Still mulling whether or not to go to the 2022 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) happening this weekend? Worry not. We’ve gone ahead and taken a tour and have put together a short list of the cars worth checking out at this year’s MIAS.
There are several models making their Philippine debut at this show and making a trip to the event is definitely well worth it. After all, some of these, you can even sit inside, play with the new tech features, or even test drive and place a reservation on.
If you haven’t seen the new crop of brands now available some of these are well worth checking out. Newcomer, Changan, further strengthens its lineup with eye-catching SUVs and a fully-electric sedan. Taking the spotlight at the Changan booth are their very attractive CS35Plus and CS75 Plus SUV. These two vehicles, in the small SUV and compact SUV segment respectively, offer exceptional style with their distinctive red strip along the body, two-tone leather seats, and a whole buffet of high-tech features like full LCD dashboards and cameras all around the vehicle. The Eado EV460 electric sedan, on the other hand, offers completely zero-emission motoring being powered by an electric motor and battery pack. Get a headstart on the coming electric vehicle wave with this new model.
Chery beefs up its Tiggo crossover lineup with the addition of 2 key models, the 5X pro and 8 Pro. The new 5X Pro gets a fresh new face, new dashboard with a seven-inch instrument cluster, and 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment system, and a revised interior. It’s powered by the same 1.5-liter engine. Higher up on the lineup is the 2022 Tiggo 8 Pro, now the flagship model. It’s a seven-seater packed with all the latest features. Its interior features high-quality leather and multiple LCD displays. It comes with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, intelligent voice control, and an eight-speaker sound system. Powering it is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (wet clutch). Also present at the show was the very special Tiggo 8 Pro plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a showcase of the future of this model.
Another one worth checking out is Chevrolet, headlined by its newest SUVs, the all-new 2022 Trailblazer, Tracker, and Tahoe. This is the Philippine debut of the Tahoe. It comes with the Z71 four-wheel-drive package, and is the only variant offered in the country. The Tahoe gets a full-leather interior, and a new dashboard with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It's powered by a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 that produces 355 PS along with 518 Nm of torque, paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Another brand worth checking out is Foton with its newest model, the Thunder pickup. Receiving an extensive upgrade inside and out, the 2022 Thunder gets a more aggressive exterior, along with a more modern and high-tech cabin. The Thunder hopes to do battle in the very competitive pickup segment and it comes prepared with styling inspired by a certain top-selling model. It comes with a more car-like interior with more features. It’s now powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-four, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Foton says a 4x2 automatic and a 4x4 variant will be available soon. Most impressive of all, this new Thunder is assembled in the Philippines.
GAC was also present with two new models, the Empow 55 and GS8 SUV. The EMPOW55 is GAC’s first sport sedan and it’s definitely evident in its aggressive styling and color. This is just a preview for the mean time but let’s hope GAC brings it in very soon. Another vehicle present was the updated GS8 large SUV. This newer model will replace the current version being sold very soon. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 251 PS and 400 Nm of torque, paired with an Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission with a BorgWarner all-wheel-drive system. GAC will reveal more details about this car very soon.
MG cars brought in its latest HS SUV, their largest yet with more sporty styling expected of the brand. Its other popular models, the GS, GT, MG6, and MG3 are also on display.
Nissan took the wraps off its Calibre-X, the newest variant of the Navara pickup. This model brings all the best features of its Pro-4X model, now in a more accessible 4x2 variant. Outside the exhibition area, Nissan also revealed its next generation e-POWER hybrid vehicle. Taking the form of the upcoming Kicks SUV, it hopes to offer a more appealing and affordable alternative to the current hybrid segment and is set to launch very soon.
Peugeot was present with new models like the Traveller van and 2008. The Traveller boasts of a new look and redesigned interior that hopes to appeal to large families. Meanwhile, the younger set will likely be enticed by the new 2008 small SUV. Bearing bright colors and a futuristic interior, it hopes to appeal to young professionals looking for a standout ride for the city.
Another brand present was Subaru with its new Forester SUV and BRZ sports car. The Forester gets a brand new look both inside and out and is equipped with the latest EyeSight 4.0 driver safety technology. Meanwhile, the new BRZ sports car gets a much larger FA24 2.4-liter boxer-four engine that produces 237 PS and 250 Nm of torque. Best of all, it’s offered in a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.
These are just a few of the new models featured at the 2022 MIAS happening this weekend at the World Trade Center. Seeing these beauties in the metal should be more than enough reason to make the trip and take part in the highly anticipated event.