Third quarter binge for PH car launches

It’s been a busy third quarter for the automotive industry, with brands like Toyota and Honda coming up with the most number of new models and variants. The luxury segment was no less busy, with Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Maserati introducing their latest models. With the inflationary effects of the TRAIN tax law behind us, the car companies are introducing its latest offering to spice up a rather flat year. Here’s a timeline of what’s new and the latest in the market that just happened last quarter.

June 25 – Honda BR-V

Honda Cars Philippines was one of the busiest brands last quarter, and its first salvo was the launch of the new 2019 BR-V, the 7-seater crossover version of the Mobilio. The new model comes with exterior and interior styling updates, and now comes with a rear view camera. The new BR-V comes with a restyled front and more chrome, and updated its infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto. Prices start at P1,035,000 with the 1.5S and P1,155,000 with the 1.5V variant.

July 9 – Toyota GR Supra

One of the most anticipated unveils this year for gearheads was the Toyota Supra. The all-new GR Supra was a collaboration with BMW and uses the Z4 platform, and the GR stands for Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s motorsport label. Putting aside its Teutonic origins, the Supra still follows its traditional long hood and short deck proportions befitting a soon-to-be classic sports car for this generation. Propelling this sexy rocket a muscular 3.0-liter inline-six that, fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger, rated at 335hp and 500Nm. Although it has Bavarian origins, the Supra was retuned by Toyota with maximum torque kicking in at a low 1,600rpm, it is sure to please even the hard core JDM loyalist. Top speed is rated at 250 kph, with 0 to 100 kph at 4.5 seconds, thanks in part to its eight-speed automatic transmission. Its front engine/rear drive layout and near perfect 50/50 front and rear weight distribution adds to its classical sports car appeal immensely too.

July 23 – Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Auto Nation Group (ANG) introduced the latest generation B-Class that now comes with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), which was first seen on the new A-Class. The system has a virtual assistant which can be activated by pressing a button in the steering wheel or by saying, “Hey Mercedes.” It obeys voice commands for infotainment functions such as destination input, phone call, music selection, climate control and ambient lighting. Mercedes-Benz said MBUX is equipped with a natural speech recognition program, a 7.4-inch touchscreen, a touchpad on the center console, and touch-control buttons on the steering wheel. ANG says it redefines “practicality, versatility and safety while putting emphasis on a sportier tourer identity.” The latest model is now pitched as a small MPV because of its spacious cabin — bigger compared to the previous B-Class. The new car has more headroom and elbowroom in front and the rear, and its seats are more elevated, promising improved comfort. The rear seats split and fold 40-40-20 to accommodate long or irregularly shaped cargo. Visibility from inside the car is now also better, according to Mercedes-Benz. Powering the new B-Class is a 136hp, 200Nm, inline-four gasoline engine that’s paired to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The new B-Class sells for P2.690 million.

July 24 – BMW X7

BMW Philippines introduced the first-ever tycoon-class BMW X7 SUV, and it is the largest model in the X lineup. BMW calls the X7 its largest “Sport Activity Vehicle,” making it the flagship SAV. It is the first of its kind to blend the versatility of an SUV, and the commanding presence, spaciousness and exclusivity of a luxury sedan. Having the best of both worlds, the BMW X7’s stately and imposing presence is matched by top-class interior and state-of-the-art equipment features. But do not let the chic interior and elegant sheet metal fool you; BMW’s advanced powertrain and chassis technology ensures the X7 can handle all sorts of off-road terrain. Just like any off-roading 4×4 SUV or pickup, it can take any kind of punishment but offer better ride comfort and the agile on-road handling for which BMW SAVs are renowned. The price for admission in owning the largest and most awesome BMW SAV in the X7 xDrive30d Pure Excellence trim is at P9,290,000. It comes with a 5-year, 200,000-kilometer manufacturer’s warranty – a new standard in the premium automotive segment in the Philippines.

August 1 – Honda City and Jazz Sport Limited Edition Variants

Honda Cars Philippines launched the sporty limited edition variants of the Honda City and Honda Jazz as their second salvo and marketing offensive for the third quarter. The new Honda City is the brand’s locally produced and best-selling model in the country. The 1.5 Sport CVT variant now comes with a more dynamic appearance enhancing the City’s sporty image. Upfront, the new City Sport is equipped with LED headlights and fog lamps for a more aggressive front fascia, a ducktail spoiler and Sport Edition Emblem to distinguish this City from the other variants. Priced at P899,000, it is only available in two colors; Taffeta White and Modern Steel Metallic.

Together with the City Sport, the new Jazz 1.5 Sport CVT gets a sporty treatment upgrade. This limited edition offering comes with new exterior features derived from the Jazz RS variant namely; 16-inch RS Design black alloy wheels, RS Design tailgate spoiler and black door mirror caps gave it a more aggressive stance on the road. Price tag is at P933,000 and will be exclusively available in Brilliant Sporty Blue. Only 30 units of this Limited Edition variant will be made available nationwide.

