These 9 new auto launches channeled the Force

In a galaxy not far away (this one, actually), the curtains closed on the Philippines’ biggest summer spectacle outside of our storied, world-renowned beaches. We thus take a backward glance at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), which draws automobile Padawans of all ages. From its humble beginning in 2005 when it sported a modest 9,000-sqm footprint, MIAS has grown to occupy its personal 34,000-square-meter Naboo that is the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Much like past editions, the 14th iteration of MIAS proved to be a fitting stage for participating car marques to highlight key models and even unveil new items on their portfolio. We thus take a look at some of the new car stars that shone the brightest and captured our attention. See if you agree with the following choices, appearing in no particular order. If you’re still on the fence about choosing a new X-Wing Starfighter, maybe this will help make up your mind. Consider the choices, you will.

Hyundai Ioniq

At P1.498 million Imperial Credits, er, Philippine pesos, Hyundai has just released the most inexpensive hybrid vehicle in the country – partly made possible by the government’s new taxation scheme that is the TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion). The Ioniq is principally powered by a 1.6-liter GLS 6DCT engine (good for 104hp and 147Nm), mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Its lithium-ion polymer battery has a capacity of 1.56kWh – supplying 42kW and 240 volts to its electric motor which, in turn, delivers 43hp and 170Nm.

Ford Expedition

It seemed not too long ago that the “Exped” was de rigueur transportation for VIPs, before a massive influx of SUVs of all sizes and stripes gave this “cruiser” a run for its Imperial Credits. Enough, says Ford. Back with an amazing all-aluminum bod, a 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine with 375hp and mind-numbing 637Nm mated to a (count ‘em) 10-speed SelectShift A/T, the Expedition definitely wants its territory back.

Hyundai Kona

The South Korea-headquartered automaker has apparently had enough of sitting around in the new battleground that is the crossover class. The Kona is its attractive, quirkily styled response and contender in the more affordable SUV sub-category. It channels the Force through a 2.0-liter NU MPI Atkinson with 149hp and 179Nm, and packs contemporary features and eye candy inside to match its Stormtrooper-serious looks.

Jaguar E-Pace

The aforementioned crossover battle is very real, even in the premium-vehicle realm. Jaguar’s beautiful, turbocharged, all-wheel drive E-Pace solidifies the return of JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) in the Philippine market after a brief interlude. Yes, we’re hoping that Luke Skywalker and Han Solo are just around the corner as well.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

This hot hatch gives off a sort of proud indifference that calls to mind the elite praetorian guards at the beck and call of Supreme Leader Snoke. Back with an all-new iteration, the Veloster is still all sorts of funky and fun – with an engaging front grille showing it means business.

Chevrolet Malibu

The First Order called; it wants its mid-size sedan back. Sorry, we’d rather keep it here, thank you very much. The all-new 2018 Chevrolet is a finely chiseled mean machine that ticks the right boxes and wants to submit the competition with class-leading and first-in-segment niceties.

Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab

 It was hard to miss this imposing Ram behemoth at MIAS. Akin to the Empire’s AT-AT (All Terrain Armored Transport) units that left everything in ruins and terrorized populations of conquered planets, seeing this hulk looming in your rearview mirror can induce a panic attack. Powered by a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 belching 395 horses and 410Nm, this brutish pickup is nonetheless packed with modern conveniences and blessed with awesome cabin space that makes it a proper family car ready for your Jedi adventures.

Ford Mustang Convertible

A muscle car where you can show off your own muscles? Makes sense, right? I mean, R2-D2 and BB-8 boarded X-Wing Fighters with the vacuum blowing in their hair (well, you get the point) – and that looked really awesome. Along with a couple of fastback variants, Ford now offers two flavors (5.0-liter GT with 10-speed A/T, and 5.0-liter V8 GT with a six-speed manual) of its Mustang whose ragtop you can automatically stow if you want to feel like a droid aboard a Resistance Fighter.

JAC M4

The Imperial Gozanti-Class Cruiser was used extensively by the Empire to transport TIE fighters and troops across its domain. Chinese carmaker JAC Motors envisions the M4 to be the “cruiser” standard in MPVs/vans. While it eerily looks like a certain popular vehicle here, we’re giving the M4 the benefit of the doubt for the chutzpah. JAC’s commercial vehicle heritage certainly helps prop up this diesel-powered carrier.