Hariphil officially gives Hyundai County a longer name

As if giving its bus offering a second wind, Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI, formerly Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc.) has officially renamed the County.

Now called the County New Breeze, the official distributor of Hyundai commercial vehicles in the country said that the newest offering comes with upgraded technologies for enhanced safety, convenience, and performance on the road.

HARI told Carmudi Philippines that new label follows the model's latest international name.

The Hyundai County New Breeze features improved body dimensions that can accommodate 29 passengers plus the driver. While the model’s gross vehicle weight is 10 kilograms (kg) heavier than the previous model (now at 6,190kg), HARI said that the 4,305kg-curb weight “maintains good balance and stability especially when the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo.” It is also 25 millimeters (mm) longer compared to the County model before.

In addition, the Hyundai County New Breeze is now taller versus its predecessor at 2,870 mm with the electric ventilator and condenser unit for the air conditioning system was placed at the roof. The adjustment also makes the cooling system more efficient as the condenser now has reduced exposure to dirt.

HARI noted that the County New Breeze’s Extra Long variant provides extra seating to passengers that allows for 32+1 standard seats.

The vehicle’s headlamps are fitted with LED positioning lamp and projector-type fog lamps that are grouped in a unique aesthetic — with the new square design that is inspired by the golden ratio, and a horizontal bezel that blends seamlessly with the radiator grille.

At the back are the rear combination lamps that are designed vertically to provide maximum visibility. They also come with rear fog lamps on both sides for improved visibility. The cargo flap door can be flung wide open for easier loading and access to luggage.

Other thoughtful items include the chrome and matte black grille, new micro antenna design, full-size window wipers that come in handy during heavy rain, and rear reflectors for added safety. 

The Hyundai County New Breeze also features upholstered seats with modern PVC material. It also has additional overhead lighting that will ensure a well-light cabin area.

Moreover, the air-conditioning system can be easily adjusted via the digital dual climate controls for driver and passenger and the LCD that monitors the heating, ventilation.

Those who drive the Hyundai New County will likely appreciate the improvements namely the newly- designed layout featuring the new crash pad and instrument cluster as well as the tilt-adjustable telescopic steering wheel with a new four-spoke design and button controls.

Mounted at the center is the 3.5-inch LCD cluster that displays odometer reading, trip data, and other vehicle functions with digital precision, speed, and colorful, razor-sharp clarity.

Furthermore, the layout for the toggles of the Hyundai County New Breeze features a horizontal row on the right hand, and another twin rows of four switches at the left portion. 

Lastly, the driver can also access the audio system fitted with radio, CD player, television, driver speaker, auxiliary input, USB, and hand microphone, making it easier to communicate with passengers while maintaining the calm and relaxed atmosphere.

Powering the Hyundai Country New Breeze is the turbocharged, intercooled common rail direct-inject diesel engine that can deliver 138 horses and nearly 373Nm of torque.

Providing the stopping power are the front disc brakes and the anti-brakelock system that has an auto adjuster and pad wear indicator.

Absorbing the bumps on the road are the semi-elliptic laminated leaf springs with mono-tube shock absorbers at the front and long-span tapered leaf springs at the rear.

Moreover, the Hyundai County New Breeze is fitted with dual front airbags (for driver and front passenger) designed in the latest depowered type of mechanism that minimizes the risk of injury from airbag deployment. 

The front of Hyundai County New Breeze rides on semi-elliptic laminated leaf springs with mono-tube shock absorbers, while the rear setup is made up of long-span tapered leaf springs to ensure good handling and a smooth, stable ride. 

Over the course of six years, the Hyundai County reached sales of more than 800 units (averaging 136 units a year). During the height of the pandemic, HARI converted the County into a COVID-ready public transport to serve health workers and front liners via HARI’s Biyahe ng Bayani program.

Photos from Hariphil Asia Resources Inc.

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