New cars at MIAS to explore the great outdoors

As summer comes to a full boil, the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) once again opens its doors on April 9-12.

This time, the four buildings of MIAS at the World Trade Center will showcase vehicles and accessories enticing drivers to explore the great outdoors. With outdoor mobility as its theme, MIAS will see a slew of new vehicles from the car manufacturers.

Mazda will make motoring an event once more with the all-new MX-5 roadster. Boasting stunning new styling, the world’s best-selling sports car will have us taking the long way to our destination.

Promising even better levels of driver involvement, the new MX-5 will serve as the center of Mazda’s new lineup.

Also on hand will be the new Mazda2 hatchback. The Mazda2 has the eye-catching styling that was first seen on the MX-5 and Mazda6 sedan.

Ford will introduce two new vehicles: the all-new Everest SUV and the Mustang sports car. They are very different vehicles but share a unique capability for exploring the open road and countryside.

The Everest combines the tough capability of a genuine offroader with smart features geared towards the discerning family. With 225 millimeters of ground clearance and 800 mm wading capability, the Everest can crawl through obstacles thanks to its electronically managed four-wheel-drive system.

If staying on the pavement is more your style, then the all-new Mustang should get your cylinders firing. With sleek styling and modern engineering such as an independent rear suspension and a powerful V8 engine, the Mustang beefs up its performance credentials.

BMW enters the multipurpose vehicle market with its 2 Series Active Tourer. The Active Tourer makes sure that getting there is just as fun as the destination itself with its reported trademark BMW driving feel.

With a front-wheel-drive chassis, the 2 Series Active Tourer aims to keep the obedient handling that BMWs are known for.

Volkswagen will feature its newly-launched hot hatch, the Golf GTI.

The GTI features a powerful turbocharged gasoline engine mated to a highly capable chassis. With precision feel in all of its controls, the GTI will be ideal for carving up that twisty road on the way to a choice vacation spot.

VW will also highlight safety with its interactive ride for children at its booth.

Mini recently launched the all-new Countryman, an SUV with much of the sharp Mini handling feel pulsing through its wheels.

Also coming up will be an all-new five-door Mini, allowing four passengers to experience the fun of the Mini hatchback while having an easier time getting in and out.

Subaru will showcase the all-new versions of its Legacy sedan and Outback wagon. Now with markedly more premium interior and features, the all-new Legacy and Outback will be perfect for taking that long-distance trip.

With the brand’s trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive providing an extra margin of safety on slippery roads, the new Legacy and Outback maintain a responsive driving feel.

The Outback will be equipped with Subaru’s new offroad electronics, allowing the tall wagon to negotiate tough obstacles.

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 Trax and Trailblazer: Chevy will preview the all-new Trax, a subcompact crossover that reportedly carries a healthy dose of fun driving capability and a versatile interior space.

Also on hand will be new editions of the Trailblazer. A successful challenger in the three-row SUV category, Chevrolet’s SUV comes with a 500-Newton-meter diesel engine and six-speed manual or automatic.

The multilink 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 its 1,430×1,410-mm load bed able to carry 260 kilograms, the Tata Xenon 4×2 and 4×4 is also capable of towing 1,800 kg and 2,200 kg, respectively.

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 turbocharger, 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-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 km 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.