New Cars 2019

Chery Tiggo 8 and 5x unveiling

2019 was a busy, frantic year for the Philippine automotive industry, with wall-to-wall launches of cars great and small. From budget-conscious hatchbacks to money-no-object supercars, Philippine auto companies launched no less than 74 refreshed or all-new models. Here are the significant new car launches in 2019:

Audi-the premium German automaker launched three new models. The all-new A6 executive sedan sports taut lines, shapely roofline, and short overhangs. Reportedly the widest and roomiest in its class, the new A6 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine good for 244hp and 370Nm. Also gaining sportier looks is the all-new Q3 compact SUV, longer, wider, and more spacious than the outgoing model. Its 1.4-liter turbo four delivers 150hp and 250Nm. Audi’s SUV flagship is now the Q8, a gorgeous take on the full-size segment. The Q8’s 3.0-liter turbo engine produces 333hp and it’s equipped with mild- hybrid technology with regenerative braking and engine deactivation for improved fuel efficiency.

Auto Asia launched its first dealership to sell and service cars from South Korean Ssang Yong and Chinese Changan. SsangYong specializes in SUVs (Tivoli, Rexton), MPVs (Rodius) and pickups (Musso and Musso Grand). Changan is among China’s five biggest automakers and produces the Honor S MPV and Star Truck.

BMW launched two top SUVs this year. The all-new X5 is powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine with 264hp and a massive 620Nm. 20-inch wheels, all-wheel drive and a Harman Kardon sound system are standard. Speaking of size, the new flagship X7 xDrive30d Pure Excellence also debuted this year, with the same robust drivetrain. The seven-seater X7 can be yours for P9.290 million.

Chevrolet’s all-new Camaro bowed at the Manila International Auto Show with aggressive new looks and enhanced technology. The Camaro has a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 274hp and 398Nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic, and starts at just under P3.3 million. The Colorado Storm variant, new for this year, features one of the most powerful engines in its class, the 199hp, 500Nm 2.8-liter diesel engine. The Colorado Trail Boss, launched at the Cebu Auto Show, features a sport bar, black Chevrolet bowtie badge on a black grille, 18-inch alloys, and decals on the tailgate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the infotainment system.

Ferrari launched its new Roma supercar, a tribute to the Italian La Dolce Vita. The turbo V8 now outputs 612hp mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Stunning yet elegant lines enclose a 2+2 cockpit.

Ford launched a new Ranger variant to complement the all-conquering Raptor flagship. The Ranger XLS Sport features 17-inch alloys, gloss black grille and rear bumper, and step boards. The 2.2-liter diesel outputs 158hp and 385 Nm. A similar diesel engine powers the XXL-size Ford Transit. Ford Transit seats 15 in its massive, nearly six-meter long, 2.474 meter wide footprint. The Transit retails at P2.3 million.

Foton F-Jeep

Foton revealed its all-new Jeepney, aka the F-Jeep, based on the Tornado light-duty platform. The Foton F-Jeep is powered by a Cummins turbodiesel engine with 115hp and 260Nm, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. F-Jeep can carry 24 passengers and features wider passenger doors for easier ingress and egress.

The Guangzhou Automobile Company (GAC) launched its seven-seat flagship SUV, the GS8. The 2.0-liter turbo engine produces 199hp and 320Nm of torque via a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive and terrain-response software are available.

Honda was hummingly busy throughout 2019. The all-new Accord is bigger yet lighter, and is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. It’s good for 186hp and 243 Nm, more than the previous model’s 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated engine, and is mated to a CVT. Honda Sensing active safety includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and collision mitigating functions. The BR-V features a refreshed exterior and interior design, primarily a new chrome front grille and bumper, and available LED daytime running lights. A 7-inch touchscreen audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and reverse camera are new to the BR-V. The larger second-generation Brio adds legroom and headroom. It uses the 1.2-liter VTEC engine with 88hp and 110Nm, adequate for its 992kg curb weight. Honda refreshed the Civic with a new front bumper and wheel design, sportier interior with new infotainment system, now with physical quick-access buttons. Honda took the wraps off the all-new Jazz at the Tokyo Motor Show, with several different styling themes to alter the Jazz's personality, from basic to sporty to luxurious.

Hyundai Reina

Hyundai launched the all-new Accent early in 2019, making the Philippines the first Asean country to receive the new sedan. The Accent’s 1.6-liter diesel makes 127hp and a robust 260Nm. Slotting below the Accent is the subcompact Reina, a new nameplate. The 1.4-liter engine delivers 94hp via a four-speed automatic. Hyundai’s flagship premium SUV the Palisade debuted at the Manila International Auto Show. The 8-seater Palisade is powered by a 2.2-liter diesel or 3.8-liter gasoline engine. The new Kona Electric is the first fully-electric subcompact SUV in the Philippines. The basic version promises 289 km on a single charge, with the long-range version good for 449km.

Isuzu rolled out the D-Max LS-A, powered by a 3.0-iter diesel engine with 177ps and 380Nm. D-Max LS-A features electronic stability control, ABS, hill start assist, and hill-descent control. Dark gray front grille and bumper, and two-tone 18-inch alloys are among its exterior features.

The all-new Isuzu Traviz is designed as a versatile entry, capable of performing as a Class 1 PUV, aluminum van, or dropside truck. It’s based on the D-Max pickup platform. Powered by a 2.5-liter diesel engine, it has a 1.6-ton payload. The Isuzu Mu-X Boondock is equipped with tall-riding nitrogen-charged dampers for increased 247 mm ground clearance.

