Miscellaneous classics #14: Hyundai Porter H100

Many people may not make a second glance at the numerous lorries/trucks on our roads, except when they are going too slow for our liking. However, as my aim is to try and document old vehicles in Singapore, I felt it was appropriate to spotlight this humble 2000 Hyundai Porter H100 that is no longer around...

 

The Hyundai Porter (also known as the H-100) was first released in 1977 as a truck or minibus. The second-generation model was a rebadged Mistubishi Delica, after the restriction on South Korea's automobile industry was lifted. Round headlights were installed on the third generation and the steering wheel was similar to the Sonata during that time. 

 

For the fourth generation, it was called the New Porter and a facelift was given. The cab was changed to be the same as the Hyundai Grace van and Anti-Lock Brake System were applied. Side decals and automatic transmission were made available in 1999. A few engines were offered, with this unit being powered by a 2476cc D4BF i4 engine. It was 4750 mm long and had a net weight of 1580kg, with a maximum weight of 2850kg.

 

Production of the fourth-generation Porter ended in 2004, though you may be able to see the similar-shaped Inokom Lorimas which was licenced-built in Malaysia from 2000. While the fourth and fifth-generation Porters were sold in Singapore, none are known to be left as they have passed the 20-year statutory lifespan; you would probably have better luck seeing them in Korea or developing countries. Even though people may not care too much about trucks, this picture will serve as a memory to the time these workhorses plied our roads!

More than an old car #219: Hyundai Tiburon

Hyundai has come a very long way over the years: from being looked down on to being respected with the big boys, especially with its WRC finishes and the revolutionary N Vision 74 concept. This 1999 Hyundai Tiburon/Coupe (RD2) was from the days where Hyundai was still finding its feet...

First released in 1996, it took several deisgn cues from the "HCD-II Epoch" concept that debuted at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show. In Singapore, it was known simply as the Coupe while it was branded as the Tiburon (Spanish for shark) in the wider international market - the exterior design was said to be reminiscent of a shark.

The RD2 facelift in 1999 (with a sub-name of Turbulence) gave the Tiburon a sharper, more aggressive look compared to its predecessor. Featuring the twin circular headlight design, it was controversially noted to resemble the 6th-gen Toyota Celica. Other than that, the Tiburon still maintained a low-slung stance and sculpted body lines, giving the visual appeal of a much more expensive sports car. Its styling elements were inspired by European coupes, giving it a distinct character that turned heads wherever it went. The turn signals were changed to orange in 2000.

Inside, the Tiburon RD2 offered a driver-focused cockpit with sporty bucket seats and a well-laid-out dashboard. While the materials used were not luxurious, the cabin was practical and comfortable for daily use. Features such as air conditioning, a sunroof, and power windows were available, making the Tiburon a well-equipped coupe for its time.

This unit was powered by a 1599 cc Hyundai Beta i4 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 193 km/h with an acceleration of 10.5 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It was 4345 mm long and weighed 1137 kg, with a fuel consumption of 8.3 litres / 100 km. Interestingly, the Korean market only featured 1.8 and 2-litre engines, along with an automatic transmission option. Units sold in Singapore were only available in a 5-speed manual.

Production of the Tiburon RD2 ended in 2001 where it was replaced by the GK series, known as the Tuscani in Singapore. The Coupe was sold here in 1997, with the RD2 series in 1999 where it retailed for $100,500. Local reviews were not encouraging about the design, though they noted stronger brakes, decent performance and a very attractive pricing. 

Although it never achieved the cult status of competitors like the Honda Prelude or Toyota Celica, the Hyundai Tiburon RD2 remains a unique and affordable entry into the world of sporty coupes (if you can find them). It paved the way for future Hyundai sports cars, such as the Veloster N.

This unit should be the last one in Singapore and I have seen it driven a few times by an old couple. The fact that the owner continues to hold on to this unique vehicle is a testament to sentimental value, especially when parts for old Hyundais are not that easy to find. However, it is precisely of such cars that make our roads a lot more interesting. Hopefully, you may be able to catch a sight of this lone survivor some day!

