The most anticipated new models of the year

By Jason K. Ang January 04,2017
The BMW 5 Series (right) will have high-tech features like rear-wheel steering,  adaptive cruise control and hands-free gesture control while Peugeot’s stylish new 3008 SUV promises to arouse the senses.

The BMW 5 Series (right) will have high-tech features like rear-wheel steering, adaptive cruise control and hands-free gesture control while Peugeot’s stylish new 3008 SUV promises to arouse the senses.

If you thought 2016 was hot, just wait for these new cars. 2017 is set to continue the blistering pace of new car introductions from the previous year.

Carmakers are eager to launch their latest and greatest, as competition heats up in several segments. As before, styling, convenience features and performance will be the primary advancements of each new model.

Price increases are likely in order, as the dollar and yen gain versus the peso, with the possibility of a new tax looming over the horizon.

Good thing, then, that the new models promise to be better and faster.

Here are some of the new models that will be rolling into showrooms in 2017:

BMW 5 Series

The all-new BMW 5 Series gets a gaggle of new technology from its big brother 7.

These include rear-wheel steering, gesture control for the interior and lightweight technology for the chassis, with a promised weight reduction of 100 kg.

The new engines include twin-turbo inline-fours such as the 2.0-liter now with 252 hp and 350 Nm.

The 540i will feature a 340-hp, 450 Nm 3.0-liter straight-six. It can sprint to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds.

Whiz-bang connectivity features such as smartphone navigation integration and remote viewing of areas around the car will be available.

Ford Ecosport

Ford’s bestselling subcompact SUV will be getting a refresh, with the US already revealing the car’s new look.

The rear-mounted spare tire, previously key to the Ecosport’s image as an SUV, has been relocated, giving the car a cleaner, more modern look.

Just as important is that the Ecosport will get a new interior. The previous button-fest switchgear has been changed to a touchscreen system, which will likely feature Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto smartphone connectivity.

Honda CR-V

Honda is set to give the CR-V a similar treatment as the all-new Civic.

This means that the all-new CR-V gets a more stylish exterior, with LED daytime running lights, a longer hood and wheelbase and short rear overhang.

Honda promises best-in-class rear seat legroom and larger, more versatile cargo space. For the first time, CR-V will have an available turbo engine, a 1.5-liter DOHC unit with 190 hp, mated to a CVT.

The roomier, more upscale interior will feature an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Hyundai i30

Hyundai’s all-new i30 targets a more refined design featuring a sculpted body. The i30 will see the debut of the new corporate Cascading Grille.

A more rigid and lighter body promises a better ride and improved handling. More direct steering will reportedly provide a more dynamic feel for the driver.

A turbo engine, the 1.4-liter gasoline with 140 ps, may be available.

Kia Picanto

Kia will reveal the all-new Picanto A-segment city car early in the year.

Kia promises a more exciting exterior and interior design, with some options for customization.

Vibrant color choices for the bodywork will apparently be in the works.

The cabin will reportedly combine space efficiency with new convenience and safety features.

Mazda CX-5

Mazda’s recent product rennaissance, with the Kodo-Soul of Motion styling and SkyActive fuel efficiency technology, began with the CX-5.

The second generation model promises to push the styling and driving performance even further.

Mazda says the new CX-5 was developed to be an SUV that “all customers will enjoy,” paying attention to the passengers as well as the driver.

A quieter cabin and smoother ride are among the improvements.

Mazda’s innovative G-Vectoring Control, which reportedly provides safer and more responsive handling, may make its Philippine debut in the new CX-5.

Peugeot 3008

Peugeot’s compact SUV-MPV mashup, the 3008, will be all new for 2017, with more striking looks.

The compact 4,450-mm length will house a surprisingly roomy interior, with 520 liters of space, expandable to 1,580 liters.

A 100-kg lighter body will allow better performance and fuel efficiency.

Peugeot’s i-Cockpit promises sensual arousal through visual and auditory cues.
The latter comes courtesy of an available premium audio system from French brand Focal.

Subaru Impreza and XV

The all-new Subaru Impreza will be the first on this list to officially launch, with a regional reveal set for January.

The sedan and hatchback are based on a new global platform that will be the basis of all Subaru cars in the near
future.

Toyota promises that the all new Camrywill be a head turner

Toyota promises that the all new Camrywill be a head turner

Following closely will be a new XV crossover, with a reportedly bigger and more versatile interior.

The new Impreza won the coveted Car of the Year Japan 2016-2017.

Toyota Camry

Last year, Toyota beefed up its SUV and MPV segments with the new Fortuner, Innova and facelifted RAV4.

This year, it will launch the all-new Camry, still ruling the midsize sedan roost.

While details are sketchy ahead of the car’s launch at the Detroit Auto Show, Toyota promises that the new Camry will be a head-turner.

Volkswagen Tiguan

The long-awaited all-new Tiguan, which debuted in late 2015 in Frankfurt, is set to make its way here.

Volkswagen’s new SUV will be longer, wider and lower, for a cleaner, more elegant appearance.

Underpinning the new car is Volkswagen’s new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB), also the basis of the new Golf. This promises better handling and comfort for the compact crossover. —CONTRIBUTED

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