Think of Hyundai nowadays and you immediately visualize sleek and futuristic models like the Staria van and IONIQ 5 electric vehicle.
Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) is also a source of excitement for driving enthusiasts with its IONIQ 5 N and Elantra N. But with the launch of the rest of the all-new Hyundai Elantra lineup at the 2025 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), one of the South Korean carmaker’s most enduring nameplates is back on our shores.
We take a look back at the Elantras that Filipinos have gotten over the last two decades.
Elantra RD/J2
The second-generation Hyundai Elantra (known as the Lantra or Avante in other markets) was launched globally in 1995.
The Philippines got the Elantra courtesy of Francisco Motors Corporation, which had been distributing the Hyundai Excel since 1995. Sporting sleek styling and a fuel-injected 1600cc engine, this Elantra did battle with Japanese heavyweights like the Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra and Honda Civic.
This generation of Elantra also waged war in local touring-car races, wearing resplendent blue-and-white livery, with the MP Turbo racing team helmed by the legendary Mike Potenciano.
Elantra MD/UD/JK
It took nearly a decade for the Philippines to get its next Elantra, which was launched at MIAS 2011 by then-distributor Hyundai Asia Resources Inc (HARI).
The compact sedan was available with either a 1.6-liter inline-4 gasoline engine producing 128 horsepower and 157 Newton-meters of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Meanwhile, the top-spec Elantra GLS got a 1.8-liter inline-4 with 148 horsepower and 178 Newton-meters of torque, which were coursed through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
This Elantra also won the coveted 2011-2012 Car of the Year from the Car Awards Group, Inc. as well as getting a facelift in December 2013. Main rivals included the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis and Nissan Sylphy.
Elantra AD
Just four years after the previous-generation Elantra made huge waves in the local car scene, HARI launched the 2016 Elantra AD in December 2015.
This Elantra was 20 millimeters longer and 5 millimeters wider than its predecessor, along with featuring thicker door glass for better soundproofing. Power was still courtesy of Hyundai’s proven 1.6-liter inline-4 engine, mated to a 6-speed manual in the base E variant and a 6-speed automatic in the midgrade S variant.
Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line Elantra L got an all-new 2.0-liter inline-4 pumping out 150 horsepower and 192 Newton-meters of torque, which were coursed through a 6-speed automatic. This model was discontinued in late 2020.
Elantra N
Unusual for a mainstream manufacturer, Hyundai decided to bring the latest-generation Elantra CN7 to the Philippines starting with its performance variant.
After HMPH took after the brand’s local operations in June 2022, the carmaker launched the Elantra N at MIAS 2024. This super-sedan packs a turbocharged 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine with 276 horsepower and 392 Newton-meters of torque, mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Other upgrades to handle this tower of power include an electronic limited-slip differential, electronically adjustable shock absorbers and a reinforced chassis. The Elantra N can do 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
With the latest-generation Elantra now complete in the Philippines (with rather aggressive pricing), HMPH is set to continue a long-running love affair between Filipinos and this compact sedan.