August 9 – Ford Everest

Ford Philippines introduced its new Ford Everest last August, with new enhancements in its engine and transmission, and also changes in its exterior, interior, and driver-assist technologies. The first generation Everest was launched in the Philippines in 2003, and was a breakthrough for Ford in the local SUV market, combining rugged performance and capability, with comfort and convenience. It became known for its tireless capacity to withstand challenging roads and terrain with its ground clearance, and best-in-class water wading capability. Some 65,000 units have been sold in the country since its introduction and remains Ford’s top-selling model.

August 19 – Toyota Hiace

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) completed the Hiace lineup last August with the launch of the all-new Super Grandia with three new variants: Elite, Leather, and Fabric. Toyota said a series of developments on the design, performance, and safety features resulted in a strong and refined exterior, yet an inviting and comfortable interior which embodies grand luxury and omotenashi (hospitality). The All New Hiace Super Grandia promises a stress-free drive both for the driver and passenger, and provides a ride experience and atmosphere that resembles first class travel.

The power sliding Doors (available for the Elite variant) gives an inviting entrance to the luxurious cabin. Upon entry, the interior illumination sets a relaxing mood which can be adjusted to the passenger’s preference. Its passengers enjoy luxurious personal space with the captain seats that occupy the first and second row. Quilted leather 4-way Power Adjust Captain Seats with Ottoman, replace the first rear row for the Super Grandia Elite. For all variants of the Super Grandia, bench type space up seats at the farthest row can accommodate up to 4 more passengers. Rear personal reading lamps provide each passenger a greater sense of personal control and convenience, giving them the option of better visibility in their personal space. Automatic climate control ensures passenger comfort all throughout the drive, with Nano-E air purifying technology for the Elite variant. Prices range from P2,420,000 to P2,890,000.

August 29 – Isuzu D-Max LS-A

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) launches its latest and most modern iteration of the D-Max pick-up, the LS-A. Powering the D-Max LS-A is the fuel-efficient 4JJ1-TCX 3-liter 4-cylinder in-line Blue Power Diesel engine with VGS turbo intercooler that is rated at 177 PS and 380 Nm of torque. Initially available only in 4×4 variant, IPC said that it will also be offered in 4×2 variants in the coming months, and both variants will have an option for either 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift or the 6-speed manual transmission with gear shift indicator. The LS-A is equipped with the
auto-climate control air conditioning system, passive entry/push start-stop system, 12V accessory socket, three USB charging ports, 15 storage compartments and yes, with 10 cup holders. IPC also added that there will be a special price for the LS-A, and to know more about this, IPC advises to contact your nearest Isuzu dealer.

September 3 – Mercedes-Benz CLA

Auto Nation Group (ANG), also introduced the new CLA last quarter at the hip Versus Barcade in Bonifacio Global City, which it intently characterizes the fun persona of the vehicle. The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA, known for its exciting and sporty design, features a sleeker, sportier and techier character, and also comes with the improved MBUX system. “As a four-door coupé, the new CLA intrigues with its puristic, seductive profile and brings the design DNA of ‘sensual purity’ to a new level. It is compelling for its perfect proportions, which are very close to the initial design sketches: a long, stretched bonnet, a compact greenhouse, a wide track with flared wheel arches and our typical GT rear end with a pronounced ‘Coke-bottle shoulder’,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Daimler AG. It is now offered in one variant only, the CLA 180 Progressive is priced at P3,190,000.

September 9 – Toyota Altis

With the onset of electric vehicles (EV) still far from the Philippine automotive industry’s horizon, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) took a smart gamble and was first to introduce hybrid technology in 2009. A decade later, and with better and newer tech, Toyota closes the gap between full EV and internal combustion engines (ICE) with the introduction of a hybrid variant for its Altis nameplate with a very competitive price tag. With over 2 million pesos for the Prius, pricing was a hindrance for most buyers. Toyota’s strategy is to educate car buyers by introducing its newest hybrid including the 1.8-liter Corolla Altis HEV. Priced at P1,580,000, it
offers a more
affordable alternative for car buyers wanting to try hybrid technology cars. The new Corolla is the first in TMP’s product lineup to feature three of Toyota’s latest technologies in one variant: Toyota New Global Architecture, Toyota Safety Sense, and hybrid technology.

Other ICE variants of the Corolla Altis starts from P999,000 for the entry-level 1.6E MT manual transmission variant, and its top line ICE variant is pegged at P1,185,000 for the 1.8V CVT.

