Best car releases in the PHL market in past months

The Philippine automotive market is one of the best playgrounds for car enthusiasts and consumers alike, with automakers pushing the boundaries of technology, design, and performance.

According to Market Research Philippines, the automotive industry in the Philippines is one of the leading manufacturing hubs in Southeast Asia with a recorded increase in sales of 31.3%, with a total of 352,696 units sold.

In the first half of 2023, the sector demonstrated impressive sales growth of 27.2% on a year-on-year basis, indicating the industry’s continued progress despite the pandemic. According to a report published by the Philippine News Agency, the Philippine automotive industry is expected to continue its growth in the coming years despite the rising oil prices and supply constraints.

Furthermore, top car manufacturers in the Philippines have exceeded sales expectations in quarter two. These manufacturers include Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., Ford Motor Co. Phils., Inc., Nissan Philippines, Honda Cars Philippines, and Suzuki Phils., Inc., and GAC Group.

Toyota Zenix HEV

The Toyota Zenix HEV is a hybrid vehicle designed for the Southeast Asian market, and it is considered the key to opening the era of environmentally friendly technology.

The Zenix features a modern design departure from the current-generation Innova, including a prominent Trapezium grille, sleek headlights, and stylish 18-inch wheels.

This vehicle is equipped with a Series-Parallel hybrid (or Power-Split hybrid) powertrain that comprises a 2-liter gasoline engine and a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Electric motor. The battery for this car’s electric motor comes with an 8-year or 160,000km warranty.

The top-of-the-line Q Variant features the MK20A-FXS 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 150 horsepower, complemented by the added power from the electric motor.

The Toyota Zenix HEV is a glimpse of what future MPVs could be like with great design and better comfort. It is a logical next step for Toyota in promoting environmentally friendly technology transportation in Asia.

The Zenix proves that the future is within reach, and it presents an exceptional value proposition at a price tag of P1,968,000.

Chevrolet New Generation 2024 Trax

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is a compact SUV that has been redesigned to offer more space and size than its predecessor.

The Trax is powered by a 137-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, which it borrows from the smaller Trailblazer. The vehicle earned an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

The new Chevy Trax has a completely redesigned interior with a driver-facing infotainment screen and climate controls that are neatly places. The vehicle has a longer wheelbase than before, which has resulted in about three inches of additional rear legroom and more cargo space.

Moreover, the 2024 Chevy Trax comes with a strong offering of standard safety features, including Chevy Safety Assist, adaptive cruise control, and keyless open.

2024 Honda CR-V

The 2024 Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that has been fully redesigned for 2023 with new styling, a larger interior, and improved safety features.

The Honda CR-V adds a Sport-L trim level for 2024, which bridges the gap between Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims.

The vehicle has standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, standard lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning, and standard adaptive cruise control. It also has safety ratings and a smartly packaged interior.

2024 Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover SUV that has been redesigned for 2023. The vehicle is Honda’s smallest SUV and is positioned below the CR-V and Pilot.

The HR-V is available in three trims, and the Sport trim makes the most sense, with its slightly more aggressive exterior styling and 18-inch wheels.

The vehicle offers standard automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Volvo C40 Recharge EV

The Volvo C40 Recharge EV is a fully electric crossover SUV with a leather-free interior and Google built-in.

Meanwhile, the twin engine version of the C40 Recharge delivers 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque from its pair of electric motors, allowing it to go from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 second.

The C40 Recharge has an electric range of up to 478 km for the single motor version and up to 414 km for the twin engine version.

The C40 Recharge has a sloped roof design that gives it a crossover-coupe styling, which is currently popular. The interior features high-end materials and finishes, and the car is completely leather-free. The vehicle includes a comprehensive set of driver-assistance features as standard, including lane-keeping assist and automated emergency braking.

GAC GS3 Emzoom

GAC Motor has launched its new entry-level model, the GS3 Emzoom crossover SUV, which has been grabbing the attention of buyers with its statement geometric design and practicality.

The Emzoom R-Type uses GAC’s Global Platform Modular Architecture chassis with a length of 4410 mm, width of 1850 mm, height of 1600 mm, and a wheelbase of 2600 mm. The car is equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display that is easy to use and provides access to a range of features, including navigation, entertainment, and climate control

The GS3 Emzoom is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 150 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that provides smooth and responsive shifting.

The car is equipped with a range of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera.

Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is a compact MPV that combines advanced engine technology with versatility, all wrapped up in an affordable package.

The car boasts a 1.5-liter K15B petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. This hybrid system provides a seamless driving experience with the electric motor assisting the vehicle from a stop and during braking.

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid caters to the diverse needs of modern families by offering exceptional versatility. A spacious and well-designed cabin comfortably accommodates up to seven occupants.

The car is also equipped with innovative SHVS technology and the ISG and Lithium-ION battery, which improve the engine’s operationalization and regenerative capacity.

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

This quarter, Mitsubishi has unveiled the latest addition to its lineup, the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

The 2024 Outlander PHEV combines advanced electric and hybrid technology with its interior, tech features, and safety measures.

The Outlander PHEV has a powerful engine and smooth performance. It features a 20-kWh battery pack and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 221 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.

The EPA-rated for 38 miles of all-electric driving range, the 2024 Outlander PHEV also boasts 420 miles of overall driving range when combining electricity and gasoline.

This vehicle has advanced technology features that enhance a person’s driving experience, with user-friendly infotainment system equipped with a large touchscreen display. The interface also integrates with smartphones, allowing users to access their favorite apps, make calls, and stream music through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The Outlander PHEV boasts a forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. It also features Mitsubishi Motors’ Super-All Wheel Control twin-motor 4WD system.

Mercedes-Benz EQE

Mercedes-Benz has recently released the EQE, an electric luxury sedan that diverges from the gas-powered Mercedes E-class in multiple ways.

The EQE has an aerodynamically optimized design that is unique to the electric model. It has a lozenge-shaped body that is slightly more compact than the E-class, but it rides on a unique EV platform that delivers a roomier interior.

The vehicle has a single electric motor mounted on its rear axle, and a trio of available powertrains includes a 288-hp rear-drive setup and two all-wheel-drive configurations with up to 402 horses.

Mercedes claims the non-AMG model has a maximum driving range of over 300 miles, and an EQE350 4Matic model traveled 260 miles on a real-world highway route. — M. A. Moral