The 14th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) opened its doors to the car-enthusiastic public yesterday, April 5 at the World Trade Center. On its first day, the annual event was jam-packed with activities such as launches of all-new models as well as special offerings by top car brands such as Ford, Subaru, Suzuki, and many more. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to check out our updates from the showroom floor.
Ford
Bringing excitement on the first day of the MIAS 2018, Ford Philippines launched the all-new Expedition full-size SUV that offers bold and robust new design, improved performance, and a collection of best-in-class luxury features. The new Expedition features a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine and innovative changes in its transmission, fuel consumption, frame, body, and driver-assist technologies.
Also unveiled was the New Mustang. One of its four variants is the sporty Mustang convertible, which is available for the first time in the Philippines. It has aggressive new design, powerful performance, and innovative changes in transmission, breaking, and sports exhaust technologies, and possesses more customizable options than ever—providing each and every Mustang high distinctive qualities. The four variants of the New Mustang are the 2.3L EcoBoost 10-speed ATfastback, 5.0L V8 GT 10-Speed AT fastback, 5.0L V8 GT 10-speed AT convertible, and 5.0L V8 GT 6-speed MT convertible.
Subaru
Global brand Subaru unveiled its newest addition to its suite of Core Technology, the Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The brand’s unique features namely the Boxer Engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and Subaru Global Platform have always been manifestations of Subaru’s main purpose of empowering drivers with confidence, comfort, and safety.
The EyeSight tech assists you to ensure that your driving experience is as safe and comfortable as possible. To achieve this goal, the driving support system uses stereo cameras to recognize surrounding vehicles, obstacles, traffic lanes, and other items. More so, its functions reach up to the brakes in a way that it reduces the risk of a collision.
BMW
Staying true to its “sheer driving pleasure” identity, BMW exhibited a variety of models under the theme “work and play.” Such vehicles that brought out the excitement were the all-new BMW X3, the M division progeny BMW M2, the elegant four-door BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, the BMW S 1000 RR superbike, the urban dweller’s favorite BMW G 310 R, and the first-ever BMW G 310 GS.
Gaz
Russia’s largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles, Gaz launched three new models to the Philippines on the opening day of MIAS 2018; namely, the GAZelle NEXT chassis, GAZon NEXT, and Sadko 4×4 medium-duty trucks. Also displayed were already available models such as the GAZelle NEXT minibus, GAZelle Next Citiline framed bus, and the Ural NEXT 6×6 heavy-duty trucks, shift bus, and dumper. A main component in the company’s branding, all vehicles adhere to the Euro 4 eco-standard, and are available to the said standard as well.
Isuzu
One of the main highlights of Isuzu for the first day of the MIAS 2018 is the debut of its RZ4E Blue Power Diesel Engine, which has been four years in the making. The Isuzu engine has been known for its efficiency, performance, and durability—and the RZ4E embodies these still. It is engineered in such a way that it delivers the same power and performance while maintaining the consumption of significantly less fuel. More so, it is lightweight, low in noise and vibration, and compliant to the Euro 4 standard. This was launched together with the mu-X and D-max, which the engine itself powers.
Suzuki
The Dzire model was launched by Suzuki, together with performances from Power Duo and Sitti, as well as appearances from Kelly Misa and Mikael Daez. The new Dzire model boasts of an automated-manual transmission, called the “Auto Gear Shift.” The vehicle technically remains with an automatic transmission, but with an automated clutch that shifts gears. And as part of the brand’s advocacy for road safety, Suzuki introduced the Safety Scouts, a group made of adorable children who will also be the faces of the brand.
Hyundai
Not one to miss out on MIAS 2018’s festivities, Hyundai went all in and introduced four all-new models to the public, namely the all-new Veloster, the Santa Fe, the Ioniq Hybrid, and the Kona—in a launch titled “The Greatest Show From Hyundai.”
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