Thirsty for a bigger slice of the pie, six other auto brands offer variety in all shades

CHEVROLET, Honda, Kia, Nissan, Mazda and Subaru are nipping on the heels of the industry leaders, exerting effort to lure consumers to take a more serious look at their offerings.

It had been a busy first six months for each, as gleaned from the number of new vehicles unveiled. Expect the next months, pushing to 2016, to be more busy—and interesting.

Chevrolet: Colorado Tracker and Tracker Pro

This July, Chevrolet Philippines celebrates its Truck Month by offering the new Colorado Tracker and Tracker Pro editions that combine offroad truck capability, crossover refinement and best-in-class performance features.

The Colorado Tracker variants are powered by the second-generation Duramax diesel engine, with 200 horsepower and 500 Newton-meters of torque. These means better pulling power compared to other models in its class.

The Tracker Pro is especially equipped with a 12,000-pound integrated power winch with recovery equipment package, catering to the serious offroader.

Both the Tracker and Tracker Pro editions also feature the chromatic rearview mirror with 4.3-inch LCD backup monitor equipped with overview sensing monitor as standard.

It is also equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, and a dash camera with 32 GB memory card integrated into the rearview mirror of the Tracker Pro, enabling continuous recording of forward view during the vehicle’s operation.

Earlier this year, Chevrolet also launched new variants of the Trailblazer. Current offerings for the Trailblazer include the L, the LTX, and a special-edition variant.

Honda: Odyssey, Mobilio, HR-V, City

Last March, Honda introduced the all-new Odyssey, one of the best minivans in the market. Honda Cars Philippines unveiled the all-new Odyssey minivan that still retained a premium feel but can be considered more practical and yet more luxurious. Sounds like an oxymoron, right?

Best of all, the new Odyssey will debut at a price substantially lower than the old model, at P2.298 million. Created for the Japanese and other Asian markets, it is smaller than the outgoing car, while still providing ample room.

Its exterior length is reduced by 322 millimeters and width by 191 mm. Its wheelbase is 2900 mm, versus the American version’s 3000 mm. It is also lighter by about 110 kilograms.

Honda says that the Odyssey cabin follows the “Modern Suite Room” concept.

The Odyssey is powered by an Earth Dreams Technology-branded 2.4-liter DOHC iVTEC engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission with paddle shifter.

The engine produces 172.60 HP and with 225 Nm of torque. What’s interesting about the new Odyssey is that it comes with a multiview camera system.

With four wide angle cameras on the front grille, door mirrors, and tailgate, the system provides a 360-degree view of the car’s surroundings on the audio monitor.

The following month, Honda launched the all-New Mobilio, its first seven-seater multipurpose utility vehicle (MUV) targeting a wider range of customers.

Priced below one million pesos, the Mobilio is a more affordable family vehicle.

Engineers who worked on the Mobilio wanted to surpass what other MUVs have offered in the market to be able to showcase Honda’s true value in the segment.

Based on the “Progressive Private Jetliner” concept, it offers modern and young styling, advanced technology, superbly spacious cabin, flexible seats, and a comfortable sedan-like ride comparable to sitting in a private jet.

Last month, Honda unveiled the all-new HR-V subcompact crossover. Built on the Jazz platform, the HR-V is positioned against the likes of the Ford Ecosport, Kia Soul, and even the Subaru XV and Mazda CX-5.

Its long 2,610 mm wheelbase promises more room for five passengers and cargo. The HR-V has Honda’s ULT rear seat, which folds to accommodate different types of cargo in Utility, Long or Tall mode.

Powering the HR-V is the 1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine with 139.07 HP and 172 Nm.

The Honda City gets a new navigation system.

Kia: Grand Carnival and Sorento

Kia’s introduction of both the Grand Carnival and Sorento shows that the Korean carmaker’s models have come of age.

The Kia Grand Carnival made its global debut at the 2014 New York International Auto Show and held a local debut, together with the all-new Sorento, at the 2015 Manila International Auto Show last April.

Kia made sure that it had completely redesigned its midsize multipurpose vehicle with heightened anticipation. The Grand Carnival offers a refreshingly new level of sophistication that seems to be European-inspired in terms of its design.

With a distinctive grille, aerodynamic side molding lines, a modern wide stance and cab-forward design, the Kia Grand Carnival has a distinctive premium look.

One of the most technologically-advanced vehicles in the MPV segment, the Grand Carnival’s driving performance is underlined by effortless power, precise handling and innovative safety features.

The Sorento on the other hand, is the third-generation mid-size crossover SUV designed by Kia’s Namyang design studio in Korea in collaboration with Kia’s Frankfurt and California design studios.

