New cars leaping out this 2016

By Botchi Santos, Jason K. Ang January 05,2016
VOLVO’S S90  promises new levels  of refinement and safety.

VOLVO’S S90 promises new levels of refinement and safety.

THE PHILIPPINE automotive industry is set to continue in 2016 with its the frenetic pace of launches and new product offerings.

Despite the soul-draining traffic situation in Metro Manila, a car is seen as a necessity by many. Here are some of the new models automakers plan to launch this year:

Honda BR-V

Honda is building on the success of the HR-V with a new model that will slot below it. As the top HR-V is selling in the P1.2-million price range, there’s room for another subcompact SUV that will hopefully be below the P1-million mark.

Enter the BR-V, a seven-seat SUV that promises to combine the appearance of an SUV with the space and versatility of an MPV. Engine will likely be a 1.5-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine paired with six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission.

Honda Civic

The 10th-generation Civic sedan will feature sportier styling in a bid to capture once again the top spot in the Japanese compact segment.

The big news is the turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engine, the first turbo engine for the Civic in the local market.

Various electronic assist features such as collision mitigation braking may be available. The aim is to produce the world’s best compact car, and not just in sedan guise. We hope we can get the hatchback and legendary Type-R, too.

Hyundai Elantra

The all-new Elantra was previewed in December, and deliveries will begin early in 2016. The compact sedan features an evolution of the Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design, with a large hexagonal grille and long horizontal lines along the body.

The interior is more ergonomic and has upgraded materials for a more premium feel. It is longer and wider for more interior space.

The Elantra will be powered by a 2-liter gasoline engine for the top variant, while the mid- and entry-levels will get a 1.6-liter engine, with available six-speed automatic transmission.

Kia Sportage

The fourth-generation Sportage will likely debut this year following its global reveal at Frankfurt in 2015. The new Sportage features yet more Audi/Porsche/VW-type styling cues, while managing to look more upscale.

The new Sportage will feature more passenger and cargo space than before, with possible availability of a power rear hatchback. Engine choices may include a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder good for 241 horsepower.

 Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2

Lamborghini’s junior supercar, the Huracán, will be getting a new variant this 2016. The LP 580-2 is a more driver-focused, rear-wheel-driven version of the Huracán.

It has slightly less power (600 HP for the regular model versus 572 HP for the LP 580-2), but the entire driving sensation has been optimized to deliver an even more exhilarating experience particularly for the keen driver who seeks more control and freedom to explore the limits.

The LP 580-2 has revised front and rear bumpers, a suspension and steering setup for RWD driving dynamics, and special design 19-inch alloy wheels to differentiate it from the LP 610-4—a Lamborghini indeed for the driving purist.

Mazda CX-3

Mazda will enter the subcompact crossover segment with the CX-3. The CX-3 uses the company’s Kodo-Soul of Motion styling cues. It will probably pack the SkyActiv 2-liter engine (good for 146 HP), paired with six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

Mazda promises that the CX-3 will offer all the essentials of an automobile in an easy-to-use package. The car is meant to be a performance hatchback with the space and versatility of a small SUV, with one of the best interior designs in the segment.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport will no doubt be snapping at the wheels of the new Fortuner, despite some negative publicity about the previous model.

The all-new Montero Sport has the looks and pace to compete. Its face is the chrome-decked robotic look of new Mitsubishi models called Dynamic Shield.

Under the hood is a 2.4-liter turbodiesel, good for 181 HP and 430 Newton-meters, mated to a category-first eight-speed automatic.

The Montero Sport will be offered in four variants, with prices ranging from P1.5 million to P2 million.

Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S

Porsche’s new lineup of turbocharged 911 models means that in the near future, only the GT3 and GT3 RS remain normally aspirated. The move to turbocharging means that the next generation of 911s are more fuel efficient, cleaner burning, and for the enthusiast, opens up far greater possibilities for tuning to increase output and torque.

New headlights, new taillights, a new dash setup with multimedia system are key differences, but the crucial difference is the engine: an all-new 3-liter twin-turbocharged powerplant that delivers 370 and 420 HP, respectively, for the Carrera and Carrera S, while improving efficiency and reducing emissions.

Purists might cry the loss of natural aspiration, but Porsche has always evolved with the times and the new line of turbocharged 911s is no different.

Expect more performance that is easier to access but with the same amazing handling.

Toyota Fortuner

Toyota will launch the all-new Fortuner as its initial salvo for 2016 on Jan. 14. The new SUV will reportedly feature higher levels of refinement as well as improved fuel efficiency and safety.

The Fortuner’s styling theme is “rough but cool,” with an interesting lightning bolt line accentuating the window frame.

The interior will probably feature synthetic leather and metallic accents. The steering wheel will be able to tilt and telescope. Three-row seating will accommodate seven passengers, with a split-fold second and third row.

The engines will be a choice of 2.4-liter or 2.8-liter turbodiesel.

Nissan R35 GT-R

It is Nissan’s amazing R35 G-TR, now on its eighth year of production, that has hordes of local enthusiasts getting sleepless nights. With a base price rumored to be under P7 million with full warranty, thanks to Jpepa, the R35 has grown more suited for long-distance touring, has a revised rear diffuser arrangement, new tail lights and headlights plus new RAYS forged wheels and has seen power grow from 480 HP back in its introduction in 2007 to 545 HP in the latest 2016 variants.

Styled after the Gundam mecha, with plasma-lined cylinder bores on its hand-made VR38DETT engine, an amazing Attesa all-wheel-drive system and fast-shifting GR6 dual-clutch transmission, suspended by Bilstein dampers and anchored down by Brembo brakes, the GT-R is the one car that has the premium performance segment worried.

Toyota Innova

The Toyota Innova will be the key product of 2016. After 10 long years, an all-new model will debut and hopefully will still be assembled in the Philippines.

The new Innova remains distinct from the Fortuner as it is clearly looks like an MPV. The Innova promises a more premium interior for the upper variants. It will be powered by a new generation of Toyota diesel engines.

Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen will start deliveries of its Passat midsize sedan early this year. The eighth-generation Passat features premium styling and equipment.

Initial engine will be the 2-liter TSI turbocharged gasoline engine with 217 HP, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch direct-shift gearbox.  Suspension will feature available adaptive chassis control and the trick XDS electronic differential that effectively quells torque steer.

Prices will be P2.25 million for the Highline and P2.75 million for the  Business Edition.

Volvo S90

After the new XC90 brought state-of-the-art technology to Volvo’s luxury SUV, the Swedish firm will launch the all-new S90 sedan. The S90 will be revealed at the Detroit Motor Show.

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