10 cars we want to see in the Philippines from Korea and the 2023 Seoul Mobility Show

South Korea’s filled with nice cars and great roads, and there was plenty of eye candy to be had during our recent trip. From some of the most advanced EVs to the most elegant luxury sedans, we’ve picked out ten models spotted in shows, showrooms, and South Korean roads that we’d like to see in the Philippines. On top of that, these cars made the list because we also believe that they could have a fighting chance in the Philippine market. 

Hot off the launch and the availability of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, we have the Ioniq 6. The model was launched last year, and it’s been a best-seller for Hyundai in Korea ever since. We were able to ask Hyundai Motor about the demand for the Ioniq 6, and the brand responded stating that the model was flying off showroom floors. On top of that, we spotted many out on the road and even got to test-drive one in South Korea. 

We suspect that Hyundai Motor Philippines could bring in the model alongside the Ioniq 5. We also suspect that there will be two trim levels, standard and long-range variants, which will comprise the lineup. In addition to that, we’re also seeing a horsepower figure that looks fun to drive, with the base trim packing 149 hp, a mid option packing 225 hp, and a top-spec trim packing 320 hp in other countries. In whatever case, and if Hyundai wants to get ahead of the other brands in the EV space. Perhaps introducing the Ioniq 6, with its quirky streamliner style, will benefit Hyundai, and we reckon it’s a very likely contender for the Philippines. 

Another car that wasn’t the star of the show, but the Philippine media’s car of choice during the trip was the humble Casper. We asked whether the Casper was coming into the country, and Hyundai said that they were considering the model. Easy to park, easy to drive, and hopefully easy to own, we’re putting this car on our wishlist. 

Equipped with a relatively spacious interior, a 1.0-liter engine that makes 75 hp or a 1.0-liter turbocharged mill with 99 hp, the Casper’s poised to take on the rest of the small hatchback segments which includes models like the Suzuki Celerio, the Suzuki S-Presso, Honda Brio, Toyota Wigo, and more. Hyundai hasn’t had a small hatchback in the Philippines for a while now, with the last one being the Eon and the i10 models, but would the brand consider this model? The answer there is, “we’re considering it,” according to Hyundai Motor Philippines.

Do you remember the Kona? We do. Before Hyundai Motor Philippines came to be, and when the Asian brand was under a different distributor, the Kona was one of the best-sellers. Fast forward to today, and the Kona is nowhere to be found. The Creta is now the new model that’s charging into the subcompact segment for Hyundai. 

Perhaps the Kona could come back, reborn, as an EV for our market. Not only will it be set apart from the Creta, but it will also mark the comeback of one of the more stylish models in the subcompact crossover segment, albeit as an EV. While we cannot say for sure that the model will find a home in the country today given the current infrastructure available for EV owners, it might be one that we’ll see in the Hyundai lineup once a good majority of people hop on the EV wagon. 

One of the models that were launched at this year’s Mobility show was the Hyundai Sonata facelift. The new model now features a striking face that is in line with the rest of the Hyundai lineup. Hyundai also stated that the Sonata will receive an N-Line variant, a hybrid variant, and a standard all-gasoline variant. 

While we liked what we saw during the motor show, we reckon that the model won’t be a huge volume seller for Hyundai in the Philippines. Right now, there isn’t a lot of interest in the midsize segment in the Philippines, with the market skewing more towards crossovers and MPVs, but perhaps the Sonata could inject at least some interest in a segment that other manufacturers have pulled out of. 

The newest N model, currently. Hyundai stated that they’re going to unveil more N models to the world, but we’ve been drooling non-stop on the Elantra N ever since it was unveiled, and we want it for the Philippines. We’ve already seen a few grey market N cars getting imported into the country, but the official availability of the N family of products here in the country could be a huge show of force for Hyundai.

The N models are high-performance cars in the Hyundai lineup, and we feel that Hyundai has room to grow and attract enthusiasts in the Philippine market. Having the hero car available in the Philippines is a show of force and engineering prowess for any brand, and Hyundai’s N division is proven in other countries, so what about the Philippines? It could work for the country as a limited-time-only model in the lineup, but that’s pretty wishful thinking on our end. We think that Hyundai has to first get its footing in the market before they make big moves. We’ll have to be patient for this one. 

Before we get any kind of N model here in the country, perhaps the base model of one N car could find its way into the country first. The Elantra, otherwise known as the Avante, is a stunning car even in its mid to high-level trim. Even when painted in a monotone grey color, the sedan has a lot of things going for it, with Hyundai’s aggressive yet rather elegant design. 

We hope that Hyundai Motor Philippines at least brings in the 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, and perhaps outfits it with the N-Line goodies, please? 

Kia was also a star at the show this year, and one of the models that we were blown away by was the EV9. From its design to its technology, it’s a stunning contender that we feel could make it in the Philippine market if ever Kia Philippines confirms its arrival. The model features a ton of tech as well because it has the full advanced driver assist system ready to go and ready to keep you safe. 

While the EV market isn’t mature yet, there is a good chance that Kia will want to give the EV6 a bigger brother in the stable. The EV9 will be another one of Kia Philippines’ cornerstones in the market if ever it does decide to release it in the country. However, with the rate of growth in the EV sector, we feel that this could be a future model. Though, we’ve been wrong in the past, especially with brands that like having the “power to surprise.” 

One brand that blew us away was Genesis. We got an up-close and personal look at the brand’s cars and its showroom outside of the Seoul Mobility show. The G90 is the flagship full-size luxury sedan of Genesis, and what a car it is. On top of that, Genesis also allows owners to customize their vehicles with a stunning array of options. 

While we’re not expecting the brand to make it into the country in the near future, we’re hoping that Hyundai Motor Philippines will become established enough to introduce Genesis to Filipinos. 

Finally, here’s something that we just purely want and that doesn’t make any sense in our market. The G70 shooting brake is a compact car that’s done in a wagon style. It’s a very odd body choice when purchasing a car, but we like it because it sets itself apart from the other luxury sedans and SUVs. A low-slung wagon with the low-to-the-ground feel of a sedan, but with the practicality and boot space of a compact crossover. 

While this car may not be a hot seller at all, it’s a very endearing model that we wish to see in the country. We won’t mind if this wish will be fulfilled, but it would be quite awesome for Hyundai to bring it in.