2019 Hyundai Reina GL 1.4

Hyundai Reina At A Glance

As the established subcompact sedans inch closer towards the PHP 1,000,000 mark, it seems that there are fewer affordable family sedan options out there. For example, a top of the line Accent is now over a million pesos. However, that also allowed Hyundai to introduce the much more affordable Reina. The Reina was launched in 2019 to become Hyundai's most affordable sedan in the local line-up. This subcompact sedan is actually based on the previous-generation Accent sold from 2013 to 2019. That also means most of its mechanical are similar to the older Accent. It also has a mechanical twin in the form of the Kia Soluto. It is also worth noting that the Reina is the first Hyundai product sold in the country that is assembled in China.

Good buy or goodbye?

Unlike the Accent, the Reina doesn't come from South Korea. Instead, it rolls off Hyundai's assembly line in Congquing, China. Based on where it's made, it might put off a few people from even considering a Reina. However, there are several points that make this Hyundai worth a second look. Because it's affordable brand-new, used prices for these are temptingly within reach. It also has most of the strengths of the previous-generation Accent. That means it's light to drive and has a fairly solid chassis. However, those looking for a diesel option will have to save up a little more and go for the Accent. The only engine choice here is a 1.4-liter gas-fed unit. The automatic uses a rather old-school 4-speed automatic. Speaking of old-school, the Reina does not come with a touchscreen or Bluetooth from the dealership. You'll have to upgrade that yourself. There have also been reports of air-con thermistor problems as well. It seems that is the only sour point of Reina ownership. So, should you buy one? We think it's worth your time to check one of these out. Just make sure the air-con is working properly.

Pros:

>Affordable >Has all the strengths of the previous-gen Accent >Easy to drive >Solid chassis >Fuel efficient >Better safety equipment that base Accents

Cons:

>Rather old-school 4-speed automatic >No diesel option >Air-conditioning issues >Touchscreen and Bluetooth not standard

Variants

1.4 GL M/T 1.4 GL A/T

Dimensions and capacities:

Length – 4,300 mm Width – 1,700 mm Height - 1,460 mm Fuel tank capacity – 43 Liters Ground Clearance – 150 mm

Powertrain:

Engine - 1.4-liter, gas, 4-cylinder in-line, 16-valve DOHC, Dual-CVVT Horsepower – 95 hp Torque – 132 Nm Transmission options – 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic Driven wheels – Front wheel drive

Approximate fuel economy and range:

City – 10.5 km/l (1.4 GL A/T) to 11.1 km/l (1.4 GL M/T) Highway – 14.9 km/l (1.4 GL A/T) Estimated range – 452 km to 640 km per full tank

Alternatives:

Toyota Vios Honda City Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Mazda2 Suzuki Ciaz