The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
THE County New Breeze. Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. (formerly Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc.) flagship minibus, is now sporting a fresh new face that continues to delight with its cool, friendly stance, and improved body dimensions. It can accommodate 29 passengers plus the driver.
The County has built a name for itself as a leader in the bus segment, with sales of over 800 in the last six years, or averaging 136 units a year.
At 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. The County remains a trusted and dependable people mover up to this day for government and private business as well as in the education and tourism sectors.
The County New Breeze now has upgraded features for more safety, convenience, and performance on the road.
It is now more heavier than the old model that maintains good balance and stability especially when the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo. It stands taller at 2,870 mm and 25 mm longer compared to the previous mode. The Extra Long variant of the County New Breeze provides extra space for 29+1 reclining seats or an additional row that allows for 32+1 standard seats.
The headlamps are now fitted with LED lamp and fog lamps to ensure better road visibility. Front lights 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.
The rear combination lamps are vertically designed to provide maximum visibility and come with rear fog lamps on both side. The cargo flap door can be conveniently flung wide open for easier loading and access to luggage.
Other thoughtful complements 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.
Inside, the County New Breeze is generously spacious and relaxing. Seats are upholstered with modern PVC material that perfectly withstands the wear and tear of travel. The redesigned cabin is airy and comfortable. Additional overhead lighting enhances the cheery, restful space, which passengers most welcome especially during long-haul trips.
Drivers will likewise appreciate the thoughtful improvements applied on the County New Breeze, starting with the newly designed layout featuring the new crash pad and instrument cluster and a more functional tilt-adjustable telescopic steering wheel with a new four-spoke design and button controls.
At the center is a 3.5-inch Supervision LCD cluster that displays a wide range of information, like odometer reading, trip data, and other vehicle functions. The audio system is fitted with radio, CD player, TV, driver speaker, aux input, USB, and hand microphone, which make it easier to communicate with passengers while maintaining the calm and relaxed atmosphere.
At the heart of the County New Breeze is a powerful turbocharged, intercooled CRDi diesel engine that gives off maximum power of 140 ps at 2,700 rpm, and maximum torque of 38 kg-m at 1,600 rpm for dependable performance on the road. And because it’s a Hyundai CRDi engine, it’s designed for the precise use and clean combustion of diesel for a fuel-saving and eco-friendly ride.