Despite the inclement weather on opening day, the 9th staging of the biennial Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) steadily drew a beeline of visitors until Sunday. It may have been wet outdoors, but spirits weren’t dampened at the World Trade Center as 17 participating members of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. put on a show to remember. Here are some of our favorite sights, in no particular order. One important qualifier, though: The exhibited vehicle must be already available – or shortly will be.
Honda Mugen Civic Type R Group A
The Honda Civic Type R has fans – make that many, many fans. When the FK8 was first made available to local buyers back in 2017, all of the initial 100 units allocated to our country were snapped up right away. Well, at PIMS 2024, HCPI offered what is surely the most coveted of the most coveted: the Mugen Civic Type R Group A – a long moniker that stands for added exclusivity and enhanced aesthetic appeal. Its front spoiler and skirting are different, as with the wing, muffler, and wheels, per Mugen’s Nori Onuma. Let us know if you’re able to snatch up one of the just five offered here, okay?
Next-generation Toyota Tamaraw
As the public launch of the iconic workhorse Toyota draws closer, Toyota Motor Philippines seized another opportunity to provide us a glimpse of what’s to come. And seems that designers have outdid themselves in truly revolutionizing what the nameplate stands for. A bewildering array of iterations were on display either indoors or outdoors at the World Trade Center: Tamaraw Camper RV, Tamaraw Food Truck, Tamaraw Clean Build Pick Up, Tamaraw Patrol Vehicle Conversion, Tamaraw Ambulance Conversion, Tamaraw Utility Vehicle, Tamaraw Freezer Van, Tamaraw Dropside High, Tamaraw Telco Conversion, and Tamaraw Mobile LED. Talk about flexibility. But whatever Tamaraw you choose, the country will thank you for it, as the model is proudly Philippine-made.
Jetour X50
Jetour has been quietly making its name in the Philippines largely through its Defender-eque T2 and the Urus-eque Dashing. The striking design language, along with a cache of tech and accoutrements within, help to define what Jetour is about – relatively affordable yet compelling offerings. The entry point to the Jetour lineup has now been recast with the launch of the X50 subcompact SUV. Priced from P888,000, it should be an attractive choice as it also features a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine – delivering 154 horses and 230Nm.
MG HS PHEV
Previewed at PIMS, the plug-in hybrid electric version (and new, larger, and better-equipped iteration) of the MG HS SUV is surely another reason for motorists to explore the PHEV powertrain setup which, I think, is the true midpoint between internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered cars and battery electric vehicles. MG is steadily completing its powerplant offerings. According to MG Philippines Marketing Director Dax Avenido, the HS PHEV, which can reportedly muster a maximum of 1,065 kilometers, “will most probably arrive in January.”
Chery Tiggo Pro 2
This Chery is in a segment in a sweet spot of affordability and practicality – enabling it to appeal not just to those seeking to upgrade (or at least upsize) from a subcompact sedan. Chery’s entry-level crossover now boasts an updated cache of features – such as automatic projector lights, stylish dark-alloy wheels, through-type LED taillamps, Wireless Apple CarPlay- and Android Auto-compatible infotainment system. It also gets a 1.5-liter DOHC engine – paired to either a five-speed manual or a nine-speed CVT with two driving modes.
Mazda AutoExe
It’s not a car per se, but this partnership makes this list because, well, it opens up a whole range of good stuff for Mazda buyers here. Mazda Philippines is now officially an authorized distributor of AutoExe tuning parts and accessories, and who doesn’t want customization options? Since a soft launch in March, the AutoExe parts catalog has been steadily expanded to cover additional models – part of a commitment to “become a premium brand,” according to Mazda Philippines President Steven Tan.
Kia EV9
The last couple of launches (the updated Carnival and all-new Sonet) might have made you forget the fact that Kia is definitely making waves in the battery electric vehicle space. At PIMS, Kia Philippines made it official: It’s bringing in the flagship model of the BEV lineup, the multi-awarded Kia EV9. Stretching more than five meters in length, the six-seater joins the previously launched EV6 – further expanding the full-electric choices here. It’s a whole lot of vehicle – with cache of high-tech features and abilities that allow it to cross into luxury territory. Available here in a GT-Line variant, the EV9 is priced at P5.888 million.
Ford Ranger Raptor
Ford Philippines continues to issue its missive in the pickup segment: It’s not going away anytime soon in this key automotive battleground. The performance truck gets a range of upgrades – most noteworthy of which is a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo EcoBoost heart that serves up 397ps and 583Nm. This will surely make it even more desirable to those craving more power and ability. Starting price is P2.739 million.
Photos by Kap Aguila and Manny De Los Reyes
