10 Cars We Wish Are Launched in PH in 2022

2022 is here and just like last year, we have very high hopes for what’s in store for the next 365 days. The local automotive industry has proven that it can stay strong despite the many challenges it had in the past year. 

With that, we’re expecting a lot more new models to be launched locally and of course, there are those that we are really hoping to see. Do note that some of these are already confirmed to be coming locally while some are rumored as well. 

In no particular order, here are 10 cars we wish to see launched in the Philippine market this 2022:

Ford Ranger

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Ford has already done the global unveiling of the all-new generation Ranger pick-up truck, a model very important for the blue oval in the Philippines, in November last year. Completely new for 2022, the next generation Ranger gets a more muscular and tough-looking appearance, more technology, and more premium appointments on the inside. This model has already been confirmed to make it locally so the big question is when? 

Ford Everest

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Of course, with an all-new Ranger also comes an all-new Everest. While we have not seen yet what the next-gen Everest will look like, Ford has already been busy teasing us with photos and videos posted on their website. Expect it to have a similar appearance with the Ranger, especially in front and inside. We’re also expecting it to have upgraded technology. Ford says that they’ll be revealing this model anytime in the first quarter of this year so we should be on the lookout. 

Geely Xingyue L

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Geely has had a very successful 2021 in the Philippines with its dealership network now at 24 dealerships nationwide, huge growth led by the Coolray subcompact crossover which is now the bestselling model in its segment locally, and a strong and growing fanbase. Now they haven’t said anything officially, but we got word that they are planning to introduce the Xingyue L locally. Well they’ll definitely have to get a Pinoy-friendly nameplate for it but this is definitely something exciting. If launched, expect the Geely Xingyue L to compete directly with the GAC GS8, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and Ford Explorer.

Honda BR-V

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Honda Cars Philippines announced last year that they will be introducing three new models this year. No clues were given as to what those will be but we’re guessing that one of them could be the all-new BR-V. Unveiled in Indonesia back in September last year, the all-new Honda BR-V gets a complete redesign with an even more SUV-like appearance despite its MPV classification. With the popularity of affordable 7-seater vehicles in the market, it’s a no-brainer how important it is to Honda to bring this model locally as soon as possible.

Honda HR-V

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Another new Honda model we’re hoping to see launched soon is the all-new HR-V. Making its regional debut in Thailand in November last year, the Honda HR-V is now more premium than ever before. Given that it is only available as a hybrid for the Thai-market, it wouldn’t be surprising to see its local introduction as the return of Honda hybrids in the Philippines. If Honda Cars Philippines does decide to bring the all-new HR-V in with a hybrid powertrain, it will surely be a perfect competitor to the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Hyundai Staria

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Thought the Hyundai Staria was already officially available in the Philippines? Nope, not at all. All those Starias you see on the road are from gray market importers. For those who don’t know, the very futuristic robot-looking Staria is basically the new version of the Starex, a staple nameplate in the Philippine passenger van segment. As this is the segment Hyundai got very well known for locally, it will surely be the best decision for them to introduce the Staria locally especially after a rather quiet two years.

Mitsubishi Xpander

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Revealed in November last year in Indonesia, the Mitsubishi Xpander has received another update, albeit a bigger one this time. Retaining its futuristic appearance, the updated Xpander gets revised exterior and interior styling, more tech, and a new transmission. As Mitsubishi Motors Philippines’ best-selling passenger vehicle as of September last year, it is a very important model for the brand.

Nissan Kicks

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Nissan Philippines had quite a busy 2021. They launched the updated Navara, LEAF fully-electric vehicle, heavily revised Terra, all-new Almera, and updated Patrol. One model rumored to be launched but not yet until now is the Kicks subcompact crossover. For those who don’t know, the Nissan Kicks replaces the Juke in the ASEAN region. It made its regional debut in Thailand back in May 2020. If ever launched, it will compete directly with the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Kia Seltos, just to name a few.

Nissan X-Trail

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The Nissan X-Trail has always been in the shadows of the popular Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 ever since its second generation was introduced over a decade ago. Just like the current generation, which is still available locally by the way, the new generation is still based on the US-market Nissan Rogue. It was unveiled there in June 2020, and as the X-Trail for the Chinese market in April last year. If ever it is launched locally, it could very well take a larger slice of the pie shared mostly by Honda and Toyota, considering how much improved the new model is.

Volkswagen Lavida

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Volkswagen Philippines is in a state of renewal after the successful launch of the T-Cross subcompact crossover. The German brand is probably trying to get rid of the unpopularity of its China-exclusive model lineup. One way to do this is to introduce the all-new Volkswagen Lavida which unlike the current one sold locally, is now a rebadged version of the Jetta which was very popular before it was discontinued in favor of the very mature and rather old Lavida. If ever, they can even rebadge it back to Jetta while still taking advantage of the lower pricing of China-sourced vehicles. Win-win?