MIAS explores the great outdoors starting April 9

Every year, the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) delights visitors with the massive car displays of its exhibitors, all housed within four airconditioned buildings at the World Trade Center complex in Pasay. This April 9-12, MIAS explores another aspect of automobiles: their ability to thrill and excite as we use them to explore the great outdoors. Arriving just in time for summer, these are the vehicles that will make the journey just as fun as the destination:

Mazda2: The Mazda2 promises a high-quality, sporty interior and excellent driving performance. Mazda2 follows the CX-5, Mazda6, and Mazda3 in carrying the company’s Skyactiv fuel-efficiency technology that includes high-compression gasoline engines, and the Kodo-Soul of Motion design theme. The model was awarded Japan’s Car of the Year in October.

Ford Mustang: Now 50 years young, Ford has breathed new life into the classic sportscar nameplate by shifting to more modern styling. Cues like the three-bar taillights, galloping horse badges and the unmistakable profile still identify this as fire-breathing Mustang.

Subaru Outback: Subaru’s tall wagon receives a full dose of luxury features for its all-new iteration. The Outback comes with a powerful 3.6-liter flat six now mated to a CVT for better fuel economy. Despite the plush leather-decked interior, the Outback is a full-fledged SUV, now made more capable with Subaru’s electronic off-road mode taking charge of the full-time all-wheel drive system.

Mini Countryman: The appeal of Britain’s favorite automotive icon has expanded beyond the diminutive hatchback. That a crossover vehicle with more space than ever for passenger and cargo can suitably wear the Mini badge is a testament to the excellent driving feel of this car.

BMW X4: The leading premium brand has managed to mash up automotive categories before and it has done it again in the X4. The four-door SUV with the styling of a sport coupe packs BMW’s latest technology, from the twin-turbo gasoline and diesel engines to 8-speed transmissions and the adaptive four-wheel drive system.

Volkswagen Golf GTI: If your summer destination includes twisty roads, the capable new Golf GTI is ready to play. Its turbocharged gasoline engine delivers massive torque for quick work of overtaking and acceleration. The electronic differential makes every corner a delight.

Foton 4×4 Thunder Ironman: If going where no pickup has gone before is your game, Foton obliges with the 4×4 Thunder Ironman. This Thunder includes standard offroad equipment such as raised suspension and chunky all-terrain tires. With its 225-mm ground clearance, Black Rhino alloys, and 2.8-liter Cummins diesel engine, the Ironman is ready to cross rivers or traverse mountains, all while you enjoy the full-featured interior.

Chevrolet Trailblazer: A successful challenger in the three-row SUV category, Chevrolet’s SUV comes with a 500-Nm diesel engine and six-speed manual or automatic. The multi-link rear suspension helps keep the ride pleasant on any road surface. The electronic four-wheel drive system and ladder chassis allow you to get to that remote vacation spot without breaking into a sweat.

Tata Xenon-If the great outdoors is more work than play, the Xenon pickup fits the bill. With the 1,430 millimeters x 1,410 mm load bed able to carry 260 kilograms, the Tata Xenon is also capable of towing 1,800 kg for the 4×2 or 2,200 kg for the 4×4 model.

Mitsubishi Strada-Mitsubishi upgrades one of the Philippines’ first “lifestyle” pickups. The next generation Strada continues with an all-new exterior and interior. With a 2.5-liter diesel with variable geometry turbo, the new Strada should be equipped to bring a family with a huge amount of gear on its rear bed.

Kia Sportage: Kia’s compact crossover comes with a 2.4-liter gasoline or 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. All-wheel drive and decent ground clearance allow the Sportage to easily switch mode from city vehicle to countryside companion.

BYD Qin: The Qin is a plug-in hybrid compact sedan developed by BYD Auto with an all-electric range of 70 kilometres and a hybrid electric power train that can extend the car’s total range to a distance similar to that of a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle.