Speed Philippines – July 2019

A GREAT FIRST CAR

Hyundai Reina 1.4 GL

PRODUCT

TEST NO.

2162

The Hyundai Reina may look a tad familiar as it shares the same platform and powertrain with the Kia Soluto; both

are manufactured in China by the same company. While the two cars sport the same engine and other components,

that’s where the similarity ends. The Hyundai Reina is more basic, with only the essentials installed. No frills and

fancy options, just run-of-the-mill subcompact to essentially keep the price down—a boon for first-time car owners

and fleet services.

The Hyundai Reina is one of the best starter vehicles in the market today. Its

simple layout and basic equipment may be viewed as a downside, but it’s treated

as an advantage especially when the purchase price is the priority. It gets the

job done comfortably. It may not be a traffic light terror, but getting to your

destination comfortably and economically is a great advantage on its own.

SPEED SAYS

GEEK METER

THE
NUMBERS

WORDS EARL MANALANSAN

INTERIOR

1

2

3

The audio system is a simple 1-DIN AM/FM radio

(^3) with USB connectivity. No Bluetooth access though.
It’s a subcompact design but has more interior room,
particularly for the rear passengers. Legroom is
generous. The baggage compartment is bigger than expected.
1
The interior is plain fabric, but offers enough
support, which is needed when stuck in today’s
traffic. Unlike leather seats, the materials don’t retain
heat even after exposed under the hot sun.
2
58 JULY 2019
ENGINE
1.4-liter 16-valve
gasoline
TRANSMISSION
4-speed
automatic
POWER
94hp @
6,000rpm
TORQUE
132Nm @
4,000rpm
BRAKES
front: ventilated
disc
rear: drum
SUSPENSION
front:
MacPherson with
stabilizer
rear: couple
torsion beam
axle
TIRES
185/65 R14
SAFETY
driver and front
passenger
airbags, ABS,
child seat anchor
(ISOFIX), security
alarm, auto door
lock/unlock
PRICE
P688,000
The 1.4 liter 16-valve mill lacks the torque
for a large displacement engine. But with
good clutch and accelerator maneuvering,
you could get past the initial bog and enjoy
a respectable off-the-line acceleration.
Power is good in the upper RPMs, plus it
gets good fuel economy.
The 185/65 R14s is a tad small, but this
combination is the most reasonably priced. Instead
of alloy rims, it’s equipped with steel wheels with
plastic covers. Owners have the choice to put larger
aftermarket wheels for more pizzaz.
The Reina’s suspension is quite a revelation. It’s firm yet
comfortable. It reveals its sporty face on curves and climbs.
The handling gives you more confidence since it feels like it
sticks to the pavement. Bolt on some bigger and wider tires
and you have a pseudo-sports car.
The overall profile of the Hyundai Reina is actually
quite attractive. The design is based on the Hyundai
Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language. The cascading
grille is surrounded by aptly shaped headlights, and
sports a wider fascia with provisions for driving lights.