Still reeling from the effects of the global pandemic and resulting global parts shortage, the Philippine automotive industry is seeking to rebound this 2022. Collectively, carmakers are expecting continued improvement in sales as banks begin to loosen their grip on financing and inventories of new cars begin to stabilize.
While the growth will still be driven mostly by attractive financing schemes, the industry on the mend can also look forward to new products to help spur their rebound. Here are 10 cars which will arrive (probably) in the next 12 months.
Ford Ranger
Ford Philippines has managed to make inroads in the pickup truck segment with the current Ranger T6. The country’s bestselling 4×4 pickup will get a much-needed boost when the next-generation Ranger drops in sometime Q3 or Q4 2022.
The most customer-centric Ranger ever, the all-new Ranger features a bold and confident exterior oozing with Ford’s global truck DNA. The ruggedly modern looks are backed up by a car-like cabin with features including a fully digital instrument panel and a 12-inch portrait-style infotainment screen.
Powering the Ranger is a family of diesel engines. The base diesel is a single turbo 2.0-liter (with two states of tune), followed by a bi-turbo 2.0-liter, and completing the range is a 3.0-liter V6. Gearbox choices are either a 6-speed manual or automatic (base single-turbo), or an improved version of the 10-speed automatic with an available electronic gear selector (e-shifter) for the rest.
Geely Emgrand
Geely’s meteoric rise in the Philippine car market is set to continue in 2022, as they set their sights on the highly competitive subcompact sedan segment. Their entry? The 2022 Emgrand.
Already teased on Geely Philippines’ social media pages, the Emgrand rides on the BMA platform shared with their current bestselling vehicle, the Coolray. Although it’s meant to go against the Honda City and Toyota Vios, size-wise, it measures 4,638mm long. With a wheelbase of 2,650mm, that puts it at par with compact cars.
While it does have the Coolray’s underpinnings, the Emgrand uses a normally aspirated 1.5-liter to keep the prices down to below a reported P900,000. Still, this new generation engine makes 114hp output and 147Nm of torque—pretty decent for its segment. Power is routed through a CVT. Despite its budget pricing, it’s still pretty high-tech with full digital instrumentation, switchgear plucked straight from Volvo, and a 10.2-inch infotainment system.
Honda BR-V
Honda Cars Philippines has already confirmed that three all-new models will make its way to the Philippine market in 2022. These will likely include the all-new Honda HR-V, a new subcompact SUV, and the second-generation 7-seater BR-V.
The 2022 Honda BR-V is a head-turner with its stronger, more athletic design. More than that, it aims to be the safest small SUV around with dual SRS airbags, side-impact airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control all coming as standard. Hopefully, Honda SENSING—a suite of advanced driver assist technology and Honda LaneWatch makes it way to the segment.
As a response to consumer feedback, the 2022 BR-V maintains its high ground clearance stance with 220mm of clearance. Power comes from a 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine. Shared with the City, it pushes out 121hp and 145Nm—still the best in its class.
Kia Sportage
After debuting its new logo and tagline last year, Kia Philippines hopes to continue their momentum with a slew of new product offerings including the all-new Sportage.
Expected to join the likes of the all-new Sorento and Carnival this year, the new Sportage dons a crisp new style giving it dynamic road presence while staying true to Kia’s SUV DNA. On the inside, a space has been created that is truly state-of-the-art, fusing high-tech sensibilities into contemporary style. It rides on top of an all-new platform dubbed N3 that promises heightened levels of refinement, stability, and comfort.
Hopefully, Kia Philippines manages to keep one of its most unique features: the availability of a diesel engine. The 2.0-liter now pumps out 186hp and 417Nm of torque thanks to a new variable geometry turbo. This is then connected to an 8-speed automatic tuned specifically for responsiveness.
Mazda CX-5
With Mazda Philippines already refreshing the Mazda2 and CX-3 last year, updating the MX-5 and CX-9 this year, and adding hybrid versions of the Mazda3 and CX-30, the remaining piece of the puzzle could be the refreshed CX-5.
Adopting the “less is more aesthetic,” the CX-5 adopts a new look that puts it in line with the Mazda3 and CX-30. The signature wing now extends outward to the pair of horizontally spaced, rectangular LED headlights. Depending on what variants Mazda Philippines would bring in, it could either get color-matched cladding or a high-gloss black cladding.
Complementing the new design, the driving dynamics and ride quality of the 2022 CX-5 have evolved with updates to the all-wheel drive system, seats, body, and suspension. It also gets switchable drive modes called Mazda Intelligent Drive Select or MI-Drive. It could also get a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine too. This version makes 256hp and 434Nm of torque, perfect for those with a need for speed.
