Things are certainly busy at United Asia Automotive Group Inc (UAAGI). The exclusive distributor of Foton, Chery, BAIC, and Lynk & Co. in the country is gearing up for another massive showing at the Manila International Auto Show. They shared some of the cars they’ll be bringing to the show in a media preview event. Crossovers, SUVs, ICEs, hybrids, EVs – here’s what you can expect from UAAGI when the doors open at the World Trade Center.
Take note that they haven’t divulged the pricing for these cars yet. They promise though that they will be really, REALLY competitive.
Chery Tiggo Cross
The former Tiggo 5x Pro is now simply the Tiggo Cross. With that name change came an all-new update to Chery’s subcompact crossover. It now has a bigger, more lavish, diamond grille design that’s flanked by new headlights and cornered by new DRL strips.
The rear was also redesigned. It’s now easier on the eyes with less contours and lines and an overall flatter shape. The taillights are also new with a light strip running across the tailgate in what Chery calls the “Tiger-stripe Through-Type LED.”
Inside, the dash has been updated with a unified screen featuring dual 10.25-inch LCD for the gauge cluster and the infotainment system. There’s also Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto for the interface.
The typical front seats have been exchanged for bucket ones. Don’t worry though because it’s still very comfortable despite hugging you more. It’s also clad in leather giving you less problems with spills and crumbs.
It’s powered by a 1.5L engine paired to a CVT. In terms of safety, it will come with 6 Airbags, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Reverse Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, Hill Descent Control, and Cruise Control.
Lynk & Co 02 EV
The Sino-Swedish brand is launching its first EV in the country that also heralds a new design language. It dons a bare LED DRL that sits more flush with the edges of the hood while the headlight itself is lower on the front bumper. There’s also less lines on the body overall but more subtle contours giving it a curvy silhouette to complement the sharp lighting assemblies.
Its cabin has a very clean design especially the front section due to most controls housed in the huge 15.4-inch infotainment system. It has memory seats, a camera on the steering wheel to monitor the driver for fatigue reading, tinted panoramic roof, rear side air vents, and 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
The 02 has 272 metric horsepower and 343 Nm of torque with 435 km of range. It has a High Voltage Drive System and is Rear Wheel Drive only.
Safety is covered by the 360-degree collision alerts and collision mitigation, 16-point Advanced Driver Assist System, High-Strength body, and Four-Proof technology (Collision-proof, waterproof, radiation-proof, self-ignition proof).
BAIC B40 Trailmaster
BAIC is using an old formula with new technology for the BAIC B40 Trailmaster. This is a 5-seater midsized SUV powered by a 2-liter turbodiesel engine that makes 161 horsepower and 390 Nm of torque, paired to an 8-speed transmission.
Given the name, this B40 is meant to play in the dirt and trails. It has Part-time Four-Wheel Drive, 11 All-Terrain System Drive Modes, Front and Rear Diff Locks, Crawl Control, Off-Road Turn Assist, 220mm ground clearance, 37° approach angle, 31° departure angle, 23° ramp angle, and 800mm wading depth.
It’s not all tough and rugged though. The BAIC B40 Trailmaster has a lot of creature comforts and tech toys utilized in its modern design. The front face is reminiscent of the B30e Dune that has DRL strips on the outline of the grille. It has a frameless door design, automatic-retracting stepboard, and a 540-degree camera system.
The cabin is overwhelming with amenities too. The front seats have ventilation and memory function while the driver has a total of 5 digital screens. 1 for the gauge cluster, 12.8-inch infotainment screen at the center of the dash, another 12.8-inch screen for the front passenger’s entertainment, the rearview mirror is digital, and the Push Start Button itself has a screen that can be modified to show the fuel gauge for example. Add to this the usual bits like Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control, panoramic sunroof with solid cover, and USB Type-C charging ports and you’ll really be comfy and connected.
Of course, BAIC didn’t skimp on safety features. The B40 Trailmaster has ADAS featuring Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane Change Assist among others. It also has 6 airbags, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Traction Control System, and Automatic Parking function.
BAIC B60e rEV
Just in time with the renewed popularity of full-size SUVs, BAIC is going one step further by offering one that is electrified. The B60e rEV exchanged its diesel power for Dual Electric motors and a power generator that produces a total of 540 horses and 655 Nm of pull paired with an Intelligent full-time 4-wheel drive system. This is paired to 3 drive modes and 6 terrain modes giving it capability to go anywhere. It also has a combined range of 1,200 km allowing you to go far despite the heft of this SUV.
The design of the B60e makes itself distinct from its ICE twin. It has a different front face that employs LED strips on the grille, like the B40 and B30e. The headlight itself is also new, as well as the vertical LED DRL. Its wheels have a flatter design, and BAIC removed the chrome accent on the doors giving the B60e a classier vibe. Its taillights have almost the same shape as the ICE version but the one in the B60e has tinted housing.
Like the B40, the B60e features a myriad of screens in the cabin, an automatic stepboard, and panoramic sunroof with solid cover. Only the B60e has much more additional features. It has 2 more seats at the back, aviation style headrests, seat ventilation, memory, and massage feature up to the second row seats.There’s also an Infinity Speaker System and Active Noise Cancellation to make the cabin very quiet.
The B60e has the same off-roading bits as the B40 too. From the diff locks, Crawl Control, Off-Road Turn Assist, and ADAS – the B60e has it all only in a more premium package because of the cabin.
Be sure to visit their respective booths at the 2025 Manila International Auto Show happening on April 10-13 at the World Trade Center to see them in the metal. They will also unveil the pricing of these new cars at the show.
