Toyota, Mazda, and Peugeot give us new cars to look forward to in July

Toyota’s all-new Hilux promises a quieter cabin, a more comfortable ride and improved fuel efficiency.

With all the new vehicles launched in the first quarter of the year, you’d think that carmakers would be pausing to catch their breath. Fortunately, they are just starting to rev their engines, based on the new vehicles that are coming this month.

First is the highly anticipated all-new Hilux pickup. Launched in Thailand only in May, the eighth-generation Hilux features a new diesel engine paired with six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Redefining tough

With the motto “redefine tough,” the new Hilux promises not just ruggedness and offroad toughness, but also a quieter cabin, more comfortable ride, and improved fuel efficiency.

The new Hilux will be powered by a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine with common-rail direct injection. Featuring new technology that enhances thermal efficiency, the new engine also features an emissions system that can eliminate up to 99 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions.

The new engine will deliver  174.58 horsepower and 450 Newton-meters of torque, with low-speed torque of 370 Nm, already higher than the peak torque of the old 3-liter engine.

The engine is expected to deliver up to 25-percent better fuel efficiency than the old power plant.

The new pickup will pack more technology to enhance offroad performance, including active traction control and hill assist control.

Peugeot’s 2008 is a cross between a city car and a high-riding crossover.

Hill assist control helps prevent the Hilux from rolling backward by maintaining brake fluid pressure for a short time after the driver releases the brake pedal.

It may feature hill descent control as well, which will help automatically maintain a slow speed when descending steep slopes.

Two striking cars

Mazda is rolling out the all-new Mazda2 sedan and hatchback. The Mazda2 will feature the brand’s trademark Kodo-Soul of Motion styling and SkyActiv fuel efficiency technology.

The 2 is actually two striking cars, with both sedan and hatchback bringing a new sense of style to the category. The Superman-style grille is flanked by wide headlamps and underscored by a healthy helping of chrome. The sinuous sides all add up to a sleek profile.

Mazda2 brings a new sense of style.

The Mazda2’s cockpit features high-quality finishing and features usually found in cars twice or even thrice the price. There’s a multi-LED screen gauge cluster, climate control, and heads-up display. Seats and dashboard feature neat red stitching. The MZD Connect interfaces with wireless phone connectivity and a multifunction control knob, similar to BMW’s iDrive system.

The Mazda2 will be powered by a SkyActiv-G (gasoline) engine, promising 25-percent better fuel mileage than the previous model.

The 1.5-liter inline-four generates  106.52 HP and 139 Nm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic with sport mode. ABS and dynamic stability control will be available.

Mazda’s 3-year/60,000-km periodic maintenance program (free oil, parts and labor) is still included with the Mazda2. The Mazda2 is priced to fly out of showrooms at P795,000 for the base model (which is still a six-speed automatic) up to P925,000 for the R model.

Interesting alternative

Peugeot continues to offer interesting alternatives with the 2008. The 2008 is a cross between a city car and a high-riding crossover.

The 2008 promises a stylish, practical rejoinder to the likes of compact crossovers like the Honda HR-V and Subaru XV. The 2008 will have a floating-effect grille and distinctive headlamps.

The 2008 may feature a three-cylinder gasoline engine with start-stop technology to deliver better fuel mileage.

The 2008 reportedly has a roomy interior with versatile seating to switch between human and cargo use. Expected features include LED lighting and touchscreen controls.

The 2008 will have Grip Control, a traction control system with modes for road, mud and sand to enhance its rough-road ability.