PIMS is back

The Philippine International Motor Show officially returned to the World Trade Center in Pasay City after a four-year absence due to the ongoing global health crisis. Organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc., the four-day affair showcased 13 car brands that featured their latest vehicles and cutting-edge technologies.

In its eighth edition, brands, such as: Foton, Honda, Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, BMW and Toyota, as well as new members Chery, Geely, and Hyundai unveiled their latest innovations centered on this year's theme: "Mobility + Humanity: Innovating for the Common Good."

Mitsubishi
First on the block is Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation, which had seasoned Filipino Mitsubishi fans burning with enthusiasm as the brand reignites its Ralliart portfolio with its latest-generation Mitsubishi Strada and Montero Sport models.

Ralliart is the automaker's performance division, which is very popular in the world of rally racing. Though the performance boost only comes with its cosmetic upgrades, enthusiasts find it a delight as its renowned badges and decals represent the automaker's domination in motorsports throughout the years.

The Mitsubishi Strada Ralliart Edition is based on the pickup truck's GLS variant, coming with Ralliart-branded exterior and interior accessories. These are pretty much the same upgrades you will find in the Montero Sport Ralliart Edition.

In addition, the Mitsubishi Strada Rally vehicle makes an appearance at the booth, which is the brand's entry into the 27th Asia Cross Country Rally.

Aside from the Ralliart theme, MMPC also highlighted its latest Mitsubishi Mirage G4 and its reliable commercial workhorse, the Mitsubishi L300.

Likewise on the display is its newest Mitsubishi Xpander with full accessories. Cosmetic upgrades include: Front, side and rear air dams; tailgate spoiler and hood emblem.

Chery
Chery Auto Philippines is also one of the automakers that look to make the industry greener with the introduction of the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV. But that model isn't the star of the show at the Chery booth as the company unveiled the new Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0T, completing its new flagship SUV's three-variant range.

With that being said, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is now available in three variants, namely the 1.6T, 2.0T and PHEV. The recently-unveiled Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0T is slotted as the mid-spec variant, carrying a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 254 horsepower. It is perfect if you are looking for more power over the base 1.6T variant.

Inside, you get to benefit from the Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0T's features including a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker Sony system, leather seats, and a panoramic sunroof. As a cherry on top, the seven-seater SUV is offered with a seven-year general and engine warranties.

Foton
As you might've expected, Foton Motor Philippines Inc. brought its commercial vehicles to the returning auto show. The brand continues to support Filipino businesses by putting on display a wide selection of CVs, from light-duty to heavy-duty trucks including the 5,995-mm long and 3,175-mm high Tornado M4.2C.

Looking for a passenger hauler? Foton can get you the 19-seater Traveller XL. With the number of seats that can be fitted inside the van, the brand displayed that it can be converted to a configuration that best suits you including an ambulance version. It can also be had in a 16-seater configuration, which provides more room for your passengers.

But perhaps the entry that attracts the most visitors is its new pickup truck, the Thunder. It is displayed with camping equipment, suggesting that you can drive it to your weekend getaways with the family anywhere. The interior even looks premium, freeing the Thunder from the notion that pickups should look rugged.

Honda
In recent times, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. has been busy with the launching of models such as the next-gen versions of the Civic and HR-V. But rest is not in the company's vocabulary as it wowed many on the PIMS's day one, holding back-to-back preview of the all-new BR-V and unveiling of HR-V RS.

While the previous first-generation BR-V was introduced at the 2016 PIMS, the model returns at the auto show six years later in its all-new second-gen. The all-new Honda BR-V is the brand's answer to the likes of the new Mitsubishi Xpander and all-new Toyota Avanza, entering with the Car of the Year recognition at the 2022 OTOMOTIF Awards in Indonesia where it is manufactured.

On the other hand, the Honda HR-V RS is the new top-of-the-line variant of the Japanese SUV. Like other RS models you see in cars such as the Civic and City, the new HR-V variant comes with a sportier design, which should appeal to those who are looking for extra flair in styling. The exterior gets more blacked-out bits, while the interior has red stitching, suggesting a spirited driving look.

Hyundai
Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. may have gotten a small space at the show but it went big with the unveiling of the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

An unheard nameplate for Filipinos indeed but it should look familiar as the design pays homage to the brand's first car, the Pony. Not a lot of details have been revealed about the Ioniq 5. But the all-electric Korean car arrived on our shores carrying several accolades such as the 2022 World Car of the Year. The design executive of Hyundai also won the 2022 World Car Person of the Year for designing the Ioniq 5.

HMPH announced that it will officially launch the Ioniq 5 in January next year. Upon its Philippine debut, the Ioniq 5 will be joining the small but growing group of fully electric cars that push electrification in our transport sector. In the meantime, the company's revamped lineup is completed by the Staria, Creta, Tucson and Santa Fe.

