Hyundai Brasil announced yesterday its new models that will arrive in Brazil, including some possible launches. With the ”separation” of CAOA with the manufacturer, now free from the group in terms of imports, the carmaker can import luxury models produced abroad. This opens the door to four new imported models, as well as the facelift of the Tucson and updates to the HR, produced at the Anápolis plant in Goiânia. The announcement also revealed that the brand will invest in clean energy in the country.
REMAINING CAOA’S NOVELA WITH HYUNDAI
Since 1999, Hyundai and the CAOA Group were partners, when CAOA began importing the brand’s vehicles. This meant that Hyundai Motor Brasil (HMB) handled the domestic cars, while the group took care of the imported cars.
This agreement limited the autonomy of Hyundai over the portfolio in Brazil and restricted its growth. But now, with the separation, the door has opened: CAOA has ceded the import and distribution rights to HMB, which is now responsible for all sales in the country. In addition, the previously separate dealer network has been unified, allowing all stores to sell the brand’s complete portfolio without any restrictions.
However, the CAOA factory in Anápolis will be used to assemble new Hyundai and Chery vehicles, as well as producing parts. Remember that Hyundai has its own plant in Piracicaba, in the interior of São Paulo, but it operates at maximum capacity, around 200,000 vehicles a year.
At the event last night, the brand reinforced its plans for the future and explained and implied that the split with the group was peaceful.
WHAT WILL BE THE FIRST VEHICLES?
Hyundai presented the vehicles that will be available on our market in 2024, including possible future models. The HR van, for example, received new items such as 2WD/4WD drive selection, DRL, ESC and compliance with Proconve L7 emissions levels. In 2023, the van surpassed the mark of 100,000 units produced.
Contrary to what many expected, the Hyundai Tucson will remain in its third generation on the Brazilian market, although it is already being sold in its fourth generation abroad. Despite speculation about its arrival, the SUV has undergone a mid-life restyling, featuring design refinements and retaining the 1.6 TGDI engine with 177 hp and 27 kgfm of torque and the seven-speed automatic transmission. Manufactured in Anápolis (GO), the Tucson had its biggest visual change at the rear, with new lantern designs and new 18-inch wheels, as well as subtle modifications to the interior.
VEHICLE COMING TO BRAZIL IN THE SECOND SEMESTER
At the end of the event, Hyundai unveiled the vehicles that will be launched in Brazil, including an eight-seater premium SUV called the Palisade and the electric IONIQ 5, winner of several awards in 2022, such as “World Car of the Year” and “Best World Car Design of the Year”.
The Palisade, a highlight among the launches, arrives to compete with models such as the Land Rover Discovery and Jeep Grand Cherokee, offering the best of the automaker in terms of technology and performance. Although prices have not been disclosed, it is estimated that the Palisade will arrive in Brazil costing between R$500,000 and R$600,000, taking into account its competitors.
In the exterior design, the cascading grille, framed by vertical LED lights, and the 20-inch alloy wheels reinforce the robustness of the model. The instrument panel is made up of two 12″ screens each. The driver can enjoy the complete ADAS package. In addition, the vehicle also offers a Wi-Fi hotspot through which all passengers can surf the Internet
The Palisade has a 3.8-liter V6 engine that offers 295 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 36 kgfm of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SUV features HTRACT 4X4 traction that monitors and distributes the specific torque needed at each wheel.
The IONIQ 5, an electric hatch from Hyundai, is also expected to arrive in Brazil, competing with models such as the Volvo XC40 and Volvo C40. In other words, we can expect something above R$300,000. Its design is reminiscent of Hyundai’s first car, the Pony, launched in 1975.
Produced in South Korea under the E-GMP platform, the model features a 72.6 kWh battery, providing 305 hp and more than 75 kgfm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds. The range is 500 km on the WLTP cycle.
In the interior, there are two 12.25-inch screens, a new steering wheel with the Hyundai logo in Morse code, representing the letter “H” and ecological materials.
The platform of the IONIQ 5 supports fast charging of 400 and 800 volts, allowing you to charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. With just five minutes of charging, users can get 100 km of autonomy, making journeys more convenient and efficient.
Hyundai said it is studying which of the two models will come first in the second half of the year, but said that both will be here in 2024 and 2025.
POSIBLE VEHICLES FOR 2025
The Hyundai Santa Fé, already known in the Brazilian market, could come to Brazil in the next few years. If it does, it could receive new versions with engines such as a 2.5 GDI with 194 hp, a 2.5 TGDI with 281 hp or a 1.6 TGDI hybrid with 235 hp. The specifications are still being studied to determine which ones will be brought here. In Brazil, the SUV would be up against the Honda CR-V, Chery Tiggo 8, Toyota SW4, Jeep Commander, BYD Tan and Mitsubishi Pajero sport. The price could exceed R$400,000.
In addition, the Hyundai Kona was also presented, with possible competitors such as Toyota Corolla Cross, Volvo EX30, GWM Haval H6, Peugeot e-2008 and BYD Yuan Plus. With this, we can expect a price above R$300,000.
The SUV features two versions, one with an electric motor and the other a hybrid. The electric motor offers two battery options: a 48.6 kWh battery that offers 135 hp of power and 370 km of WLTP range. And another with a 64.8 kWh battery, providing 204 hp of power and 505 km of range (WLTP). The hybrid version will have a 1.6 GDI engine with 141 hp and 27 kgfm of torque.
