PIMS 2022: All the new cars unveiled and previewed
The 8th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) just concluded last Sunday. After a four year hiatus, it finally happened again with the country’s biggest automotive names in participation. Of course, the event was something to look forward to by automotive enthusiasts and us media, and even those planning to purchase or test drive the latest cars in the market.
After a successful event, here are some of the main highlights of the show, specifically all the new cars that were unveiled, be it whether they were launched or previewed for their upcoming launch in the coming months.
Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid
First to be unveiled during the 8th PIMS was the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid. While it may look just like a facelifted version of the brand’s MPV offering, it hides underneath its hood a new mild-hybrid powertrain.
Powering the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is still a 1.5-liter K15B Inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine. It does however have Suzuki’s Smart Hybrid Technology this time around. That is a mild-hybrid system composed of a lithium-ion battery and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). Power and torque figures are similar but slightly improved at 105 hp and 138 Nm. Transmission is a 4-speed automatic.
On top of the new electrified powertrain, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid also gets a handful of other changes such as a new front grille, power tailgate, leather seats, 360-degree around-view monitor, and new 16-inch alloy wheels.
Pricing and availability of the new Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid have not yet been announced as of this writing.
Foton Thunder A/T
Initially unveiled at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), the Foton Thunder is now tougher and more macho in appearance. It also gets a completely new powertrain but it was limited to having only a manual transmission.
That is now a thing of the past as Foton Philippines took this year’s edition of the PIMS as an opportunity to introduce its much-awaited automatic transmission variant. Still powered by a 2.0-liter Aucan turbodiesel engine that produces 161 hp and 390 Nm of torque, the Thunder now gets the option of an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Full specifications of this model, as well as pricing have not yet been announced but is estimated to be around the Php 1.3-million mark.
Honda HR-V RS
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is surely listening to its customers as when they launched the 3rd generation of the HR-V, everyone was looking for the RS variant. Well here it is in the metal at the 8th PIMS, featuring various aesthetic upgrades and some performance bits over the other variants.
While it is generally similar in appearance to the now mid-grade 1.5 V Turbo CVT Honda SENSING variant, the new 1.5 RS Turbo CVT Honda SENSING gets chrome inserts on its front mesh grille, gloss-black body cladding, 18-inch gunmetal gray alloy wheels, sequential LED front turn signals, RS badging, red interior stitching, power-adjustable driver’s seat, 8-speaker audio system, side curtain airbags, and Honda’s LaneWatch camera.
Under its hood is still the same 1.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder VTEC Turbo that produces 177 hp and 240 Nm of torque, paired to an Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is also still fully-equipped with Honda SENSING, the brand’s suite of advanced driver-assistance tech.
The 2022 Honda HR-V 1.5 RS Turbo is priced at Php 1,739,000.
Honda BR-V
HCPI isn’t limiting itself with just a new variant, of course there’s an all-new model too in the form of the 2nd generation Honda BR-V. Targeted to be launched before the end of the year, HCPI is previewing the next generation of its 7-seater compact MPV offering which was first unveiled in Indonesia a year ago.
Looking at the exterior, the second generation Honda BR-V receives more of an evolutionary redesign rather than a revolutionary one. It still looks visually similar to the outgoing first generation model but at the same time looks more modern and is larger. The interior on the other hand, is a large departure from the outgoing version with a sleeker and more upright design.
Nothing is confirmed yet as of this writing but we did hear that the unit on display is already exactly the same as what we will be getting as the top-of-the-line variant for the all-new BR-V once it’s launched in the country.
Kia EV6
Kia Philippines is starting its own push for electrification by previewing its first and upcoming full electric vehicle offering at the 8th PIMS. Say hello to the Kia EV6 which is set to enter the Philippine market early next year.
In terms of styling, the Kia EV6 wears the brand’s latest “Opposites United” design language. While it lacks the brand’s signature tiger-nose front grille, it still looks sharp with its slim grille, combined with its sleek side profile and futuristic rear design. Inside, the EV6 shows off its premium-looking interior with its wraparound design and large dual screens. Kia also says that it has the space to rival midsize SUVs thanks to its 2,900 mm wheelbase.
As for its powertrain, the Kia EV6 is powered by a 77.4 kWh high-voltage battery pack, paired to an electric motor that produces 229 hp. Maximum torque is pegged at 350 Nm and Kia says that it can go from 0 to 100 kph in 7.3 seconds. In addition, the EV6 should be able to travel more than 500 km in a single charge.
While final pricing for the Kia EV6 has not yet been announced, Kia Philippines says that it will retail for less than Php 4-million once it’s officially launched.
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0 AWD
Chery Auto Philippines is banking on the success of its flagship offering, the Tiggo 8 Pro 7-seater midsize crossover with the introduction of the new 2.0 AWD Turbo variant. This is now sold alongside its initial lineup composed of the 1.6 Turbo and the PHEV.
The Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0 AWD as its name suggests gets a 2.0-liter Inline 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 254 hp and 390 Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Based on our own testing, it can go from 0 to 100 kph in 7 to 8 seconds.
In terms of looks, the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0 AWD is identical to the PHEV variant both inside and out. Among its standard equipment are full LED lighting, a panoramic sunroof, leather seating, interior mood lighting, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, and a Sony audio system.
In addition, just like the 1.6 Turbo variant, the 2.0 AWD Turbo is equipped with a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. This gives it adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, traffic jam assist, autonomous emergency braking, blindspot detection, lane departure warning, and intelligent high beam control.
