One for every kind of driver

The start of March saw several new models launched in just the span of one week. The vehicles range from family-friendly MPVs, to an SUV and even a hatchback. We go over some of the most notable to bring you up to speed on what’s new.

2022 Mitsubishi Xpander

First launched in 2018, the Mitsubishi Xpander quickly won over the hearts of Filipino families with a vehicle that is beautifully designed, spacious, efficient, and easy to drive. After being in the market for four years, the time has come for an Xpander update.

The new Xpander receives extensive improvements, both inside and out. The front features slit-type daytime running lamps, new T-shaped LED headlights for a more modern and aggressive look. The new grille is divided into two sections. In the center is a gloss-black upper grille and lower mesh. It’s finished off with new foglamps.

Along the side, it boasts of larger 17-inch wheels and new side sills, while still offering 220mm of ground clearance. Like the front, the rear gets the same T-shaped LED taillights. The rear bumper was also redesigned for a sportier look. The reflectors have been moved to the corners housed inside ducts made to look like diffusers.

Inside the cabin gets a major makeover with a new cockpit Mitsubishi calls the Horizontal Axis. The driver gets a Lancer Evolution-inspired wheel sporting controls for the entertainment system and cruise control. The new touchscreen infotainment system with buttons for some functions and a knob for the volume. This digital system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The biggest change is in the climate control system with toggle switches for the temperature and fan speed. There’s also an electronic parking brake that comes with an autohold feature to give you a break from stepping on the brake at stoplights.

Despite all these changes, Mitsubishi has still managed to keep the Xpander’s price down. The base GLX MT starts at P1,030,000, while the top-of-the-line GLS AT features here is priced at P1,160,000. The all-new Xpander can now be pre-ordered at Mitsubishi dealerships across the country. Deliveries and official sales are expected to begin later this year.

2022 Toyota Avanza

The latest Avanza is all-new, boasting of a major exterior makeover, its interior overhauled, plus it gets new safety features and creature comforts. It shifts slightly from being purely a commercial vehicle to a model that also caters to young families.

One of the biggest changes in this model is its layout. The Avanza is now a front-wheel-drive unit thanks to the new platform. It was changed to a new full monocoque chassis to reduce weight, improve handling, and increase ride comfort. It also gets bigger, with a wheelbase that’s 95mm longer than its predecessor.

The façade’s ‘Keen Look’ has a more horizontal layout and a much wider hexagonal grille that almost stretches to all four corners. It now gets thinner split-type LED headlamps.

Inside it gets an all-new dashboard, a fresh set of two-tone seat material, and more importantly, has one of the most seating configurations of any MPV with seven. That includes a Long Sofa mode so the family can relax with their feet up while sitting in the third row.

G and E variants have an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even USB charging ports at the rear. Safety features for these grades include a back camera and a back sensor.

Two different Dual VVT-i (variable valve timing) engines power the Avanza: a 1.3-liter that produces 98-PS and 122-Nm of torque; and a 1.5-liter with an output of 106-PS with 138-Nm of torque. The J and E variants are paired to a five-speed manual while the G and E use a new continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The price of the 2022 Toyota Avanza starts at P813,000 for the 1.3 J MT; P928,000 for the 1.3 E MT; P984,000 for the 1.3 E CVT; and P1,039,000 for the 1.5 G CVT.

2022 Changan CS35 Plus

Changing things up is Changan with their new SUV, the CS35 Plus. It’s a B-segment crossover designed for the young and tech-savvy.

The CS35 Plus features a modern face with distinctive LED daytime running lights that stretch across the façade. Just below is a large grille with LED headlights positioned on either side. The grille stops just short of the red character line that runs along the bottom and wraps around the lights. The rear gets a revised LED taillight design as well.

Inside, the SUV gets a more stylish interior. Drivers will be greeted by a new flat-bottom steering wheel, a digital instrument panel, a revised automatic climate control panel, and sleeker aircon vents. Buyers will be delighted by the unique two-tone red and black leather interior that further highlights the vehicle's sportiness.

This new generation vehicle boasts of an 10-inch infotainment touchscreen display. It has AM/FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone connectivity, navigation, video playback, and more. There's even a built-in wireless charger and 2 USB charging ports to keep your mobile devices charged. Other available features on higher grade models are rear A/C vents, a panoramic sunroof, a new power tailgate, and a 403-liter cargo space that can be increased to 950 liters with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 CS35 Plus is powered by an upgraded 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that makes 160-PS along with 260-Nm of torque. This is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with manual mode.

It’s also intelligent when on the road, with driver aids like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, front collision warning, a 360-degree around-view camera system, and 6 airbags.

The CS35 Plus comes with a five-year/150,000 km mileage warranty and free PMS Labor for the first year or first 20,000 km, whichever comes first. It starts at P898,000 for the CS35 Plus Lite; P969,000 for the CS35 Plus Hype; and P999,000 for the CS35 Plus Luxe.

Suzuki Swift

For those looking for a small but fun car for the daily commute, there’s the new Suzuki Swift. Some of the improvements to the Swift’s current exterior include a refreshed front bumper grille with studded net patterns for a more modern, sportier look. Inside, an improved audio system with a larger eight-inch screen, compared to the current seven-inch screen, with soft touch buttons, Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility and applications for better connectivity awaits as well.

For added safety features and convenience, the new version comes with a reverse sensor and a reverse camera to keep you safe in tight, hard to maneuver spaces. The new Swift GL CVT will be available at a price of P844,000 and will come in four different colorways – Ablaze Red Pearl, Speedy Blue Metallic, Pure White Pearl and Mineral Gray Metallic.