Hyundai Reina: Automatic vs Manual

Hyundai PH brought its competitively priced sedan Reina at the beginning of this year. Launched at an introductory price of 598,000 (it has been revised lately), it has emerged as one of the strongest contenders in the segment. Currently, the Hyundai Reina is available in just two variants with a choice of an automatic and manual gearbox. While both versions share copiously, the primary point of distinction is performance. In this spec-based comparison, we pit Reina MT and AT to find out which one suits you best based on your needs.

Price

Manual Variants	Automatic Variants	Price Difference
Hyundai Reina 1.4 GL 5MT-Php 648,000	Hyundai Reina 1.4 GL AT-Php 698,000	Php 50,000
Hyundai Reina 1.4 GL 5MT with AVN -Php 698,000	Hyundai Reina 1.4 GL 4AT with AVN-Php 748,000	Php 50,000

The Hyundai Reina price starts from P698,000 for the base manual version,  however, its automatic version is available at an extra premium of P50,000 which carries over the same feature kit as the manual trim. 

An AVN version, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also available that costs P50,000 more than the standard MT and AT grades respectively. 

Engine Performance 

	Hyundai Reina Manual	Hyundai Reina Automatic
Engine	1.4-litre MPI	1.4-litre MPI
Displacement	1,368 cc	1,368 cc
Power	95 PS at 6,000 rpm	95 PS at 6,000 rpm
Torque	132 Nm at 4,000 rpm	132 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Transmission	Five-speed manual	Four-speed automatic

Talking of the Hyundai Reina specs, the 95 PS, 1.4-litre MPI engine is common to both versions. This unit is conjunct to a conventional five-speed manual unit, while the AT version gets a four-speed auto box. 

Speaking of performance, the conventionally powered 5-speed manual version stays composed in daily traffic, returning a decent economy amid start-stop traffic conditions. The stick shift responds well on long open stretches. As for power, the small motor does not make much, but the torque is impressive. Overall, it is a balanced car with no jitters or vibrations from the pedal, engine or steering wheel. 

On the other hand, the automatic version equips the oldfangled Chinese-made four-speed gearbox. However, these econoboxes have evolved over the last 12 years since their introduction. It is a fitting option for daily city driving, with minimal noise even on rough roads. The gear shifting is smooth and intuitive which allows hassle-free maneuvering around tight city areas. 

Mileage

Hyundai Reina Manual	Hyundai Reina Automatic
25.8 kmpl	25.8 kmpl

The claimed mileage for the entry-level Reina is 25.8kmpl, though this figure could vary in real-time conditions. It delivers slightly more fuel-economy on highways as compared to city-conditions.  

Safety

Features	Hyundai Reina MT	Hyundai Reina AT
Driver airbag	Yes	Yes
Co-passenger airbag	Yes	Yes
Anti-lock-braking system	Yes	Yes

The bare bone safety kit packs airbags for the driver and co-passenger, providing basic safety shields at the front; and there is an anti-lock braking system.  

Features

	Hyundai Reina MT	Hyundai Reina AT
Manual air-conditioner	Yes	Yes
Power windows	Yes	Yes
Audio system	Yes	Yes
Central door locks	Yes	Yes
Speed-sensing door lock	Yes	Yes
Instrument cluster	Yes	Yes
Rear headrest	Yes	Yes

The equipment list is identical in both manual and automatic versions, which also includes below listed features. 

• Sunvisor
• Room lamp
• Side repeaters
• Instrument cluster with 2.8-inch LCD display
• 1-DIN radio
• AM/FM
• USB port
• Manual air conditioner 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be additionally availed with the AVN variants in both manual and automatic variants.  

Verdict 

Hyundai PH’s mainstream sedan may miss out on chrome styling elements, alloy wheels and even LED lights, it surprises you with its easy driving dynamics. Both, manual and automatic versions are identical in terms of looks and features with the only point of difference being the availability of an automatic gearbox on the top-spec variant. 

While the manual version efficiently maneuvers through the start-stop city traffic, the auto-box, despite belonging to the economobox era manages to pull a smooth and balanced ride in city conditions. Hence, if you are used to the manual stick and spend a long time on roads amid peak traffic hours, go for the MT version that will also save for P50,000. 

If you prefer the convenience of an automatic gearbox, the AT version will cost you a tad more. It also provides a smooth driving within the city and remains balanced around tight corners where most of the cars struggle, especially around parking lots. Besides, it also delivers slightly more fuel-economy on highways. The AVN versions come with additional Apple CarPlay and Android auto, however, they will make the sedan costlier by P50,000. 

Also read: Hyundai Elantra - Buyer’s guide