For gearheads, the Philippine International Motorshow (PIMS) is a wonderland. This year, the sprawling five-day auto show held at the World Trade Center in Pasay city, drew in cars of every make, model, and design. It was a showcase of some of the most cutting-edge vehicles the industry has to offer, as well as a platform for announcements from different car manufacturers across the globe. Here’s what you missed.
Suzuki
Suzuki Philippines (SPH) previewed the all-new Jimny which also served as a peek into the look and technology of Suzuki’s next-generation cars. The all-new 4×4 Jimny features a tough, redesigned, exterior while retaining its compact dimensions for excellent drivability. Its powerful engine can traverse both narrow city streets and rough terrain, making the vehicle an ideal companion for both urban and off-road driving. The iconic off-roader was joined by other Suzuki popular vehicles such as the new Swift, new Dzire, new Vitara, and Ciaz.
Isuzu
Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC), in keeping with the motor show’s theme “Future Mobility,” brought in vehicles equipped with its game-changing RZ4E Blue Power engine: the Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS and the Isuzu D-MAX RZ4E LS. Side-by-side with the RZ4E-powered light commercial vehicles (LCVs) were the Isuzu mu-X Luxe and the Isuzu D-MAX 4×4–both powered by the 3.0-liter 4-cylinder in-line Blue Power diesel engine with turbo intercooler. IPC also showed off its modernized public utility vehicles (PUVs), assembled using the Isuzu QKR77 platform, as well as its concept vehicle Isuzu VT02, and launched the new Isuzu EXZ QL with a 6WG1-TCG52 engine paired with a ZF16 speed multistage transmission, an aerodynamic wind deflector, an air wing for better fuel economy, and a 420 PS and 2,060 Nm torque power plant.
Honda
Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) showcased the first BR-V made in the Philippines. Assembled in HCPI Sta.Rosa, the 7-seater BR-V is available in variants from the entry-level S to the the top of the line V Navi. The vehicles come with the 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine paired with variable transmission, and are able to produce 120 PS and 145 Nm of torque. Underscored on the HCPI booth are vehicles that represent Honda’s new, advanced safety technology suite. The BR-V was joined by the City, CR-V, and the Civic Type R.
Nissan
The stars of the Nissan Philippines booth were the Navara Warrior X and Terra S, both assembled in the country. The Navara Warrior X is a pickup truck that bears a bright red exterior, aggressive front and rear fascias, as well as large 20-inch alloy wheels making it a real option for those looking for a rugged off-road vehicle. Meanwhile, the special-edition Terra S shows off a more tougher look with several design upgrades and large 20-inch alloy wheels that make it uniquely different from the previously released model. These special edition vehicles reaffirms Nissan’s commitment to the future of mobility.
BAIC
BAIC Philippines put on display their recently unveiled sport-utility and multi-purpose vehicles, the M60 mid-size MPV, and the compact MZ40 three-row and MZ45 four-row vans. The spotlight was on the M60, which is a roomy seven-seater powered by a 1.5 liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. It delivers peak power of 150 HP at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 210 Nm over a surprisingly wide 2000-4500 rpm range. It also represents BAIC Philippines’ first automatic gearbox option on an MPV model.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) showcased their MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT, which is an all-electric high performance SUV that embodies MMC’s new brand strategy under the new “Drive your Ambition” global tagline. The concept car is a technical prototype to illustrate the strategic directions of a renewed MMC brand that incorporates the strengths of SUV, EV, and the ability to integrate new systems for a connected mobility customer experience. MMPC also had on display its current bestselling vehicles, the XPANDER, Montero Sport, Strada, the proudly Filipino made Mirage G4, and the latest Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle).
