Sensuous curves and gleaming sheetmetal wowed the public at the 7th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), which ran from October 24 to 28, at the World Trade Center, under the auspices of the Chamber of Automobile Manufacturers of the Philippines or CAMPI.
PIMS is the biggest motor show by an industry organization in the Philippines. With the theme “Future Mobility,” this year’s edition showcased and introduced automotive innovations from some of the biggest global and regional auto brands ranging from BAIC to BMW, Foton, Honda, Isuzu, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, SsangYong, Suzuki, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
Here’s an armchair glance of what the various car companies showcased.
Suzuki
Suzuki had on display the all-new Swift and Dzire as well as the Vitara subcompact SUV—three vehicles that focus on fuel economy, innovation, and exciting styling. These models have minimal dimensions that provide possibilities particularly for those living in highly urbanized areas. But the darling of the show was easily the delightful all-new Suzuki Jimny, which will be hitting Suzuki showrooms next year.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi’s new tagline, Drive Your Ambition, promises to deliver vehicles with cutting-edge technology and design, which expresses the brand’s ambitions. Mitsubishi displayed the show-stopping e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT and Outlander PHEV along with the new Xpander, Montero Sport, Strada, and Mirage G4.
Toyota
Toyota offers the best of both worlds by having a seamless balance of form and function with its latest concept car, the TJ Cruiser. This hybrid juggernaut combines the luggage capacity of a cargo van with the powerful design of an off-road SUV. The TJ Cruiser is not the successor to the widely popular FJ Cruiser (whose production ceased in 2016). Rather, it is a totally different concept borne of a survey among young Japanese respondents. The roomy interior is modular, highly configurable to swallow cargo (such as a bike or surfboard) up to three meters in length.
BAIC
BAIC showcased the recently launched BJ20 compact SUV as well as the new M60 seven-seat midsize MPV. The M60 takes the BJ20’s small yet powerful150hp/210Nm 1.5-liter turbocharged Euro 5 gasoline engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), giving it a top speed of 170km/h.
The capacious new M60, which sports a Lexus-like spindle-shaped grille, boasts a rigid unibody construction, a front-wheel drivetrain, and independent suspension that promise easy handling and a comfortable ride. And like both the up-trimmed M50S compact MPV and BJ20, the M60 features a reversing camera and sensors for easing into and out of tight situations.
With its Standard 1.5L CVT variant listing at P998,000 and its Luxury 1.5L CVT variant at P1,068,000, the BAIC M60 is priced to move against larger full-size MPVs as well as smaller compact and subcompact minivans.
Foton
Aside from a brace of new Blue Energy-powered heavy trucks, Foton debuted two new passenger vehicles: the good-looking Gratour IM6 (an Innova-sized three-row MPV), and the TransVan HR (a high-roof version of its popular commuter van).
BMW
BMW offers Sheer Driving Pleasure complemented by pioneering technologies in connectivity, efficiency, and electro-mobility. Some of these driver-centric innovations are present in the first-ever BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, all-new BMW X4 and M5, the first-ever BMW X2, and the fabulous BMW M2.
Honda
Honda displayed crowd favorites like the Civic Type R, BR-V, City, and CR-V. The bright metallic orange Small RS Concept mini-hatchback, however, was a crowd favorite. It’s no less than a glimpse of the next-generation Brio which, should it come in an RS variant, should prove to be one true hot hatch indeed.
Mazda
Mazda raised the bar for style and technology with its 2019 lineup of award-winning models like the refreshed Mazda6, the more powerful MX-5 and its most luxurious vehicle to date, the flagship CX-9 Signature. All vehicles came packed with updated SKYACTIV body, chassis, engine, and driving dynamics technologies designed to bridge tomorrow with today’s demands.
Nissan
Nissan is forging the way to a safer, smarter, and more sustainable world through Nissan Intelligent Mobility, transforming the way we drive and the way we live. It is integrated in models like the new Nissan Terra SUV, Navara pickup, and X-Trail compact crossover.
Nissan also showed off the Navara Warrior X Special Edition, which is based on the idea that the daring urban dweller can also be a rugged off-road warrior. The Navara Warrior X Special Edition sports a unique front and rear design and a bright red exterior, upgraded suspension, increased ride height, 20-inch alloy wheels, and special leather interior.
Adding muscle to the brawn of the Navara is the Nissan Terra S Special Edition. The Terra S Special Edition is a sleek sports machine interpretation of Nissan’s hot new midsize SUV that complements its powerful engine, easy maneuverability, and class-leading ride comfort by equipping it with a one-off design featuring a custom brushed metal-effect finish, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a bespoke leather interior.
Nissan also introduced new additions to its NISMO line up: the much-awaited 370Z NISMO and the Juke NISMO. The 370Z NISMO’s GTR-inspired functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body pieces proved an aggressive and more aerodynamic appearance, along with optimizing front and read down force.
The 370Z is powered by a potent 350hp 3.7-liter V6 engine with variable valve event and lift control (VVEL). Torque is rated at 276 lb-ft. The 370Z NISMO features a NISMO strut tower brace for enhanced body rigidity and a pair of performance dampers to help minimize road input vibrations and help contribute to the 370Z NISM high levels of handling and performance.
Meanwhile, the Juke NISMO is known for its unique styling and dynamic performance, combining crossover utility and sports car sensibilities. For the Philippine market, the Juke NISMO will be carrying the aerodynamic body kit. The vehicle also comes with the cutting-edge I-CON System that customizes the driving experience. Drivers can easily switch between driving modes, whether it’s a fuel-efficient drive or a thrilling adventure.
The iconic Nissan GT-R NISMO was displayed alongside the two future additions to the Japanese automaker’s NISMO lineup, which will be introduced to the market in the later part of 2019. The standard Nissan 370Z will also be available in the market next year.
Finally, as the icon of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the Nissan Leaf pure electric vehicle presents the future of how we move through electrification, autonomous drive, and connectivity.
Isuzu
Isuzu diesel engines, engineered with the Blue Power technology, provide maximum output, cleaner emission, superb fuel economy while maintaining the brand’s renowned durability, as seen in Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS and mu-X Luxe, D-MAX RZ4E LS and D-MAX 4×4, Isuzu modernized PUVs, and Isuzu’s latest pride, the Isuzu EXZ QL.
Jaguar Land Rover
Jaguar gears up for FUTURE-TYPE all-electric, autonomous cars equipped with artificial intelligence, connecting the driver, the family, and the world. The leaping cat brand presented the epitomes of performance and luxury in the E-PACE and F-PACE SUV’s.
Land Rover, meanwhile, focused on environmental responsibility, developing fuel-efficient vehicles with lower environmental impact, as embodied in the Land Rover Discovery and the stunning new Range Rover Velar.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen showcased its BlueMotion Technology that significantly improves fuel economy of the Santana 1.5 MPI automatic transmission Trendline and Comfortline, Santana GTS 1.5 MPI AT Comfortline, and the Lamando 280 TSI DSG Comfortline and Highline.
SsangYong
SsangYong strives to achieve refined and original designs that genuinely impress customers. A highlight of its robust, special, and premium vehicles will be the first Korean-built contender for the pickup segment, the luxury utility vehicle, Musso.
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