10 New And Updated Cars We Want To See Launched This 2021
2020 was not exactly a great year for the automotive industry because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, not only in the Philippines, but in the whole world.
The previous year saw the introduction of online car launches via platforms like Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube. This allowed automotive media and interested and potential car buyers, and car enthusiasts to see launches from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
Now that we are welcoming a whole new year ahead of us, let’s forget about the hardships the previous year has given us. Of course, with a new year also comes new models. For us, here are some completely new and updated models that we want to see launched in the Philippines this 2021. Do take note that not all these models are confirmed to arrive while some are.
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
First on the list is the all-new 2021 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro. Chery has been in our market for a little over a year now and they’re celebrating it and the new year by confirming the launch of the next generation of their compact crossover. The launch is also expected to further enhance their existing lineup which is 80% crossover SUV.
The 2021 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is completely new and is confirmed to be equipped with stuff like LED exterior lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree around-view monitor among others. The 1.5 L turbocharged petrol engine is expected to be carried over with a new continuously variable transmission replacing the dual-clutch tranny on the outgoing model.
Despite not yet being available, you can already go and reserve a unit of the all-new Tiggo 7 Pro at your nearest Chery dealership.
Hyundai Tucson
While Hyundai Philippines did confirm the introduction of 4 new and updated models composed of the all-new Tucson, and updated Santa Fe, Starex, and Kona, what we are looking forward to is the first one on the list. The Hyundai Tucson is all-new for 2021 and is undoubtedly the most striking model in Hyundai’s entire lineup and a revolution when compared to the outgoing model.
There is no confirmation yet as to when the all-new model will be launched and as to what engine options it will get. There will most likely be choices of either a turbodiesel or petrol engine.
Isuzu D-Max
The introduction of the all-new Isuzu D-Max is one of the most hotly anticipated launches this year in the Philippine market. That does not come as a surprise considering the popularity of the outgoing and even the older generations of this model. Isuzu Philippines has not yet announced an exact launch date but already confirmed that the D-Max will be launched this year.
Powering the all-new D-Max could be a 1.9 L RZ4E turbodiesel which produces 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque and a 3.0 L Blue Power turbodiesel which produces 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Given that we may be slowly approaching a launch, we can expect more and clearer details to come out soon.
Isuzu mu-X
Just like the all-new Isuzu D-Max which it shares its platform with, and is confirmed for a launch this year, the all-new 2021 Isuzu mu-X is also expected to reach our shores this year as confirmed by Isuzu Philippines as well.
Most likely to be powering the local model are the same 1.9 L and 3.0 L turbodiesel options from the upcoming Isuzu D-Max. They should also make the same output and torque numbers.
No launch date is also confirmed but we should expect the all-new mu-X to be introduced a few months after its pick-up truck sibling.
Maxus D60
Maxus Philippines changed the MPV game when they introduced last year the G50 MPV which competes with the very popular Toyota Innova. Now, they have confirmed and continuously teased that they will be competing in the popular and growing compact crossover segment by introducing the all-new 2021 Maxus D60.
Just like the G50, we’re expecting it to be powered by a 1.5 L turbocharged petrol engine that produces 167 hp and 250 Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and a striking exterior design.
Confirmed to have 5- and 7-seater variants, the Maxus D60 should compete with other models such as the Ford Territory, Chery Tiggo 8, and Geely Okavango. No launch date is confirmed but considering the number and frequency of teasers on Maxus Philippines’ social media pages, it could come very soon.
Mazda BT-50
The current Mazda BT-50 is honestly getting a bit long in the tooth, especially when compared to the rest of Mazda’s local lineup. Well we don’t have to wait too long as the all-new model for 2021 is confirmed to be introduced in the Philippines this year. Now sharing its platform with the 2021 Isuzu D-Max instead of the Ford Ranger, the new model now sports Mazda’s signature Kodo design language which gives it a sleeker exterior appearance. The overall design now also looks more suited for a pick-up truck versus on the current outgoing model.
Under the hood, we can expect it to be powered by the same 3.0 L 4JJ3-TCX turbodiesel which produces 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque. An exact launch date is yet to be announced by Mazda Philippines.
Nissan Almera
Nissan has a handful of new models that we should expect to launch this year starting with the Almera. The brand’s entry-level model in the local market already has a completely new version in neighboring markets. There were reports of Nissan shutting down its local manufacturing plant where it produces the outgoing Almera. They are expected to convert it into an assembly plant and by then it should be making the all-new Almera.
The all-new version of the Toyota Vios and Honda City fighter gets a more youthful and sportier exterior design with Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille. Under the hood could be a 1.0 L turbo petrol that produces 99 hp and 152 Nm of torque.
Nissan Navara
Another highly anticipated model from Nissan is the updated 2021 Navara. The company’s popular pick-up truck received a major refresh late last year with more rugged and sporty looks making it appear similar to the larger Nissan Titan. It also gets a new Pro-4X variant which we hope to see locally.
The powertrain is likely to be carried over from the current model. That is a 2.5 L YD25DDTi turbodiesel that makes 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque, while lower variants make 163 hp and 403 Nm of torque.
There is no confirmation yet as to when the 2021 Navara will be launched in the country but given that Toyota has recently updated the Hilux, and Isuzu and Mazda will be introducing all-new new versions of theirs, then this year would be the perfect opportunity for Nissan to introduce their updated fighter.
Nissan Patrol
And again we have another one from Nissan. The updated Nissan Patrol has already been made available in other markets. We’re hoping to see the updated version of the Japanese brand’s flagship SUV in the country this year.
It gets a completely new front fascia and other updated exterior and interior bits. It should also carry over its current V8 petrol engine. No diesel for fuel economy? That shouldn’t matter for its target market.
Nissan Terra
Yes, we’re still talking about the Japanese brand that starts with N here. It should truly be a busy year for Nissan as they introduced the updated model of their popular PPV late last year in the Middle East. The Nissan Terra was all hyped up when it was first introduced in the Philippines in 2018 but it did slightly disappoint with its older feeling interior and lack of some equipment that should be standard despite its other equipment.
We could and we hope to see the updated version in the country soon and a good indication that it is possible is that it has already been spotted in Thailand where local units are sourced from. This means a launch there is coming soon and we might follow soon after.
Bonus: Nissan Leaf
We’re sure those very familiar with Nissan Philippines’ plans to launch the Leaf in the country are wondering what’s taking so long. First previewed back in 2018, the Nissan Leaf has been confirmed by Nissan to be launched in the country. In fact, they even mentioned that they would have the first electric vehicle in the market which is no longer the case. The pandemic also further delayed the model’s introduction and hopefully we’ll be seeing it finally hitting our roads in the first quarter of this year.
