named after the Pacific Palisades in California, which stays in tradition of naming Hyundai crossovers after American places, Hyundai's brand new flagship SUV, the Palisade, is all about the best of both worlds. It can be a family cruiser fit for their Oregon adventure, it can be a luxury car that can escort VIPs to the City of Dreams, it can be a getaway cruiser for you and your mates while traveling to Subic Bay, the Palisade does it all. So, what's it all about the new Palisade?

2019 Hyundai Palisade

2019 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade comes from the bloodline of Santa Fe-based flagship SUVs in Hyundai history since the Veracruz in 2006 and the Maxcruz in 2013 and because this new model, which is an extended version of the latest Santa Fe TM, serves as the replacement of the Maxcruz, which is based on the old DM Santa Fe, the difference between them are beyond their dimensions as well as their luxury car-esque performance even Boom Madam wouldn't complain.

Beginning with the design, the Palisade draws its inspiration from the HDC-2 Grandmaster as seen at the Busan Motor Show last summer and while it's almost as accurate as the concept car it was based on, the Palisade's exterior design is like letting the Caps Lock on and whatever their reason, it likes to yell at everyone else just as the most powerful man in the world likes to end his tweet with an exclamation point, so many times. The front looks like it came from a Rhino unit the police are using so if anyone saw one in their rear view mirror, they better think twice before getting their heads on. On the side view, it's reminiscent of whatever full-size Chevy SUV we can think of, and on the back, there goes the Caps Lock button on. How disturbing is that?

2019 Hyundai Palisade interior

2019 Hyundai Palisade interior

Although the exterior has an expression of the rhino in a business suit, the interior feels pretty much like a luxury car but there is a drama in the dashboard as any speedo boy would tell. On the driver's side, when your typical speedo boy spotted that there are buttons instead of a gear lever that operates its 8-speed automatic gearbox as well as the irreplaceable sat-nav with 10.25-inch screen, among many other high-tech stuff, they would run away and let the average salaryman drive it. On the passenger side, whether if its a seven or an eight-seater, the Palisade is surprisingly more roomier than the Santa Fe it was based on but what makes the second-row seats sweeter is because behind the driver's seat lies a USB port to connect your gadgets while on the move. Handy in the event of being stuck in EDSA traffic on a Friday afternoon.

Of course, the Palisade has an impressive room for five more people and ample boot space for trips to the potluck or a birthday party but word of warning that if all of the second-row seats got occupied by child seats, goodbye sweet spot. Bummer.

2019 Hyundai Palisade

Under the hood, the Palisade is offered with a choice of a 2.2L CRDi-VGT diesel engine that produces 202PS of power, 45kg-m of torque, and up to 12.6km/L of fuel economy, and a powerful 295PS V6 3.8-liter engine with up to 9.6km/L of fuel economy. The V6 variant is beefy but irrelevant on an SUV like this and a diesel variant just wouldn't work rather well in today's climate but still ticks the right boxes like what a family carrier should be. Love it or hate it, these engines do live up to the Palisade's standards.

Although bulky to handle, the Palisade is surprisingly rigid and stable because of its suspension geometry and tuning as well as its planned use of Advanced High Strength Steel and HTRAC all-wheel drive with Multi Terrain Control. The Multi Terrain Control allows drivers to switch through different driving modes including specially-made Snow, Mud, and Sand Modes, each with special traction tuning. It may not be as effective as a Range Rover but as an all-rounder, it's not half bad to take control of.

In terms of safety, the Palisade comes with a wide range of safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go. Nine airbags? Check.

The Palisade, should you buy it, of course, starts at 3.475 million Won for the V6 and 3.622 million Won for the diesel, and while this is the priciest crossover in the Hyundai range, it's competitively priced against other full-size crossovers of its size. So, what we learned that while the Palisade's exterior design is too disturbing and the choice of engines sounds redundant for that size, the interior, the tech, and the comfort is like what the Palisade means. Call it a family carrier, call it a luxury car, call it what you may but what matters the most is that this is why Hyundai made this flagship SUV for these matters. Be thankful.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Genesis G90

When the Genesis luxury brand from Hyundai Motor Group was launched in 2015, Korea's answer to Toyota's Lexus showed that it has separated the men from the boys when it comes to luxury cars. The EQ900 flagship saloon was their first following followed by the G80 executive sedan and their small offering, the G70. As Genesis moves on to its next chapter, the EQ900's story has finished and a new flagship has risen.

2019 Genesis G90

2019 Genesis G90

The first Genesis car was redefined. Welcome to Genesis's brand-new flagship sedan, the G90. As the replacement to the EQ900, the G90 continues where the outgoing model left with its unbiased scale of luxury while incorporating the new Genesis look that will soon be adorned to future models. It really is their next verse in the book of Genesis.

Up front, the G90 is the first to incorporate the new Essentia-styled nose, which will serve as the new design language for Genesis. Like it or leave it, the new face is distinctively Genesis unless you wanted to look further because the Essentia-inspired grille reminds us of the Eunos saloons of the 90s while the headlamps look like it came from the Volvo S90, one of the G90 chief foes. The side remains the same as the EQ900 it replaces but the wheels spoiled the flagship's design and on the rear, would you look at that? It looks like it came from the Lincoln Continental. Questionable design aside, the G90 is too impossible to ignore because a lot of people are going to talk about this car post-launch, and with such conversations, Genesis's new flagship is onto something here.

2019 Genesis G90 interior

2019 Genesis G90 interior

The inside of the G90 remains the same as the outgoing EQ900, meaning that it still has that out-on-a-limo feeling every time you step out of it, although you will notice some changes to the central air vents flanking the analog clock and some new upholstery and trim choices. Because the interior of the G90 is almost the same as the EQ900 it replaces, the rear side really shows how much of a Genesis this flagship is while being on the hot seat and letting your driver understand how it moves.

2019 Genesis G90

Under the driver's seat, the G90 behaves the same as the EQ900 it replaces and the engine choices remained the same as last time, ranging from V6 3.3-liter T-GDI (370PS); V6 3.8-liter GDI (315PS); or V8 5.0-liter GDI (425PS), all mated with an 8-speed automatic with lock-up torque converter. The G90 can be offered in rear-wheel drive or HTRAC all-wheel drive system, which electronically controls torque split between the axles depending on which driving conditions the driver is on, providing a well-stabled ride on slippery conditions and allows the driver to select different driving modes.

While the G90 offers a wide array of safety features fit for the journey home from a posh lunch at Isdaan to the trip back to the mansion in Muntinlupa City, the most notable features include Surround View Monitor, Reverse Guide Lamp, and Rear Cross Collision Warning/Rear Cross Collision Prevention Assistance.

The G90 starts at 77 million Won up to 120 million Won, which is still the most expensive Korean-made car in history and it's still less expensive than the BMW 7-Series. So, the G90 may be more like the EQ900 it replaces but it's a fresh start for Genesis as the Korean luxury brand from the Hyundai Motor Group continues to reinvent its recipe for success that earned them awards and accolades during its three-year existence. With the G90, fans of the Genesis brand will be prepared for what's next ahead.

Available colors: Marble White, Platinum Silver, Grace Blue Ray, Carbon Metal, Amber Brown, Royal Blue, Titanium Black, Porto Red, and Gold Coast Silver.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company