Like many other models announced at the 8th PIMS, pricing has not yet been announced officially but for this one, it is estimated to be anywhere between Php 1.9- to Php 2-million.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport and Strada Ralliart
While Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) pretty much showcased its whole lineup at the 8th PIMS, the highlight of their pavilion has to be the new Ralliart versions of the Montero Sport Black Series and Strada GLS variants. Inspired by Mitsubishi Motors’ Ralliart motorsports division, the brand’s SUV and pickup truck sibling offerings feature a Ralliart appearance package for a sportier and rally-ready look.
Both of them come with exclusive Ralliart front under garnish, mud flaps, side decals, and floor mats. Specific to the Strada GLS Ralliart is a Ralliart bedliner. On the other hand, exclusive to the Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart are Ralliart rear under garnish and fender arch moulding.
Both the Strada GLS and Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart are available with two exterior color options. These are Jet Black Mica and White Diamond. The former is priced at Php 1,429,000 while the latter is priced at Php 2,122,000.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Recently relaunched in the country under the helm of Hyundai Motors of South Korea, Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) showcased two products. The first is the Creta subcompact crossover while the second is the all-new Ioniq 5 full electric vehicle which was unveiled at the show.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a fully-electric compact crossover built on the brand’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). In fact, it is related to the Kia EV6 which was also previewed at the PIMS. It was also recognized as the 2022 World Car of the Year.
HMPH has not revealed any details yet about the local specification Hyundai Ioniq 5. Looking at the exterior though, the Ioniq 5 features a mix of futuristic and retro design cues. It also gets a very futuristic looking interior made of eco-friendly and sustainably sourced materials, and with two large screens.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is set to be officially launched in the Philippines by January 2023.
Mazda MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition
Mazda Philippines showcased almost its entire lineup at the 8th PIMS, but its booth was highlighted by three new models. First of which is the Mazda MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition which celebrates the brand’s strong relationship with the Miata Club of the Philippines. This special version is a Philippine-exclusive too.
So what’s special? Well the MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition gets an exclusive Platinum Quartz Metallic exterior color and a blue soft top. Other parts of the vehicle such as the side mirrors and roll hoops are also finished in blue. Inside, it has a special MazdaConnect commander knob with the 25th anniversary plaque.
The Mazda MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition is available with both manual and automatic versions which retails for Php 2,250,000 and Php 2,300,000 respectively for those who reserved it during the 4-day event. Sales started on September 15, 2022 and it will only be sold for 1 year until September 15, 2023.
Mazda CX-8
Another highlight of the Mazda Philippines booth at the 8th PIMS is the refreshed Mazda CX-8. It gets a couple of updates to keep it fresh, as well as put it in line with other refreshed Mazda offerings in the country such as the recently introduced CX-5 AWD Turbo and the refreshed CX-9.
New for 2023 is the CX-8’s front grille which receives a new weave-like pattern and is finished in a gunmetal gray finish. It also rides on a new set of 19-inch gunmetal gray alloy wheels which are of the same design as the ones you’ll find on the CX-9 and the CX-5, and gets larger exhaust pipes. Also, it gets two new exterior color options which are Platinum Quartz Metallic and Polymetal Gray.
Pricing for the 2023 Mazda CX-8 FWD Signature is set at Php 2,390,000, while pricing for the AWD Exclusive is set at Php 2,490,000.
Mazda BT-50 Pangolin Edition II Concept
Also showcased at the Mazda pavilion at the 8th PIMS is the second iteration of the BT-50 Pangolin Edition. The Pangolin Edition BT-50 was first introduced just before the previous generation BT-50 was replaced by the current generation. It was built to raise awareness of the critically endangered species endemic to the islands of Palawan. Now, it is built on the Isuzu-based 3rd generation BT-50.
BT-50 Pangolin Edition II Concept rides on bespoke Rota wheels wrapped in Giti all-terrain tires. It also features a unique center cap with the Pangolin logo and name. Over at the back, it gets a new sports fashion bar and a bedcover. Inside, it remains the same as the standard BT-50 3.0 4×4 A/T variant.
We don’t have any idea yet as to when Mazda Philippines, and if they will introduce this new variant.
Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S Hybrid
While this was simply displayed at the motor show, the Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S Hybrid is indeed a new model. The show was the first ever public appearance of the compact sedan’s newest variant. It replaces the 1.8 V Hybrid variant.
Identical to the non-hybrid 1.6 GR-S variant, the new 1.8 GR-S Hybrid gets GR-S front and rear bumpers, GR-S front grille, blacked-out side mirrors, GR-S 17-inch alloy wheels, and GR badges all around. It also gets a GR-S MacPherson strut front suspension and GR-S double wishbone rear suspension. Inside, it gets leather seats with red accents, red door accents, GR-S engine start button, and GR-S floor mats
Under the hood, the Corolla Altis 1.8 GR-S Hybrid is still powered by a 1.8-liter Inline 4-cylinder 2ZR-FXE gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. Combined, it produces a total of 122 hp and 142 Nm of torque, paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Pricing for the new Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 GR-S Hybrid is not yet available as of this writing.
The 8th Philippine International Motor Show was definitely a success. With every brand showcasing their latest technologies for their products and highlighting what’s to come to their local lineup, it’s great in every way. With the show’s success, who knows? Maybe we’ll see another PIMS next year to recover the show that didn’t happen in 2020.