Another very significant launch was Kia’s introduction of the Forte, a compact sedan that combines style and value-for-money which the Korean automaker has become known.

The Forte has several variants to choose from: a four-door sedan, a five-door hatchback, and a two-door Koup variant, each with its distinct strengths.

THE FORTE lives up to the Kia promise of refreshing interiors, compelling styles and powerful road performance.

During the recent grand launch and public unveiling of the three Forte variants at Newport Mall Atrium, CAC president Ginia Domingo spoke confidently of the features that the all-new Forte brings to the table.

“The three Forte variants relate to different markets, but at the end of the day, they all carry the renowned Kia name; and with it is a guarantee of refreshing interiors, compelling styles, and powerful road performance,” Domingo said.

Nissan: Navara, NV350 Urvan

THE NAVARA and the windmill work around wind forces differently.

Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) launched the all-new Nissan NP300 Navara pickup last February. Backed by Nissan’s 80-year legacy in pickup truck experience and leadership, the 12th-generation Navara is packaged with a tougher body and smarter features.

Antonio Zara, NPI president and managing director, said that he is confident that the all-new NP300 Navara will be a key player that will challenge the highly competitive segment.

He posed a challenge to all the other pickup truck brands to upstage the Navara in terms of features and value. “Everyday at Nissan, we challenge ourselves with possibility to make good products, even better,” he said.

NPI also launched its all-new passenger van, dubbed the NV350 Urvan, last June. Designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs, shuttle operators, and family users, the fifth-generation NV350 Urvan is a strong contender in the commercial van class with a more powerful 2.5-liter engine, based on the same engine platform used for the all-new NP300 Navara pickup truck.

This means that drivers now can rely on a powerful engine that can effortlessly pull loads of cargo and passengers even on steep, uphill climbs, like on a family weekend trip to Tagaytay or Baguio.

This also means no more switching off the air-conditioner while traversing mountain passes, or overtaking slow trucks on the highway, with the speed and power now at your fingertips.

With the advanced technologies applied to the all-new NV350 Urvan, one can expect much improved fuel efficiency, critical for businesses relying on long-haul transport.

Subaru: Outback and Legacy

Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP), the authorized distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, introduced the all-new Outback and Legacy at the Manila International Auto Show 2015 last April, offering customers an experience of supreme performance, responsive handling, and luxurious comfort.

The all-new Subaru Outback is a unique crossover concept that combines passenger car comfort with the long distance capabilities and load space of an SUV.

Its flagship model is powered by a redesigned six-cylinder boxer engine allowing drivers to have a more enjoyable ride regardless of terrain.

The all-new Outback has a repositioned tumbler generation valve (TGV) and redesigned intake port shape to balance efficiency throughout the rev range, improving both power and fuel economy.

The new Legacy, on the other hand, is the sixth-generation model. It has been 25 years since 1989 when the first-generation model was introduced.

Like its predecessors, the new model succeeds in proving impressive performance, comfort and safety. It comes in either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine.

Sultry wagon joins the Mazda6 lineup

This year, Mazda Philippines had a busy first quarter as it unveiled a fresh lineup of new models at the 2015 Manila International Auto Show last April.

It also had the largest Mazda booth with a total floor area of covering 1,000 square meters. Nearly all its 11 vehicles on display were either all-new or upgraded for 2015.

First-ever revealed in Southeast Asia was the highly anticipated MX-5 SkyActiv two-seater roadster. For over 25 years, the MX-5 is considered the best-selling sports car in the world, showcasing Mazda’s Kodo-Soul of Motion design language and engineered with the full suite of SkyActiv technology and powertrain.

Another significant model introduced was the all-new second generation Mazda2 subcompact car in both sedan and hatchback variants.

The Mazda2 earned the prestigious 2014-2015 Japan Car of the Year award. It is the fourth model in Mazda’s line up that adopted the full range of SkyActiv technology and Kodo-Soul of Motion design language.

Last June, Mazda formally launched the flagship Mazda6 SkyActiv executive sedan and sports wagon, and the CX-5 compact SUV.

Both models now feature the Mazda’s latest design ideas and new technology like Mazda Connect HMI (human machine interface) system and the most advanced front lighting system in the auto industry with its adaptive LED headlamps technology, lighting that adapts to the driving conditions to provide the optimum front illumination.

The stylish Mazda6 Sports Wagon is a stylish alternative choice to the premium executive category that no other mainstream brand has in the local market.

Both the CX-5 and Mazda6 has also evolved into a more mature expression of the Kodo-Soul of Motion design philosophy.