The dust has settled, the Salonpas has been applied, and another Philippine International Motor Show was successfully held at the World Trade Center. It was colder, more comfortable, roomier, brighter, and certainly happier than the previous motor show this year. Whoever thought darkness and chaos was a conducive way to see and appreciate cars clearly needs a reality check.
We covered the motor show as professionals, but we also saw it as car fans. Among our group chat discussions, some memorable launches stood out. Here are some picks from the more senior members of the team. These are not ranked, by the way.
1. Toyota Land Cruiser FJ
Perhaps as a reflection of the hype building around it, people we talked to were pleasantly surprised at the Land Cruiser FJ’s P2.235-million asking price. I guess they forgot that when the previous-generation FJ Cruiser was introduced, it sold for about P1.8-million. Nonetheless, the FJ was swarmed by people at the Toyota booth at PIMS, drawn by its chunky good looks and off-road stance. We predict months of waiting for this one.
2. Nissan Navara Pro
We were able to drive this in China earlier this year as the Frontier Pro, and now we finally saw it at PIMS with the ‘Navara’ name. Rather than the macho aesthetic most pickups have lately, the Navara Pro looks futuristic and burly. Publisher Carlo Chungunco noted that the BYD Shark finally has a competitor in the PHEV pickup space. We can’t wait to pit them together in our Big Test.
3. Mitsubishi XForce
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines (MMPC) almost had a winning model when it released the XForce two years ago. The problem was that it was not competitively priced. At this year’s PIMS, MMPC learned from the successful Destinator and made the XForce more affordable. Managing editor Leandre Grecia noted that this pricing leaves room at the higher price tiers for the XForce hybrid, assuming it even makes it to our market.
4. Chery QEV
Many remember the Chery QQ as one of the first Chinese cars to arrive in our country, almost a decade and a half ago. That model makes a comeback, sort of, at PIMS as the Chery QEV. According to our publisher, “far from what was sold as the cheapest car in the Philippines in the early 2000s, this new EV is fun, well-equipped, and seems like a decent contender in the subcompact EV market.” At just P1,120,000 and with 405km of range, the new QEV stands out in the sea of electrified new offerings.
5. Geely EX2
Another appealing EV from a Chinese brand, the Geely EX2 caught the attention of our Head of Video, Charles Banaag. “Sub P1-million price, decent space, good range—it’s a good option for new buyers who want to try an EV.” With a range of 395km, and 114hp and 150Nm under there somewhere, the EX2 looks like the ideal daily driver.
Honorable mentions:
Toyota Land Cruiser HEV
“In almost two decades in this industry, I don’t think I have ever seen the LC at Toyota’s booth. This was one of the few times that PIMS-goers had the chance to actually check it out and sit inside. It was worth checking just for the novelty of it all.” – Carlo Chungunco
Subaru Crosstrek e-Boxer
“It was good to see Subaru’s electrified range growing, and priced not above the market range. The XV/Crosstrek has always been one of the most versatile and fun-to-drive crossovers out there.” – Dinzo Tabamo
Toyota Hilux BEV
“It’s a pickup and it’s electric. It’s also just the third fully electric model in Toyota’s local lineup, so I think it’s a big deal that it’s arrived this early.” – Leandre Grecia