Volkswagen
Volkswagen Philippines wowed with their expansive 11-vehicle display. Newly debuted variants of the Santana, the 1.5 MPI automatic transmission Trendline and Comfortline; Santana GTS 1.5 MPI AT Comfortline ; and, the Lamando 280 TSI DSG Comfortline and Highline made headlines at the show. The Santana 1.5 MPI AT Trendline and Comfortline and the Santana GTS 1.5 MPI AT Comfortline offer more power with its 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder, in-line MPI Euro5-compliant gasoline engine with BlueMotion Technology mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Lamando 280 TSI DSG Comfortline and Highline variants, on the other hand, are both powered by the 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder, in-line TSI Euro5 compliant gasoline engine with BlueMotion Technology paired with the 7-speed DSG transmission. Rounding off Volkswagen Philippines’ 11-car display were two Santana 1.4 MPI MT Trendline subcompact sedans; two Lavida 230 TSI DSG Comfortline sedans; a black Tiguan 280 TSI DSG Comfortline also with Blaupunkt radio and 19-inch alloy wheels, and; a customized Crafter 35L 2.0 TDI MT premium passenger van accessorized with Smart LED TV, 6 captain’s chair seats, wood vinyl floors, premium carpets, Focal audio speakers, window blinds, mood and drop lights, and a stepboard.
Mazda
Mazda Philippines raised the bar for style and technology with its 2019 line-up. The venerable Mazda6 leads the way with a fresh new look and either a more powerful 2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D engine or an increased-efficiency 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine option. Championing Mazda’s crossover lineup is an all-new introduction to its flagship CX-9 model range. The 2019 CX-9 Signature Edition is Mazda’s most luxurious vehicle to date, with an elegant interior lined with Rosewood trim and Nappa leather seats in all three rows. Both the all-new 2019 model year Mazda6 and 2019 CX-9 Signature Edition come with G-Vectoring Control, the realization of Mazda SKYACTIV Vehicle Dynamics. The 2019 CX-9 Signature Edition is also now equipped with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Also at the Mazda booth are the MX-5 open-top, two-seat Roadster, the highly efficient and stylish Mazda2, along with the definitive Mazda3, the trend-setting CX-3 and the smart and svelte CX-5.
SsangYong
SsangYong unveiled a new vehicle to challenge the pick-up segment. The 2019 SsangYong Musso is a luxury utility vehicle that flaunts a bold and muscular stance echoing its namesake in Korean. Meanwhile, it has new and stylish interior features such as brown Nappa leather cushions, as well as heated and ventilated seats. It comes equipped with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Powering the Musso is SsangYong’s very own Euro4 2.2-liter turbo diesel mated to a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission able to produce 181 ps and 400 Nm. SsangYong is initially offering the Musso in 4×2 configuration.
BMW
SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. (SMCACDC), showcased the latest BMW products for the luxury segment. In addition to the first-ever BMW 6 Gran Turismo and the all-new BMW X4, the BMW Pavilion featured the all-new BMW M5, all-new BMW M2, and first-ever BMW X2. The all-new BMW X4 underscores its individual character with significantly enhanced driving dynamics, standout exterior design, a refined premium ambience in the interior, state-of-the-art driver assistance systems, and leading-edge connectivity technologies. BMW also presented a successor to one of its most creative vehicle concepts of recent years. The first-ever BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo blends the comfort of a luxury sedan with alluring coupé style.
CMANC
Columbian Manufacturing Corporation (CMANC) showcased its latest trucks and buses with “Clean & Green Technology” in support of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. Its latest model for public transportation, the BS120SN is powered by a EURO 5 engine and is paired with a 6-speed Allison automatic transmission to deliver 300 PS at 2,200 rpm. The bus body is based on the European bus technology where the chassis platform matches with the body’s super structure. It also debuted the Maximus MCV Truck which is equipped with high-performance EURO 5 engiane (280PS) and comes with a Full Air Brake System (Dual Circuit & S Cam), simple maintenance, with stronger braking power. CMANC also displayed its Iconic Jeepney and newest E-truck model.
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE December 2018-January 2019 Issue.