The Cars of the 5th PIMS

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) showcased concept cars (the GR-HEV pickup and CA MiEV electric vehicle) that have debuted in other international motor show such as the Geneva Motor Show and Tokyo Motor Show. MMPC flew in these concepts along with the Pajero Dakar Rally car to showcase the brand’s heritage as well as future product direction. MMPC’s pavilion also has a sneak preview of the all-new Outlander as well as the recently introduced ASX crossover.

The all-new Outlander is Mitsubishi’s 3rd-gen compact crossover, now featuring a 7-seat capacity. Aside from the Outlander, MMPC also has the 2015 ASX, Montero Sport, 2015 Pajero, 2015 Mirage, Mirage G4, and Lancer EX. Mitsubishi also kicked off its Mirage Eco Dash mobile game challenge where the highest score in a six-month period gets a brand-new Mirage.

Lexus

Lexus showed off its formidable line-up led by its all-new premium compact crossover, the NX. Following in the tracks of the GS and IS sedans, the NX marries Lexus’s bold and dramatic design with a platform engineered with the help of racers.

The NX is available initially in one variant: the NX 300h. This model uses a tuned version of the 2AR-FXE 2.5-liter gasoline engine supplemented by an electric motor. The NX 300h uses a sophisticated all-wheel drive system called E-Four where the rear axle is powered by the electric motor and the front axle is powered by either gasoline or electric power. The NX 300h has an SRP of P 3,908,000.

Toyota

The largest automaker in the Philippines showed off its latest motor show brand identity display, Wave Design at the PIMS. Opening the waku-doki themed display was concert queen Sarah Geronimo. After her mini concert, it was down to business where TMP president Michinobu Sugata reiterated Toyota’s commitment to bring motorsports to the people by bringing the third round of the Toyota Vios Cup to Manila. The race, which will be held on October 18 to 19 will be at a specially designed street circuit in McKinley, Taguig.

Toyota also showed off the Fun Vii Concept, a car inspired by modern smartphones. Its massive LED-screen exterior allows for a personalized display outside while allowing the connected car to communicate with roadways, infrastructure, and other cars.

In terms of production models, Toyota’s strong-selling Fortuner and Hilux get minor updates for the 2015 model year.

Peugeot

Peugeot, through its official Philippine distributor Eurobrands Distributor, Inc. (EDI), showed off a bit of French high fashion at its pavilion in the PIMS. With a full model line-up display: 3008 crossover, 5008 MPV, 508 executive sedan, Expert Tepee family van, and RCZ sports car, Peugeot held a mini fashion show to welcome special guests on the opening day.

Entitled “Motion & Emotion”, renowned Filipino designer Rocky Gathercole who’s created outfits for the likes of Katy Perry and Beyoncé interpreted the different Peugeot models through his designs. Definitely, Peugeot is pointing out that its cars are uniquely French in that they are distinct, striking, and prominent.

Aside from high fashion, Peugeot showed off the 508 Hybrid4. Although the car isn’t expected to reach the Philippines, the 508 Hybrid4 combines Peugeot’s already efficient diesel engine with an electric motor to produce even more astounding fuel economy figures and reduced emissions. The 508 Hybrid4 reduces its CO2 emissions to a very low 85g/km while delivering up to 30.6 km/L.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen showed off its sporty side by unveiling two new additions to its line-up. The first is the P1,480,000 Jetta Sport Edition, a sportified variant of Volkswagen’s globally bestselling compact sedan. The second is the Philippine sneak peek of the much-anticipated all-new Golf GTI Mark 7, a car that VW Philippines will launch in 2015.

Taking center stage at the Volkswagen pavilion though is the all-new Golf GTI Mark 7—the latest version of the hot hatch with over 40 years of history. The long-waited, much-anticipated 5-door GTI features a turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 220 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Though front-wheel drive, the Golf GTI has a sport tuned suspension with front MacPherson Struts and a 4-Link independent rear suspension with stabilizer. Like the Jetta Sport Edition, the Golf GTI runs on 18-inch rims with 225/40R18 tires and convenience features such as a push button start/stop system. The Golf GTI will be sold starting 2015 and will have a “competitive price” according to Volkswagen Philippines executives.

Isuzu

The all-new Isuzu mu-X took the center stage in Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s display pavilion. Loaded with premium and advanced features, the mu-X is available in three variants topped by the LS-A available in either two- or four-wheel drive. Both are solely available in a 5-speed automatic. The LS-M and the entry-level LS are purely two-wheel drive mated to a 5-speed manual. All mu-X models are powered by the new 4JK-1 TC 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 136 hp and 320 Nm of torque. Some available features of the mu-X include leather seats, a full-featured audio system, a 10-inch roof-mounted DVD monitor, dual climate control, and a push button engine start/stop system.