Isuzu
This year's edition of the PIMS didn't see an introduction of a new model from Isuzu Philippines Corporation. That said, the models on display at the Isuzu booth are its CV and passenger car models such as the mu-X, D-Max, N-Series light-duty truck and Traviz.

Regardless, the car company conforms to the auto show's theme with its vision called the "Road to Progress." This vision aims to shift Isuzu's business to a more sustainable and environment-friendly future. Some initiatives under "Road to Progress" are the use of renewable energy, reduction of carbon emissions, and development of a more sustainable model lineup.
One of the first steps IPC has taken is supporting the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. To do that, the company rolled out modern PUVs, which are showcased alongside the said Isuzu models. Not only does the vehicle offer an air-conditioned cabin but also provides WiFi connectivity. This can help passengers stay connected on the go, which is almost considered essential these days.

Kia
Kia Philippines has taken the center stage at the 2022 PIMS. Well, the Korean automaker has only brought in the EV6, a fully electric crossover that will help make Filipinos understand the benefits of electrification better. It was first introduced in 2021 as the brand's first-ever car solely powered by a combination of battery and electric motor.

Underpinned by the same EV platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 is one interesting vehicle with the feature it promises to deliver. Based on the model available overseas, the Korean EV can offer a range of more than 500 kilometers. To put that number in perspective, you can go to Baguio and return to Manila on a single charge.

But as always, we still have to wait for the official details of the PH-spec Kia EV6. Kia Philippines announced that it will launch its all-electric SUV in January 2023, the same month as the Ioniq 5. The two Korean EVs will join the Nissan Leaf as the non-internal combustion engine cars offered locally by mainstream automakers.

Mazda
Mazda Philippines has probably the biggest exhibit at the 2022 PIMS but unveiled the smallest car with the MX-5. To be more specific, the auto show saw the limited-edition MCP 25th Anniversary Edition. For the uninitiated, MCP, which is short for the Miata Club of the Philippines, is the oldest single-make car club in the country.

Situated in the center of the Mazda booth, the MX-5 MCP 25th Anniversary Edition comes exclusive in Platinum Quartz Metallic. Noticeable in the design is the Navy Blue soft top, along with Navy Blue accents around the exterior to make a distinction over the regular model. As for the powertrain, the limited-edition sports car can be availed of with either a manual or an automatic transmission.

Nissan
Nissan Philippines put on display all of its car models except the Urvan and the 370Z. This means that visitors can get up close to the fan-favorite Nissan GT-R at this year's PIMS. But the Japanese sports car isn't the highlight as the model placed on stage is the Nissan Livina, the company's new competitor in the local MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) market.

Another star at the Nissan booth is the Kicks SUV with e-Power technology. It comes equipped with an ICE but the front wheels are solely driven by an electric motor, giving you a full EV driving experience. Parked beside the Kicks is the brand's all-electric car, the Nissan Leaf. Both these electrified Nissan vehicles are the perfect entries into the auto show's 2022 theme.

Suzuki
Much like Nissan, Suzuki Philippines Inc. brought a lot of its cars including the Jimny, Celerio, and S-Presso. The Suzuki Ertiga is also part of the roster with an introduction of the Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki. In other words, we saw the day when the seven-seater MPV gets a hybrid version.

The Japanese automaker claims that the Ertiga Hybrid is capable of returning a fuel consumption rating of 20.3 km/l. Considering that it is a seven-seater vehicle, the said number is quite impressive. This is possible with the addition of a combination of a lithium-ion battery and an integrated starter generation with the 1.5-liter engine.

Complementing the greener hybrid powertrain are a 360-degree camera, a power tailgate, and a faux wood dashboard, providing a premium ambiance in the cabin. That does sound very promising but SPH isn't officially launching the new MPV in our market. Instead, the company only wants visitors to know more about its SHVS technology, at least for now.

Toyota
Last but certainly not least, the Toyota Motor Philippines arrives at the 2022 PIMS. Two categories are put on display at the Toyota booth, namely the GR line and hybrid cars. The GR line consists of the GR Supra and GR Yaris, with the next-gen GR 86 making one of its first appearances to the public.

Meanwhile, the hybrid category is completed by the RAV4, Camry, Corolla Cross, and Corolla Altis. These models continue to promote the good benefits of owning a hybrid car including producing fewer carbon emissions and better fuel efficiency. In turn, you can save money on fuel in the long run, which is underscored in today's time when fuel prices are high.

Aside from the exciting Toyota cars, TMP has set up three racing seats complete with a steering wheel where visitors can dive into the world of Gran Turismo. They give you a practice round so you get a feel of the driving characteristics, and later put you at Suzuka Circuit for your flying laps. The lap best time gets a prize from the company.

Other car brands displaying their vehicle lineups are BMW with its all-electric SUV, iX and the Geely with its Coolray, Okavango, and the company's new small sedan, the Emgrand.