Surprise model unveilings
The Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) 2022 opened last Sept. 15 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City running until Sept. 18, 2022. Returning after a four-year hiatus, the event showcased the country's biggest auto manufacturers and distributors and their latest vehicles and technologies.
Chances are, you’ve already heard of what vehicles to expect during the show. However, there were still a few models they managed to keep a secret right up until opening day. Here are some of the most noteworthy models that were unveiled.
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0T AWD
Chery Auto Philippines (CAP) added another variant to its flagship SUV model line, the Tiggo 8 PRO. That variant is the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0T AWD. It’s the new middle range variant, positioned between the non-hybrid Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6 and the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV.
As the name indicates, it gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged powerplant that delivers 254-PS at 5,500 rpm and 390-Nm of torque from 2,000-4000 rpm. This is Chery's most powerful non-hybrid model. It’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that delivers drive to all four wheels.
It gets a full leather interior, LED ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, and dual-zone auto climate control. For safety, it gets adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, front collision warning, rear-cross traffic alert, and automatic high-beam. The Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0T is priced at P2.1-million.
Honda BRV
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) unveiled the long-awaited next-generation BR-V seven-seater crossover. It features looks closer to the new HR-V.
The BR-V will be powered by the 1.5-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder i-VTEC engine found in the City and the base model HR-V. This gives it 121-PS at 6,600 rpm along with 145-Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm. It will be paired to a CVT.
It’s not on sale yet, but Honda will likely make an announcement very soon.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Creta
Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc (HMPH) wants to join the EV game with its Ioniq 5. The electric crossover features angular design, a matte finish, and large 20-inch alloy wheels.
Being an EV, the Ioniq 5 features a completely flat floor for generous legroom. Inside are two 12-inch LCD displays for trip information and entertainment. It also boasts of a heads-up display with augmented reality support to make the driver feel like a fighter pilot. The Ioniq 5 boasts of a range of as high as 480-km with a single charge.
Unfortunately, there’s no price yet, but the vehicle is expected to be launched officially in early 2023.
One car you can buy is the Hyundai Creta. This B-segment crossover features styling similar to the new Tucson, including those distinct LED headlights and taillights.
It’s powered by a 1.5-liter engine that makes 115-PS at 6,300 rpm and 144-Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. It will come in a choice of 6-speed manual or Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) which works like a CVT.
Inside, it will feature an digital displays, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and even a wireless charging pad.
It’s also still packed with safety features like airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, reverse parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring system, and cruise control. The Creta starts at P998,000 and goes all the way up to P1,332,000.
Kia EV6
Fellow Korean brand, Kia, also brought an EV in the form of the EV6. Also a crossover, its design, by contrast, is much more curvy and sleek. It shares the same platform as the Ioniq 5, though one wouldn’t guess that with how radically different their designs are.
This time, it’s the Kia’s interior that is more angular, featuring a rotary-style gear selector. It has two large digital displays and touch-sensitive surfaces for climate controls.
As its styling suggests, its electric motor drives the rear wheels only for a more sports car feel. It also boasts of a 500-km range with just one charge.
Like the Hyundai, Kia has no set price for the EV6 yet. They did reveal that it will come with a charging box, with an optional wall-mounted charger also for sale. It’s going to be an interesting early 2023, as the EV6 is also supposed to be officially on sale by that time.
Mazda MX-5 MCP 25
Mazda unveiled a limited run MX-5, exclusive to the Philippine market, to celebrate the Miata Club of the Philippines’ 25th anniversary.
It comes exclusively in Platinum Quartz Metallic with a Navy Blue soft top. Navy Blue accents are also found on the side mirrors and roll hoops. Satin Silver 17-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior transformation.
Inside, the MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition has special touches like a unique commander knob, serial number plate, black leather seats, and nine-speaker Bose sound system.
The MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition are available in both manual and automatic variants with a special price of P 2,250,000 and P 2,300,000 respectively. It will only be produced for a limited time with deliveries starting on September 15, 2022 and final deliveries slated for September 15, 2023.
Mitsubishi Ralliart
Mitsubishi marked the return of the Ralliart brand with the new Strada GLS and Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart.
The new Strada GLS Ralliart (2WD AT) and Montero Sport Black Series Ralliaty (2WD AT) are equipped with exclusive Ralliart components. They boast of Ralliart front under garnish, Ralliart mud flaps, Ralliart side decals, and Ralliart floor mats. The new Strada GLS Ralliart is priced at P1,429,000 while the Montero Sport is priced at P2, 122,000.
Both the Strada GLS and Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart models come in two (2) colors: Jet Black, and Mica White Diamond (+P15,000).