With restrictions easing up during the first quarter of the year, the local auto industry is on the rebound. True enough, from January to March, car sales have been on an upward trajectory. In March, car sales reached its best-ever monthly tally since the pandemic began. The biggest contributor to the recovery? The availability of new vehicles. Normally, car launches are few and far between during the first quarter, but for 2022, there have been 20 new cars and here they are.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport Black Series and Mirage G4 GLS Sport
Mitsubishi expanded its Black Series models with the introduction of the Montero Sport Black Series. As its name implies, this swaps out most of the chrome exterior bits for high-gloss black accents. Opting for the White Diamond exterior color also gives it a two-tone design. The Black Series also comes with an impressive suite of active safety features including Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS), Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC).
After launching the latest Mirage G4 last August, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines added a limited-edition variant to its range. The Mirage G4 GLS Sport not only incorporated the features found in the refreshed subcompact sedan such as the sharper “Dynamic Shield” front face and the new 7-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio system, but there’s added flair courtesy of aesthetic enhancements. These include the under-grille garnish with chrome line, front air dam, rear air dam, rear lip spoiler, and side air dam.
Mazda CX-9 and MX-5
Mazda opened 2022 by refreshing its flagship SUV, the CX-9. Continuing to raise the standard of class, comfort, and elegance, it also adds a third variant this year. The Black Edition features various high-gloss black elements outside complemented by burgundy-colored leather seats. Meanwhile, the top-trim version has heightened levels of luxury with full-grain Nappa leather seats, autonomous emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. All variants of the CX-9 are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine capable of running on regular 93-octane unleaded.
With close to 1,000 examples sold since 2014, the MX-5 continues to be one of the most popular sports cars in the country. Aiming to enhance the emotional bond the car has with its owner, Mazda brought in owner-initiated features and options headlined by the innovative Kinetic Posture Control or KPC system. This gives the same effect of costlier and heavier adaptive dampers without increasing a single gram of weight on the lightweight sportscar. Mazda also adds new exterior and interior color combinations including a new soft-top Club Edition with its Bilstein dampers, BBS wheels, and Recaro seats.
Peugeot 3008 and 5008
A new era for Peugeot in the Philippines has begun with the appointment of a new distributor: Astara. Aside from plans of opening more dealerships and the setting up of a more robust digital presence, everything starts with a refreshed product line-up. For starters, they introduced the new Peugeot 5008. The 7-seater SUV features the newest brand aesthetic backed up by the brand’s unique i-Cockpit concept. It’s also powered by a turbocharged engine and comes with a set of driver assist technologies.
Joining it is the new Peugeot 3008. The same revolutionary look comes to their 5-seater SUV with the frameless grille, LED headlights with a claw-like DRL, 18-inch alloy wheels, and power tailgate. The same i-Cockpit concept with the ultra-compact steering wheel and gauge cluster mounted at the top continue here. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as wireless device charging is standard. Like the Peugeot 5008, the 3008 is assembled at Peugeot’s new state-of-the-art factory in Gurun, Malaysia.
BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series receives a wealth of updates for 2022. The aesthetics have been changed, headlined by a larger double kidney grille which now drops down further into the front bumper. Inside, it gets full digital instrumentation, a premium 16-speaker Harman Kardon system, full-grain leather seats, four-zone climate control, and even soft-close doors.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
With more than 2,000 units sold in the Philippines, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class aims to carry that success by bringing a fresh new appearance as well as enhanced dynamics and new intelligent features. The 2022 E-Class features a revised grille and headlights, while at the back are two-piece LED taillights. The bigger news though is the new dual 12.3-inch displays arranged side-by-side, the Nappa-wrapped leather steering wheel, and the latest MBUX infotainment system.
Lexus NX
Heralding a new chapter for Lexus, the all-new NX presents a more sophisticated, dynamic, and mature character for the premium Japanese brand. The premium compact SUV’s commanding presence wraps around a cabin designed around the concept of “Tazuna” which describes a rider’s control of their horse using the reins. Three variants—two hybrid and one turbocharged—are made available. Regardless of powertrain, it’s all about offering a rewarding driving experience.