More than an old car #154: Hyundai Accent

 

Having featured quite a handful of exotic vehicles, I figured that I should not ignore the usual bread-and-butter cars that would have played a more visible role in one's life. I'm not sure if any of you or your parents have owned this 1998 Hyundai Accent X3 before though....

The Accent model was first introduced in 1994 as a replacement for the Excel. It was the 1st Korean car to be developed with 100% proprietary technology as Hyundai seeked to solve the inconvenience of giving royalties to Mitsubishi, with whom they had a long-standing relationship. Its name means "to emphasise" and also happened to be the abbreviation of the decidedly less cooler "Advanced Compact Car of Epochmaking New Technology". 

It was released in sedan, coupe and 3/5-door hatchback form, and underwent a facelift in 1997 with modifications to the front end and the taillights. For the first time in a Korean small car, it featured Anti-lock Braking System and a driver's airbag, although they were still considered as add-on options. Surprisingly, the Accent was quite popular overseas such as in Australia, where it was the most successful imported vehicle in the country's history. The car was powered by a 1495 cc G4HK DOHC 16V i4 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 180 km/h with an acceleration of 10.8 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It was 4115 mm long and weighed 987 kg, with a fuel consumption of 6.8 litres/100 km. 

Production of the Accent X3 ended in 1999, where it was replaced by the LC generation. The Accent was first sold here in 1994 by Komoco Auto, which is still our local Hyundai dealer today. The facelifted Accent was retailing at a price of S$69,990 in 1998, which would be S$93,881 in today's money. This particular unit could very well be the last one left here as plenty were scrapped for newer cars. Compounded with the reality that Korean cars are not seen as being collectible, it really shows how much the owner treasures this classic. What is more amazing is that it is in stock condition, down to the original hubcaps. 

While it may not necessarily attract much attention compared to other well-established brands, it deserves to hold its head up high for being an absolute survivor. As I have always intended to adopt an egalitarian approach in my features, I hope that this has been an eye-opener if you were not aware of this previously. Now hopefully, you will be able to see past its drab appearance and appreciate the overall package!

More than an old car #95: Hyundai Sonata EF

Mention the words "Hyundai Sonata" and one may immediately think of the taxis that continue to ply our roads. The general impression is that they are merely cars that bring you from point A to B, without any emotional attachment to them. Sure, they may be common cars, but how often do you come across this 1999 Hyundai Sonata EF?

Hyundai first started out as the Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company, founded by entrepreneur Chung Ju-Yung in 1947. Its name is derived from the Korean word 현대 (Hyeondae), which means "modernity". The Hyundai Motor Company was founded in 1967, in a joint venture with Ford. Later on, it worked with Mitsubishi to have its vehicles powered by Mitsubishi technology, such as engines and drivetrains. In 1998, it acquired a majority in its rival, Kia Motors and currently, it is the world's 4th largest automaker behind GM, VW and Toyota.

The Sonata was first produced in 1985 as a competitor to the Daewoo Royale and it was advertised as an executive car. The name comes from the musical term that we may be familiar with (also Winter Sonata, anyone?). This unit is the 4th generation of the Sonata, also known as the EF Sonata. Somehow, EF also stands for "Elegant Feeling" for marketing purposes. This is also a pre-facelift version, as the headlights and grille were significantly redesigned in 2001.
It was powered by a 1997 cc Hyundai Sirius G4CP i4 engine (based off the renowned Mitsubishi 4G63 engine), allowing it to reach a top speed of 190 km/h, with an acceleration of 10.5 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It was 4710 mm long and weighed 1340 kg.

Production of the EF Sonata ended in 2005 (inclusive of the facelifted model). There are still a small handful of facelifted EFs here, but it was my first time seeing such an old Korean car. It has been deregistered recently, and I believe the car is also gone from the road. Judging from the yellowed headlights and missing grille parts, it must have been well-traveled. Korean cars were not known for being reliable back then and it is very rare for one to survive until today. They may look boring, but after all they are a part of car culture in Singapore!