5 Mias Attention Grabbers
A show of hands, please. How many of you went to the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) over the weekend? Were you among the record 142,000 who braved the city’s oppressive heat to get a glimpse of the present and future of mobility? Now that the spectacle has wrapped up, we take a quick look at a handful of exciting (MIAS) launches that are set to make their way to showrooms soon.
Vehicle: The all-new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Why it matters: Legitimate 4×4 cred in a fuel-efficient, flexible, and technologically updated package.
What you should know: Two engine options are available, a 2.0-liter and a 3.6-liter for both four- and two-door models. Pricing is as follows: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (3.6-liter, four doors), P4.39 million; Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (2.0-liter, four door), P4.49 million; Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (3.6-liter, two-door), P3.99 million; Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (2.0-liter, two-door), P4.09 million.
Notes: Judging from its recent spate of launches/previews, the Auto Nation Group (ANG) seems to be bent on making 2019 the year of Jeep in the country. Interestingly, ANG also celebrates 15 years as the official importer and distributor of Chrysler, Dodge, RAM, and, of course, Jeep vehicles.
Vehicle: Kia Stinger
Why it matters: This low-slung, four-door fastback officially makes Kia Philippines a player in the sports sedan realm. This statement vehicle also shows that the new franchise manager AC Automotive means business, and wants to bring the brand back into its prominence of not so long ago. This is certainly the halo car to accelerate the pace even further.
What you should know: Powered by a 3.3-liter V6 twin turbocharged gasoline engine direct-injection dual CVVT which serves up 365hp and 510Nm (from a low 1,300-4,500rpm), the Stinger’s acceleration is sprightly — attaining 100kphfrom standstill in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is at 270kph.
Notes: Ready your check for P3.235 million.
Vehicle: Chevrolet Camaro
Why it matters: Along with the Corvette, the Camaro helps to dial up the desirability of Chevrolet’s portfolio. Filipinos have obviously developed a taste for muscle cars, and the Camaro is an iconic one whose performance should match its legend.
What you should know: The Camaro is powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC VVT direct-injection turbo which dishes out 275hp and 398Nm. Drivers can rein in the aggression through an eight-speed AT with paddle shifters. Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers promise greater stopping power.
Notes: More than five million Camaros have been sold since it debuted in 1967. The Turbo 3LT RS is priced at P3,298,888.
Vehicle: Hyundai Palisade
Why it matters: It unseats the Santa Fe as the king of Hyundai’s SUV stable. Rear cargo room swallows 509 liters of your stuff. Luxurious accoutrements within the seven-seater (including second-row captain seats) abound – such as fully automated, multi-zone air-conditioning, seven USB ports (including a multimedia terminal), and a powerful audio system hooked up to six speakers.
What you should know: It was just launched four months ago at the Los Angeles Motor Show, so it’s significant that Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) was able to secure units (said to be arriving as early as this month) for our market. Large and luxurious, the Palisade is powered by a 2.2-liter CRDi e-VGT GLS engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It boasts all-wheel drive.
Notes: The Palisade, badged as a 2020 model, is priced at P3.24 million
Vehicle: MG 6
Why it matters: Morris Garages, more commonly known as MG, is ramping up its local marketing blitz to make its marque (and vehicles) more familiar to car buyers. Its MIAS presence surely helped achieve this, and was the official coming-out party for the good-looking MG 6. This is its fastback offering that is a “nod to the brand’s racing heritage” while providing contemporary accoutrements.
What you should know: Powered by an efficient, turbocharged 1.5-liter, the MG 6 has access to 162hp and 250Nm. It higlights a slew of safety features such as an antilock brakes, cornering brake control, electronic brake assist, electronic brake distribution, hill start assist, tire pressure monitoring, and traction control.
Notes: The MG 6 AT Alpha is priced at P1,068,888, while the AT Trophy will set you back P1,188,888.