The all-new Jeep Wrangler carries the classic looks while riding on a new magnesium and aluminum-equipped chassis. A 2.0-liter turbo engine provides the performance.

Kia enjoyed a rebirth as it was taken under the wing of Ayala Corp.’s AC Industrials. The first model launched under the new company is the new Soluto subcompact sedan. Soluto is powered by a 1.4-liter gasoline engine. Making even enthusiast mouths water is the new Stinger performance fastback, launched at MIAS. Stinger features a 3.3-liter V6 twin-turbo V6 with 365hp, mated to a rear-wheel drive chassis. Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels and eight-speed automatic are among its performance credentials. The Seltos subcompact SUV promises a larger interior space thanks to its long wheelbase, sleek styling, and a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 150ps and 179Nm, mated to a more efficient version of a CVT. Seltos starts at P1.098 million.

Japanese luxury brand Lexus had a busy 2019, with the international reveal of the LM van, based on the highly sought- after Toyota Alphard. Privacy partition glass, refrigerator with wine storage, Mark Levinson Surround System, acoustic glass, and two-seat rear layout are available. LM is available for pre-order.

Already at the Lexus Manila showroom is the RC F sport coupé, with revised LED headlights and grille, and reduced weight for sharper performance. The showcase feature is still the 5.0-liter V8 now with 469hp and 530Nm. The best-selling RX SUV likewise gets a sportier front fascia, particularly in the F-Sport variant. A three-row seven-seat version is now available.

Maxus G10

New car brand Maxus, also under the Ayala banner, launched the G10 MPV and the larger V80 van. The G10 carries nine in its spacious interior that includes four captain’s seats. The V80 Comfort can seat 13 within its airy, high-ceiling cabin.

Mazda’s new CX-5 variant, the 2.0 FWD Sport, carries the top-spec features previously available only in the top variants. These include the 7-inch cluster display, upgraded aircon, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment, black leather seats, power liftgate, and 10-speaker Bose audio. The Philippines quickly sold out its allocation of the 30th Anniversary MX-5 roadster, featuring the eye-catching Racing Orange paint and 17-inch Rays Engineering wheels. The all-new Mazda3 in sedan and hatchback variants brings style and driver-pleasing dynamics to the compact sedan class.

Mercedes-Benz launched the all-new B-Class, positioned as a small MPV, with greater interior space than before. The sexier CLA-Class sedan looks flatter and sportier with new 18-inch alloys. Style is foremost, while interior room is increased. Power is by a 135hp, 200Nm four-cylinder engine. The all-new G-Class still looks like its 40-year old forebear, while coming with more modern equipment. The new GLE-Class SUV seats seven full-size passengers and comes with a 244hp, 500Nm diesel engine.

British-Sino brand MG launched its new 5 sedan at the Cebu Auto Show. The 5 is a subcompact model that is closer in size to a midsize sedan, with its 4.601m length and 2.680m wheelbase. Price starts at P658,888. The MG ZS is a compact SUV powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 113 and 150Nm. The MG 6 fastback sedan, launched at MIAS, carries a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine good for 164hp and 250Nm.

Mini ups the ante with its new Countryman JCW. The TwinPower turbo engine now delivers 305hp, good for a zero to 100km/h run in just under five seconds.

Mitsubishi Strada

Mitsubishi refreshed its Montero Sport SUV with the new Dynamic Shield grille and LED headlamps. 18-inch wheels and new infotainment system with smartphone app capability are among the changes. Meanwhile, the new Strada pickup was improved with more than 2,00 changes, including a new 6-speed automatic transmission, larger rear dampers, and larger front disc brakes.

Porsche launched the latest version of its 911 sports car, dubbed the 992. Lighter and more rigid than its predecessor, the new 911 takes performance that much higher, powered by tis 449hp, 530Nm engine. The new electric Taycan sedan made its regional debut, is set to define high-performance, zero-local emission driving when it arrives next year.

The Nissan R35 GTR NISMO uses carbon parts to save weight and enhance performance. 589hp is on tap from the twin-turbo V6.

Peugeot launched the new 3008 Active Petrol with a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine. The 5008 Allure is a seven-seat SUV with new features like 18-inch alloys, panoramic sunroof, and active driver assist features like blind spot detection.

Range Rover launched the second-generation Evoque compact SUV, with a choice of diesel or gasoline engines, paired to all-wheel drive.

Subaru Forester

Subaru launched the latest version of its best-selling Forester. The all-new SUV rides on a new platform that promises improved comfort and safety. Its XV sibling gained a sporty GT variant, with aero kit and 18-inch alloy wheels, developed with Giken Co. and Jack Kobayashi, designer of the WRX STI.

Suzuki Ertiga

Suzuki rolled out the all-new Ertiga. The seven-seat MPV features sleeker styling and improvements to its driving and cabin space.

Market leader Toyota certainly didn't rest on its laurels, as it launched the all-new Corolla Altis. The Corolla Altis is available for the first time here with a hybrid variant. The best-selling Hiace van made its global debut in the Philippines, one of its top markets. The Hiace comes in several seating capacities, with varying levels of space and comfort features, including the top Super Grandia. The all-new RAV4 features chunkier, squared-off styling and promises much improved cabin quality. The Avanza MPV got a refreshed look with heavily sculpted bumper, new wheels, and upgraded interior. The new Supra sports car, with a six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive, also made its debut.

Volvo launched the first plug-in hybrids in the country, the XC60 luxury compact SUV, S90 large luxury estate, and the XC90 luxury midsize SUV. All are powered by the T8 Twin Engine with over 398hp and over 40km of pure electric driving range.