This month in car launches: BMW X3, Lexus CT, Chevy Spark, and Montero Sport

After a quiet January, the floodgate of new models starts to open in February. As of last count, there are four new cars coming to the Philippines this month. Here’s the rundown:

BMW X3
We had a serendipitous encounter with BMW’s X3 yesterday (no sight of Kate Beckinsale, unfortunately). The all-new “sports-activity vehicle” looks good inside and out, and carries a 2.0-liter diesel engine. The new engine will be the spotlight here, as it has automatic Start-stop capability, that shuts it down when the car is at a standstill. According to ACC/BMW, the system cannot be disabled (which makes sense), so it’s just a matter of time before we test its mettle on the bus-parking lot known as EDSA. The turbodiesel will produce 184 bhp and 380 Nm, plenty of power for the compact car.

Other goodies include: an eight-speed transmission controlled by that Nokia-phone joystick, a roomy interior, and much more tolerable ride.

Lexus CT 200h
Lexus touts this as the first “compact luxury” hybrid in the market. The CT 200h packs 134 bhp, for a 0-100 km/h time of about 9.8 seconds. Fuel mileage is a shade below the Prius’, at 17.85 km/liter. “Bio-sourced” materials such as bamboo charcoal speakers adorn the interior, and even the audio amplifier has been made more energy-efficient.

The CT 200h is supposed to have a sportier character than the previous Lexus offerings, with tighter suspension and a rigid body structure. MacPherson struts are up front, while a double-wishbone setup makes up the rear suspension. The hood, tailgate, and bumper reinforcements are aluminum to reduce weight.

Lexus has hired Kylie Minogue as its spokesperson for the new car, as both are “elegant, contemporary and chic.” The usually-pants-less one will feature in the “Quiet Revolution” campaign for the CT.

Chevrolet Spark
Chevrolet’s smallest model makes a big splash with an event on February 19 at the Mall of Asia. Save the date, as Chevy promises plenty of activities and prizes for visitors throughout the weekend.

The Spark is a sporty take on the minicar segment. It’s narrow and upright, but has distinctive styling, including large headlamps, and hidden rear-doors for a three-door look. The interior also features the The Spark will be powered by either a 1.0 or 1.2-liter engine.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport
As the Montero Sport is the current segment leader, why fix what ain’t broke? Because there’s a shiny new engine available. The freshened Montero Sport will carry a new 2.5-liter diesel engine with variable-geometry turbo. Power goes up to 175 bhp and torque up to 400Nm for the manual, 350 Nm for the automatic (from the current 134 bhp / 314Nm, and beating the previous 3.2 liter engine’s 163 bhp/343Nm). Reportedly, the 4×4 automatic will be a five-speed with sport mode and perhaps paddle shifters, but the 4×2 will retain the four-speed.