Audi e-Tron and e-Tron GT
Charging towards electric-power mobility, Audi Philippines brings in the e-Tron and e-Tron GT. The e-Tron SUV not only marries Audi’s signature design elements and quattro all-wheel drive, but does so with a pair of electric motors enough for a 5.7-second 0 to 100 km/h sprint.
Meanwhile, the e-Tron GT needs little introduction as the 2022 World Performance Car of the Year. Combining a fascinating design with a powerful drive, it is, in RS guise, the most powerful production model Audi has ever produced. More importantly, the launch of all-electric models starts Audi’s electromobility initiatives including the setup of dedicated charging stations and service facilities.
Kia Carnival
Kia’s a brand on a mission. With a new logo and tagline, they’re set to elevate the in-car experience with vehicles such as the all-new Carnival. Dubbed a “Grand Utility Vehicle,” it’s first-class motoring, Kia style. The SUV-inspired design hides a truly impressive interior with unrivaled space. It comes with the segment’s first “Premium Relaxation Seats” that maximizes passenger comfort with the touch of a button. It also has a long list of standard features including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual sunroofs, a power tailgate, and sun blinds for both the second and third row of seats.
Geely Emgrand
After its success in the SUV space, Geely Philippines is ready to shake up the subcompact sedan segment with the introduction of the Emgrand. Bringing quality, technology, and contemporary aesthetics to the country’s largest and most competitive segment by volume, the Emgrand is underpinned by a contemporary platform. It’s also backed up by the brand’s new design language, and comes with cutting-edge tech features without breaking the bank.
Suzuki Swift
Suzuki Philippines’ ever-popular subcompact hatchback, the Swift gets a makeover in 2022. Now available as a single variant, the Swift gets a revised front bumper with a studded net pattern, an improved audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and added safety courtesy of reverse parking sensors and rear camera.
Changan CS35 Plus
Upstart Changan Motor Philippines aims to fight in the subcompact SUV segment with the introduction of the heavily updated CS35 Plus. Featuring the brand’s new design language, the CS35 Plus packs the Safe-tech System. This comprehensive driver assist system gives the CS35 Plus features such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking. More than just safety, it offers countless technologies not seen at its price point including a panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, and a turbocharged powertrain.
MG HS
Continuing its push upmarket that started with the ZS T, MG Philippines brings in the MG HS. With its contemporary European-inspired design, the HS surely turns heads. This is backed up by a formidable package that makes it one fully loaded compact SUV. Its key feature-set includes a large panoramic sunroof, a 10-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even Blind Spot Monitoring. It also serves up performance with a turbocharged engine mated to a dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Porsche Macan
The Macan has been a success story for Porsche, accounting for nearly 30% of its global deliveries. A key factor in its success has been its continuous evolution and the latest one just arrived in the Philippines. The 2022 Macan features a redesigned front end with a body-colored inlay and LED headlights. Over to the side, it gets new side blades and SportDesign exterior mirrors. Inside, it has new instrumentation and center console with a 10.9-inch full-HD touch display. It also gets new seats and steering wheel as well.
Toyota Raize, Avanza, and RAV4 Hybrid
Toyota’s opening salvo for 2022 is a strong one. The company’s first-ever subcompact SUV, the Raize joins the line-up and will surely upend the market given the buyer’s strong preference towards high-riding vehicles. Underpinned by a new global platform, the Raize comes with a choice between two fuel-efficient engines (including the brand’s first turbo) and a barrage of tech features such as a 7-inch LCD display, a 9-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full set of safety systems as standard.
Just a few months later, the second member of this global family joined the line-up. The all-new Avanza gets massive changes from the top-down top-billed by a new front-wheel drive unibody architecture. This allows the entry-level MPV to gain even more interior space with just a modest exterior size increase. Moreover, it levels up on convenience and safety features with the segment’s first Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Finally, Toyota hasn’t forgotten its electrification push. After the Corolla Altis, Corolla Cross, and Camry, the RAV4 now gets standard hybrid power. The system pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor delivering best-in-class fuel economy. Two variants are available with the top-trim getting all sorts of niceties including leather seats, a powered driver’s seat, and of course, the Toyota Safety Sense driver assist system.