Also named at PIMS is Isuzu’s brand ambassador: Team Kramer or what the family of celebrity basketball player Doug Kramer and wife, actress and TV host Cheska Garcia-Kramer, together with children Kendra, Scarlett, and Gavin, is called.

Mazda

At PIMS, Mazda importer/distributor Berjaya Auto Philippines has announced that more local Mazda units will feature the Bose sound system as standard equipment. The company also unveiled its new range-topping variant for the Mazda3: the Mazda3 Speed.

Audiophiles will be very happy to know that starting this month, Bose sound system (in varying number of speakers) will be standard on the Mazda6 and MX-5 roadster as well as selected models for the Mazda3 and CX-9. Already standard on the CX-5 AWD Sport and MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition model, the Bose sound system will be available on the newly launched Mazda3 Speed and CX-9 Grand Touring AWD. Each purchase of Bose-equipped vehicles will come with a 20 percent discount voucher on Bose products through Philippine Bose distributor Eleksis Marketing Corporation.

Aside from having Bose as standard, the Mazda3 Speed features off-white leather seats, powered driver’s seat, and a DVD entertainment system. Outside, the Mazda3 Speed is distinguished with its high-gloss black 18-inch alloy rims, black side mirrors, and a wrap-around Mazdaspeed aerodynamic kit. The Mazda3 Speed is available solely in a 5-door hatchback powered by the 2.0-liter Skyactiv 4-cylinder engine. The Mazda3 Speed is available in Snowflake White and Soul Red.

Pricing for the new Bose-equipped sound system is as follows: Mazda3 Speed – P 1,298,000, Mazda3 Speed (Soul Red) – P 1,314,800, Mazda6 – P 1,745,000, Mazda6 (Soul Red) – P 1,761,800, Mazda CX-5 2.5 AWD – P 1,685,000, Mazda CX-5 2.5 AWD (Soul Red) – P 1,701,800, Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring – P 2,399,000, Mazda MX-5 25th Anniversary Edition – P 1,800,000.

Nissan

Nissan Philippines is aiming to increase excitement in its local line-up as the now-unified local company launches the all-new X-Trail. The 3rd-generation X-Trail is Nissan’s global compact crossover offering that will sold in over 190 countries worldwide. The Philippines is one of the first countries in the ASEAN market to receive the X-Trail, which is built at Nissan’s Kyushu, Japan plant.

Unlike the boxy X-Trails before it, the all-new model—now a 7-seater—shifts to a more fluidic and sleek design with Nissan’s V-motion taking center stage. The trademark grille is complemented by LED daytime running lights (also in a V-shape) as well as boomerang-shaped tail lamps.

The all-new X-Trail is powered by two distinct engines depending on drivetrain configuration. The 2WD model is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (MR20DD) with 144 hp and 200 Nm of torque while the 4WD model features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (QR25DE) with 171 hp and 233 Nm. Both models are mated to Nissan’s XTRONIC CVT transmission.

Nissan is pulling out all stops on the X-Trail and is offering it with a couple of segment firsts: Active Ride Control as well as Active Engine Brake. Four-wheel drive models have a 360-degree camera that allows the driver to monitor his surroundings. A Hill Start Assistance system also helps drivers when tackling an incline by maintaining brake pressure for a maximum of two seconds while the driver switches from brake to gas pedal.

The all-new X-Trail is available in Pearl White, Diamond Black, Brilliant Silver, Fiery Red and a Special Copper Blaze edition that is available for the 4x4 variant. It has retail prices of P1,375,000 for the 2.0 2WD and P1,580,000 for the 2.5 4WD.

Nissan also announced a limited-time offer for the all-new X-Trail having its introductory price at P1,350,000 for the 2WD variant and P1,550,000 for the 4WD, which are the same prices as the second-generation X-Trail. This offer ends October 31, 2014.

Suzuki

Suzuki showed off its “way of life” through their lifestyle-oriented display at PIMS. Starting off with a rock concert by Razorback, Suzuki showcased their two recently launched vehicles, the Swift 1.2 and the 7-seater “Life Utility Vehicle” the Ertiga.

Underneath the shapely and European-inspired Swift lies the well-renowned K12 engine good for 87 hp and 114 Nm of torque. This 4-cylinder engine promises longer service intervals and spark plug life. The peppy engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

Meanwhile, the Ertiga promises to be a fun-to-drive yet practical family car. With a 1.4-liter engine good for 95 hp and 130 Nm, the Ertiga has peppy performance to go with the sleek and sporty look. Inside, the Ertiga has ample seating for seven adults and their luggage. And being a family-oriented vehicle, it’s also very safety-oriented with dual SRS airbags and anti-lock brakes on all but the base GA model.

Along with the Swift 1.2 and Ertiga, Suzuki displayed their entire line-up as well as an array of big bikes.