September 11 Audi A6

PGA cars introduced the all-new Audi A6 2.0L TFSI that comes with a 2 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder Inline petrol engine rated at 245 Hp and 370 Nm of torque and is quite peppy with 0 to 60 kph in 6.1 seconds. This new-generation Audi A6 is regarded by the brand’s “an expressive ambassador” of its new design language. Audi says it is packed with “enhanced comfort, sportiness and end-to-end digitalization,” the latest A6 is still defined by taut lines, an arcing roofline and short overhangs. It is the roomiest and widest in the business class of executive sedans, according to Audi. In front, Audi’s wide, low-set Singleframe grille, air inlets, matrix LED headlights and daytime running lights emphasize the model’s sporty character. On the car’s flanks are contoured surfaces that stretch across the top section of the body. A line starts as a mark on the hood, and ends at the rear as a separating edge. The lower section of the body sees pronounced aerodynamic elements. The C-pillar is much flatter than before, and the entire window line is much more dynamic than that on any previous A6 model.

September 12 – Maxus G10

As the country’s population ages, there is now a growing need for niche products like vehicles with PWD and elderly-friendly accessibilities. Maxus saw an opportunity to introduce the G10 Assist, which is a standard G10 van fitted with a swivel seat that extends out of the vehicle for easy PWD access. Its programmable system can be controlled with a smartphone or with its own remote control system. This option is about P400,000 on top of the P1,680,000 price tag of the G10 van. Not bad for paying the price of convenience and care for your loved ones.

September 13 – Chevrolet Colorado Boss

The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet unveiled the new Colorado Trail Boss at the Cebu Auto Show 2019 at the Sky Hall SM Seaside City Cebu. The Cebu Auto Show is the biggest automotive event in the Visayan region and is a strong market for SUVs and pickup trucks. The Colorado Trail Boss’s powerful drivetrain, superior performance, and bold American styling is equipped with an inline 4-cylinder 2.8L Duramax VG Turbo rated at 200hp and 500 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and a sturdy 4×2 drivetrain. Priced at P1,368,888 –it comes with a limited-time offer of free Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) for the pickup truck for the first two (2) years of ownership, or 40,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

September 17 – Lexus RX SUV

Lexus Philippines unveiled the new 2020 RX luxury SUV model, the country’s most popular luxury SUV with a 28% market share as of the first half of the year. Introduced globally in 1998, the RX was introduced in the country only in 2009, and has consistently been a segment leader since 2015. As of June 2019, Lexus has locally sold 1,413 thousand units. Aside from the new RX, Lexus added an all-new RXL variant. The new RX now features Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity, as well as touchscreen and touchpad options, and thanks to enhancements in the rigidity of its body and suspension and new shock absorbers and brake control systems, the RX promises improved handling and driving dynamics.

September 24 – Honda Accord

Honda Philippines has been really busy this year, aside from introducing the new BRV, and new City, and it also unveiled its new generation Accord, now with a turbocharged 1.5-liter VTEC engine, it comes with Honda’s suite of smart technologies, a TFT display for the instruments and 18-inch noise-reducing wheels are some of the key advanced features fitted to the 10th-generation Honda Accord. The Accord comes only in one variant, coming in a choice of three colors (Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black, Modern Steel Metallic), and costs P2.288 million.

September 25 – Geely Coolray SUV

Chinese automotive brand Geely made a comeback after about a decade in hiatus in the local market with the debut of the new Coolray SUV. Interestingly, Geely is the owner of Swedish car brand Volvo and British sportscar brand Lotus, among other companies it acquired in recent years. Instead of taking over its management, it allowed these brands to flourish independently after injecting more capital for R&D and expansion. The result was these brands were able to come up with great products.

Geely is distributed by Sojitz G Auto Philippines, owned by a Japanese holding company Sojitz Corporation. Price for the Coolray SUV base unit is just under a million, P978,000 to be exact. Aside from the Coolray, new models will soon be unveiled in the coming months. Powering the Coolray is a 1.5 liter turbocharged engine and it comes in three variants, with the highest variant priced at P1,198,000.

September 26 – Suzuki Super Carry The Filinvest Tent

It now comes with a fuel-efficient K15B 1.5-liter engine, rated at 96 hp and 135 Nm and has a wider and longer body with access to side gates opening from all sides, making loading and unloading cargo of any size and shape easier. Its 22 rope hooks can secure any cargo during delivery and its bed is 365mm longer and 75mm wider than its predecessor with greater loading capacity of 940kg. Prices start at P509,000 for the Carry Truck; P576,000 for the Carry cargo van; and P614,000 for the Carry utility van.

September 26 – Maserati Levante Trofeo

Maserati Philippines introduced a new performance variant of the Levante SUV. With a more 3.8 liter twin turbo engine, it is rated at 590 hp and 730 Nm of torque, enough to rocket this luxury SUV from 0 to 60 khp in just 3.9 seconds. Maserati brought in the Levante SUV about three years ago and came with a 3 liter V6 engine. The Trofeo variant was brought in for those who would like something more performance oriented and subtle differences include a carbon fiber splitter and side bezel gills and badges on the C pillar. Apart from its new 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, it cannot be instantly recognizable, and it also features the brand’s Q4 Intelligent AWD system with 4 driving modes including the new “Corsa” mode.