Mitsubishi Xpander
With the small 7-seater MPV/SUV segment battle heating up, don’t expect Mitsubishi to take it lying down. Expect them to launch the much-improved Xpander and Xpander Cross for 2022. Although the Xpander Cross remains almost aesthetically unchanged, the Xpander features the newest iteration of the Dynamic Shield face capped off by T-shaped headlights with LED lighting as well as LED lighting at the back as well.
The interior has been leveled up too. It features a horizontally sculpted instrument panel that provides a feeling of spaciousness. The steering wheel is new with an optimized grip size and shape for easier driving. Moreover, the quality of the interior space is upgraded with new features including an air conditioning panel with an LCD panel and a high contrast meter display with new graphic design.
Mechanically, the 2022 Xpander ditches the 4-speed automatic for a CVT gearbox. This allows the MPV to realize better fuel efficiency and quietness. A built-in shift logic kicks in when the accelerator is deeply depressed giving the driver to “feel the acceleration.”
Nissan Z
Boasting one of the freshest line-ups in the country, Nissan will add more exciting products this year. Joining the refreshed Patrol and Kicks, their subcompact SUV, the Japanese carmaker will add the all-new Nissan Z sports car as well.
Available towards the end of 2022, the Nissan Z may have a carryover platform, but its styling is definitely more head-turning as it blends both heritage and cutting-edge design in a past-meets-future design. In the cabin, it features a 12.3-inch TFT meter display, an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen audio display, and keeps its trademark three analog pod gauge cluster as well.
The two-seater coupe features a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 churning out 405hp and 475Nm of torque. Raw power aside, the Nissan Z also has improved handling thanks to its enhanced body rigidity, adoption of an electric power steering system, and a new shock absorber design with a larger diameter at the front.
Peugeot 2008
Fresh from the launch of the new Peugeot 5008 under a new distributor, Astara, Peugeot Philippines has announced that they will be launching three more vehicles this year. All sourced from Malaysia, the French brand’s production hub in Southeast Asia, these vehicles could be the refreshed 3008 and the all-new 2008.
The Peugeot 2008 extends the automaker’s design philosophy, including the sharp angles and feline-inspired fangs and claws, to the subcompact SUV space. It also features the latest Peugeot 3D i-Cockpit with an ultra-compact steering wheel and a multi-layered heads-up display.
Riding on the Common Modular Platform (CMP), the 2008 is larger than the first-generation model which was sold in limited numbers. It will also likely get the turbocharged 1.2-liter PureTech and for that develops 130hp and 230Nm of torque. The gearbox is likely a 6-speed automatic.
Subaru WRX
Part of Subaru’s 2022 push catering to its hardcore enthusiasts, the all-new Subaru WRX it set to make its Philippine debut by June 2022, two months after the Subaru BRZ and refreshed Subaru Forester lands locally.
The fifth generation of the World Rally eXperiment gains a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer-4 with 271hp and 350Nm of torque. Platform-wise, it finally moves to the Subaru Global Platform increasing its overall rigidity by 28%. It also has longer suspension travel and a dual-pinion power steering system for a more natural feel.
In terms of design, the 2022 WRX has Subaru’s signature hexagonal grille flanked by cutout style compact LED headlights. The rear taillights feature the same cutout style and are designed to glow with a look reminiscent of volcanic magma. The sedan generated controversy over its textured black fenders, so those who don’t like them will be glad to know that the carmaker will also be offering a sleeker wagon body style as well. The version, the WRX Sportswagon will replace the Levorg nameplate.
Toyota Raize
Toyota, the country’s bestselling car brand will aim to build on its lead by introducing several new products for 2022 including the all-new Avanza as well as the GR86 sports car. However, without a doubt, the biggest news is their entry into the subcompact SUV segment with the first-ever Raize this February.
Produced by Daihatsu (with input from Toyota), the ultra-compact Raize rides on a next-generation platform. It runs on either a 1.2-liter normally aspirated 3-cylinder mated to either a 5-speed manual or CVT. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line variant will get the turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder.
Toyota Motor Philippines will offer four variants, with pricing ranging from P 746,000 to P 1,031,000. The range-topper will have a two-tone color scheme, LED headlights, sequential-type signal lights, power folding mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels outside. While inside, it’ll have a 7-inch TFT digital meter cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and smart keyless entry with a push-button start/stop.