26 by ’15: New cars gearheads want to see in PH

By Tessa R. Salazar January 07,2015
THE ALL-NEW Ford Everest is on top most car enthusiasts’ mind.

THE ALL-NEW Ford Everest is on top most car enthusiasts’ mind.

CHRISTMAS may be over, but car fanatics are still busy making their lists—and checking them twice. Inquirer Motoring asked for those “naughty and nice” items on these wish lists. What would they really want to see rolling onto Philippine shores this year?

1 and 2. The all-new Toyota Fortuner and Hilux

“These two are what I am excited for Toyota. With floods always happening, it is a lot more practical to purchase affordable SUVs,” said Francis Samonte, Toyota Auto Club Philippines chair.

Ferman Lao, Car Awards Group Inc. president, wanted Toyota Fortuner as well.
“It would be interesting to see what the next generation IMV is going to be like,” said Lao.

3. Honda Civic Type R

“Honda has said that the new Civic Type R will have more than 276 bhp from its 2-liter turbocharged i-VTEC engine. It will also be the first Type R to get a ‘+R’ button, which is intended to enhance the driving dynamics,” quipped Ermine Potenciano, car enthusiast and member of Team FD and Montero Sports Club of the Philippines.

THE ALL-NEW Ford Everest is on top most car enthusiasts’ mind.

THE ALL-NEW Ford Everest is on top most car enthusiasts’ mind.

4. Mazda CX-3

“Given that Ford has released it’s EcoSport based on the Fiesta, it wouldn’t be a long shot that Mazda will have their version based on the Mazda2 platform.  Although we can already guess what it would look like in general, I am excited to see what SkyActiv innovations Mazda will include in the CX3 to make it stand out from the crowd,” quipped Leslie Sy, Kotse.com online expert.

5. All-new Ford Everest

This SUV is on top of car enthusiast Edwin D. Reyes’ mind. “Because it’s a total redesign of the Everest platform. I own a 2012 Everest and I am excited to see the new one.”

And it looks like that wish will be granted. Ford Philippines has confirmed that it will, indeed, bring in the new Everest.

“We’re looking forward to the deliveries of the all-new Escape starting early 2015. We are also excited with the launch of the new Mustang and the new Everest,” said Joseph A.C. Ayllon, Ford Philippines’ assistant vice president for communications.

6. Mazda MX-5

“Although scheduled [in the Philippines] for 2016, the redesigned body is a giant step away from the ‘retro’ theme and gives the MX5 a more fresh look based on its ‘Kodo’ styling,” said Sy.

“I wanted Miata to see how good the latest iteration of what now can be considered the modern classic sports car. Although I preferred if it offered a hard top option,” said Lao.

7 and 8. Subaru Forester and Outback diesel

“I would love to see Subaru’s diesel technology [here],” quipped Clifford Certeza, Subaru Club Philippines director.

9 and 10. Factory-tuned supercharged Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ

“The cars need a little more power and it would be nice for these to come with these power packages from the factory, so owners will have no fear of voiding the warranty. Besides, it’s gonna make the 86 even more fun to drive,” quipped Samonte.

11. The 2015 Chevrolet Impala

“The Impala is a family sedan with room for five that will be suited to family-oriented Filipino buyers. And there’s plenty of front and rear legroom,” quipped Potenciano.

12 and 13. BMW i3 and i8

JUST right car for the local market: the Honda HRV

JUST right car for the local market: the Honda HRV

“It’s high time that our country become conscious with air pollution, especially the emission from gasoline- or diesel-fed vehicles,” said Reyes, who is also the current BMW Car Club of the Philippines president.

14. A Tesla sports sedan

“I don’t think price will be an issue since a lot of people can now afford sports cars. The Tesla’s having an insane amount of horsepower and torque while being electric may encourage people that choosing alternative sources of power is now acceptable,” said Samonte.

15. Land Rover Range Rover Hybrid

Certeza said that he wants to enjoy “British looks with hybrid technology.” In one word, he explains a sighting here would be “heavenly.”

16. Hyundai Sonata hybrid

Here’s another item on Certeza’s list. “I guess this would be one of the most affordable hybrid cars,” he said.

17. 2015 Toyota Camry

“The buffed Camry will offer midsize alternatives to Filipino car enthusiasts. The dimensions and sharper body look make it attractive,” said Potenciano.

18. The Fiat 500

“Small cars are all the rage right now with the popularity of the Mini.  We just lack its European rival, the 500.  I just hope if it does arrive in our shores, it would be more affordable,” said Sy.

19. Newly designed Yaris.

“The initially released model is not appealing, and it looks like it has a mustache,” said Samonte.

20. Volkswagen Golf GTI

“I am excited to see if this hot hatch is still the one to beat, or if it’s overhyped,” quipped Sy. We’ll know this year on its scheduled release.

Car enthusiast Eisele Buntua dubbed the Golf GTI “one of the original pocket rockets (bang-for-the-buck).” “Our poor man’s Porsche… It can compete in terms of performance, style, luxury with BMW 3 series without the price tag,” added Buntua.

21. Nissan Pulsar Nismo

“Nissan’s Pulsar hatchback is set to receive a shot with the introduction of a Nismo-tuned version which will compete with VW Golf GTI,” said Potenciano.

22. New-look Toyota Grandia

“My favorite people carrier, the Toyota Grandia, needs a new look, too. Its competitor, like the Starex, is catching up really fast,” said Samonte.

23. Mitsubishi Montero Sport

HONDA’S Civic Type R will have more than 276 bhp from its 2-liter turbocharged i-VTEC engine.

HONDA’S Civic Type R will have more than 276 bhp from its 2-liter turbocharged i-VTEC engine.

“Honestly, this well-loved SUV (along with the Fortuner) are long overdue for a new look, not just an update. A ground up whole new model,” said Sy.

24. 2015 Ford F-150

“The redesigned Ford F-150 is very impressive in the full-size pickup truck segment,” said Potenciano.
“These are the right cars for the local market; high ground clearance for bad roads and flash floods, but compact enough to not take up a large amount of space, particularly when there are usually only one or two occupants,” said Lao.

25. Honda HRV & Mazda CX-3

“These are the right cars for the local market; high ground clearance for bad roads and flash floods, but compact enough to not take up a large amount of space, particularly when there are usually only one or two occupants,” said Lao.

26. Mazda 2
“Interesting to see what kind of fuel economy the SkyActiv 2 will deliver,” said Lao.

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