RECAP: These are all the cars that arrived in the market last week
The previous week has been quite a busy one for the local motoring industry, with new cars launched and on preview every single day. To summarize it all, we’ve put together here all those new models that have arrived and are set to come to our market.
Here are all the cars that launched, and have been previewed for the Philippine market last week:
VinFast VF 3
PHOTO BY JULIAN PANLILIO
The first new model that entered our market last week is the VinFast VF 3. This small fully-electric SUV is VinFast Philippines’ first new model after they launched in our market earlier this year.
It wears a retro-styled and rugged exterior similar to off-road ready SUVs, and is powered by an electric motor and 18.64 kWh lithium-ion battery. Total output is at 44 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque with an estimated driving range of up to 210 kilometers.
Read more about the VinFast VF 3 here.
Lotus Emeya
PHOTO FROM LOTUS MANILA
Lotus Manila, under the Autohub Group, reopened its showroom in Bonifacio Global City. This was made even more special by the local launch of the Emeya fully-electric liftback. Initially revealed last year, it is the British automaker’s third electric vehicle (second in the Philippines) in their lineup.
It comes in three variants with the two lower ones powered by an electric motor making 603 horsepower and 710 Nm of torque. This is paired with a 102 kWh battery which allows it to drive for as much as 610 kilometers. Meanwhile, the top-spec Emeya R’s electric motor produces a mighty 918 horsepower and 985 Nm. It can go from 0 to 100 kph in just 2.78 seconds.
Pricing for the Lotus Emeya are as follows:
- Emeya – Php 8,000,000
- Emeya S – Php 8,500,000
- Emeya R – Php 9,500,000
Aion Y Plus and ES
GAC Motor’s all-electric Aion sub-brand has entered the Philippine market. Distributed by Dangdang New Energy Corporation, Ltd., two models are part of the initial lineup—the Y Plus compact crossover and ES midsize sedan.
PHOTOS BY JULIAN PANLILIO
The Aion Y Plus comes in two variants—Elite and Premium, and is powered by a single electric motor and a 63.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, producing 204 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque. It can drive up to 490 kilometers on a single charge.
Meanwhile, the Aion ES comes in only one variant, and is also powered by a single electric motor which is paired with a 55.2 kWh lithium-ion battery this time. It produces 136 horsepower and 225 Nm of torque and can drive up to 442 kilometers on a single charge
Read more about the Aion Y Plus and Aion ES here.
Rox 01
PHOTO FROM ROX.
On the same day as Aion’s entry in our market, another Chinese automaker also arrived—Rox.
Distributed by Transcorp, Inc, the brand’s entry is marked by the launch of the Rox 01 which also joins the trend of off-roader SUVs from Chinese automakers. This SUV gets a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with dual electric motors and a 56.01 kWh battery. Total output is 476 horsepower and 740 Nm of torque.
It can also be plugged-in and recharged through GB/T charging. Range is estimated at over 1,100 kilometers on a full tank of has and full battery charge, or 235 km on full electric power.
The Rox 01 is priced as follows:
- Rox 01 Luxury (6-seater) – Php 4,288,000
- Rox 01 Sport (7-seater) – Php 4,388,000
Honda Civic RS e:HEV
PHOTO BY JULIAN PANLILIO
While this wasn’t launched yet, the refreshed Honda Civic has arrived on our shores, set to make its local debut at the upcoming 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) this coming October 24-27.
While not much details have been revealed, confirmed for the Philippine market is the RS variant’s powertrain which will be Honda’s e:HEV dual-motor hybrid system. This combines a 2.0-liter LFC-H4 Inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine to dual electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. This produces a total of 184 horsepower and 315 Nm of torque, mated to an e-CVT.
Read more about the Honda Civic RS e:HEV here.
BAIC B30e Dune
BAIC Philippines has been rather quiet since the brand made its local launch with five models at the 2024 Manila International Auto Show in April. Its first new model since then is the BAIC B30e Dune hybrid compact crossover.
PHOTOS BY JULIAN PANLILIO.
This new model wears a retro-modern exterior and interior, similar to the successful Toyota FJ Cruiser and recently launched 250-series Land Cruiser Prado, as well as the Suzuki Jimny. It’s positioned as a lifestyle crossover with light off-roader capability.
The BAIC B30e Dune is also the first full hybrid-powered model in the Chinese automaker’s local lineup, with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor (dual for AWD) and a lithium-ion battery, under the hood. In the 2WD, this powertrain produces 334 PS and 550 Nm of torque, while in the AWD it produces 409 PS and 685 Nm.
Read more about the BAIC B30e Dune here.
Kia Carnival
PHOTO BY JULIAN PANLILIO
Kia Philippines’ longest running nameplate in the country—the Carnival, has received a big update two years after it was first launched locally.
It comes in two variants—EX and SX. While its size and turbodiesel powertrain remain exactly the same as before, it gets a redesigned front and rear look, more futuristic set of alloy wheels, and a more modernized interior with plenty of upgraded tech features.
PHOTO BY JULIAN PANLILIO.
The SX also gets the added bonus of being equipped with second-row Premium Relaxation Seats which gives passengers power recline and footrest adjustments, seat heating and ventilation, and the option to almost fully recline—all for additional comfort when on the road.
Read more about the Kia Carnival here.
MINI Cooper and Countryman
PHOTO BY MARTIN WU
MINI Philippines concluded this week’s launches by introducing the latest generation of the iconic Cooper, and the Countryman crossover.
The MINI Cooper still wears its familiar and iconic retro-looks but with various modernizations to keep it with the times. You still get round headlights, while the taillights get a triangular shape.
On the other hand, the new MINI Countryman takes on a little bit of a different styling direction compared to before. It now gets octagonal headlights, while still maintaining the classic MINI design, and overall body shape.
PHOTO BY MARTIN WU
Both models still follow classic MINI design on the inside as well. The center gauge has been replaced with what’s called the MINI Interaction Unit which is a large circular OLED display with a diameter of 240mm. This houses the vehicle’s infotainment system and speedometer. Both also make use of eco-friendly materials such as the Vescin Vegan leather seat upholstery.
Powering the all-new MINI Cooper EV an electric motor and 54.2 kWh battery. Output is 218 horsepower and 330 Nm, with a maximum range of up to 402 kilometers. The ICE-version gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged Inline-4 cylinder, making 204 horsepower and 300 Nm, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
On the other hand, the Countryman EV also gets an electric motor, this time paired with a 66.5 kWh battery, producing a total of 312 horsepower and 494 Nm, and can drive up to 433 kilometers. The ICE version gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged Inline-4 cylinder, making 308 horsepower and 360 Nm.
Pricing for the new MINI Cooper are as follows:
- Cooper Favored (EV) – Php 3,300,000
- Cooper Favored (ICE) – Php 3,699,000
Meanwhile, pricing for the new MINI Countryman are as follows:
- Countryman Favored SE All4 (EV) – Php 3,899,000
- Countryman Favored S All4 (ICE) – Php 4,299,000
10 cars is a lot for one week, and the 9th Philippine International Motor Show has not even started yet. It certainly looks like we have a lot more to expect in the coming weeks and months.
