In lieu of a Nitpicker’s Guide, it’s only proper to write about how value for money the Hyundai Reina is.

The Reina is the representative of Hyundai in the subcompact sedan segment. It is sleek, it is simple, and a good first car. At about over PhP 700,000, let’s see what’s good and not in the Reina’s price range. And yes, we are going to compare the Reina to other cars in its segment. To do this, we will highlight some aspects and features of the Reina, what it is good for, and what could have been.

Its engine and transmission

The Hyundai Reina has a 1.4L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline engine which produces an enough power and pull of 95 horsepower and 132 Newton meters of torque. It is either paired with either a manual transmission or an automatic transmission.

While the power output is adequate as it is almost at par with a Toyota Vios 1.3 Dual VVTI engine with a power output of 98 hp and 123 Nm, and more than what the Mitsubishi Mirage offers with its 1.2 3-cylinder engine which produces about 76 hp. The key here is not about mere numbers but also about the power to weight ratio. The Reina, as compared with others, is still on the reasonable and adequate side, with an expected fuel efficiency in the bag. What should be compared is the pairing of the engine to the transmission. While there is a manual Vios and Mirage, both offer a CVT model than an automatic. To me, the CVT is more reliable than conventional AT like the one Reina has. In the long run, the CVT will save more on gas mileage and maintenance cost.

Its interior

As expected in the price range, a lot of plastics can be found in the cabin, on the sides, on the steering wheel, and dashboard. It is common for cars in the same price range, but there are other quirks that make the Reina a little less peachy. First is the window controls found in the center of the car under the AC controls than the left-hand pane of the driver’s door. Others say this is like driving a sophisticated vehicle, but to me this is cost-cutting on the production line especially that the Reina can be sold to countries with either driving side. It’s a clever solution, but it’s definitely not for me.

Second is the center console. A lot of open spaces in the middle but lacking the center console and side armrest can make a real feel difference between a budget car and a more premium (and ergonomic) one.

Its exterior

The car looks like a typical Hyundai. It’s an everyday car, and it’s supposed to work and drive as one, which it does, but driving something that reminds you how you have less money to buy another model or brand can be spicy, especially when you can’t post your ride in social media. It’s not entirely ugly, but it’s basic and it lacks a little oomph. (If you have the same budget to blow on the Reina, I’d prefer you check a nice micro-compact hatch called the Brio or Celerio, or a subcompact sedan no one has heard of called the Vios XE. Also, even the new Mirage with its dynamic shield).

All in all, the Hyundai Reina is actually not a bad car at all. It has the common safety features for its segment; a little less with only two airbags and ABS as compared with its competitors with traction control and Hill Start Assist, et cetera. It also has a good engine despite being paired with an automatic transmission as compared to its competitors with a CVT. I bet the Reina rides like how it’s priced, comfortable for short city rides, but can do for longer ones. I bet the Reina is also “tito-proof” as it can definitely climb Baguio city with 5 people onboard and a trunk full of stuff. I also think the Reina has its charm for others looking to find unique but has limited budget, but at the same time a little basic to be reminded of what and how or why driving is all about driving. It is the perfect first car, up until you start your own family, or probably get a new puppy, as it has ISOFIX tethers to hold on a car, err, dog, seat. But then again after that, even if it looks to be reliable, you will have to sell the Reina because you are left wanting more. You can also think of the Reina as a hardworking subcompact sedan which can be used for businesses, no doubt, and it will endure the next few years of its life. The Hyundai Reina can be a lot of things, I seriously believe so, but the same time, a lot of things it can also not be.

With this, I leave the choice to you, because to each its own (but seriously, look at the new Mirage G4 and the Vios XE. Run!)