Happy new year from motioncars.com! Here’s hoping for a great year of cars and driving in 2011, despite staggeringly expensive fuel (when it’s available—right, Shell?). Manufacturers and importers will try to keep up the sales momentum from 2010, a record year. Here are some of the models that will help them do just that:
Honda Civic
It seems hard to believe that the Civic is due for a complete revamp, as the current model still looks fresh and remains quite competitive. Still, the Toyota Corolla is hot on its tail, and Hyundai’s upcoming Elantra will be a strong competitor. So it’s just about time that Honda launch the ninth-generation Civic this year. Expect an exterior similar to that of the CR-Z sport hybrid, which is a good thing. As for engines, we expect a modest increase in power and fuel efficiency, while retaining the 1.8-liter displacement for the base model. The nameplate may be dying in native Japan, but it’s still Honda’s bestseller in many parts of the world, particularly the United States, where the “concept” version will debut in a few days at the North American International Auto Show. In Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, the Civic is still Honda’s bread-and-butter model, so we are hoping for something extra tasty.
Advantage: Striking new looks (maybe), upgraded engines (probably), unparalleled compact-sedan refinement (a sure thing)
Guesstimated arrival: Third quarter 2011
Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra will arrive sooner than the Civic, as it is already in production and is set to make its debut in many markets. After generations of anonymous cars, the Elantra will finally have a face to remember. Picture the middle brother of the Sonata and the new Accent, and you’ll be right on target. The Elantra will probably be hard-pressed to match Honda in the engine-refinement department, but expect plenty of equipment for your money. The new Civic will have to be very good indeed to outpace the new Hyundai.
Advantage: Styling, five-year warranty, increasingly good build quality
Guesstimated arrival: First quarter 2011
Ford Mustang
Ford is firing on all cylinders in the U.S., with one of its freshest and most interesting lineup of cars in the past decade. In the Philippines, the Fiesta should help secure some much-needed volume. There’s a need for a halo model, though, and this is surely the brightest one any carmaker could have. We missed the new Mustang with its return to the iconic styling of the 1960s original, but it’s just as well we are getting its successor, with numerous refinements to ride, engines, and interior. The Mustang should get Ford showrooms mobbed, and should make Philippine roads look less boring.
Advantage: Image, powerful V6 and hopefully that 5.0 V8 engine
Guesstimated arrival: Second quarter 2011
Mini Countryman
The Mini Cooper has been a worthwhile plaything, but not much more than that, at least until the Countryman comes along. Countryman promises the same Mini styling and handling prowess, with a lot more space for things we would like to bring along sometimes—like kids and luggage. The Countryman SUV will be Mini’s largest model yet. It features a taller driving position and for the first time, all-wheel drive. A two-door version is in the works.
Advantage: Toy car for the entire family—can’t beat that proposition
Guesstimated arrival: Second quarter 2011
Volkswagen Golf GTI
It’s been a long while since we’ve had Germany’s “people’s car” officially available, and when VW opens its doors once again it won’t be a moment too soon. Industry sources say that the Ayala group has the inside track, with no less than CEO Jaime Zobel de Ayala making his way to Wolfsburg to bid for the project. An assembly plant is reportedly in the medium-term plan, but the opening gambit is to launch with the Golf GTI. We’ve driven an example a few months ago, and it’s so good it can wipe out memories of the VW Polo.
Advantage: Promises the best fun you’ve had in a compact sedan (in the driver’s seat), thanks to entertaining handling and that turbocharged four-cylinder
Guesstimated arrival: Fourth quarter 2011.
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