MIAS 2022: The car launches that took the spotlight  

Two years without an on-site car show sounds like an eternity for the auto industry. When the 2022 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) was announced as taking place live, there was a collective sigh of relief mixed in with the excitement. 

Philkotse joins 2022 MIAS to witness the cars that made their debut 

The country’s automakers seized the opportunity to boast their shiny new offerings up close to the public again, and they certainly came out with guns blazing. Here are the cars that grabbed the spotlight at the 2022 MIAS.     

Changan

Chinese automaker Changan brought along its refreshed CS35 Plus subcompact crossover that now sports full-width daytime running lights and sporty red accents. The improvements even spread to the interior, with red trim all around and an upgraded 10-inch touchscreen.

Changan CS35 Plus

A Safe-Tech suite of driver-assist features is now standard, while the standard 1.4-liter turbo gasoline engine has been massaged to make more power.

Also making an appearance is the Eado EV460 electric sedan. The model is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor and lithium-ion battery, producing 134 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque.

Changan Eado EV460

A cruising range of up to 550 kilometers is possible on a single charge, and the Eado EV460 is compatible with either standard or fast charging systems.   

Chery 

Chery unveiled its latest Tiggo 8 Pro that will assume the mantle of the brand’s flagship SUV, offered in both standard and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) versions.

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro

The former utilizes a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine good for 180 horsepower and 275 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the latter gets a 1.5-liter gasoline good for 155 horsepower, working with two electric motors that can run for up to 95 kilometers on pure electric power.  

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV

Standard on both versions is a more sophisticated aesthetic led by the Galaxy Sunshine grille and 18-inch alloy wheels. Three-row seats are accompanied by leather upholstery,  dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Among the safety features are anti-lock brakes, traction control, tire pressure monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. 

Chery also previewed the new 5X Pro that carries a fresh face and revised dashboard from the standard 5X.

Chery Tiggo 5X Pro

There’s a new 7-inch digital cluster along with a 10.25-inch widscreen head unit, while power remains at 112 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque from the 1.5-liter gasoline engine.

Chevrolet   

Chevrolet showcased the new Trailblazer, which has been transformed from its previous midsize SUV incarnation into a 5-seat compact crossover. The model carries a sportier exterior and a more tech-savvy interior, with upgraded entertainment and safety features. Power comes in the form of a 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine rated at 155 horsepower and 236 Nm of torque. 

2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Joining the Chevrolet lineup in the Philippines is the all-new 2022 Tahoe full-size SUV in the lone Z71 trim. This means it comes packed with all available features such as leather interior, 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and a rear entertainment system.

2022 Chevrolet Tahoe

The Tahoe derives power from a 5.3-liter EcoTec V8 engine rated at 350 horsepower and 518 Nm of torque, with a 10-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels.

Foton

Foton launched the second iteration of its workhorse Thunder pickup, now called the Thunder 2.0. This all-new rig comes with a more muscular appearance, featuring chrome trim on the restyled fascia as well as revised tail lamps. The updated cabin sports a new dashboard top-billed by the floating-type 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. 

All-new Foton Thunder 2.0

The mainstay 2.8-liter Cummins diesel engine takes a bow in favor of a smaller 2.0-liter AUCAN turbodiesel power unit that makes 161 horsepower and 390 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability program, and hill hold control are among the safety features.

GAC

GAC previewed the second-generation GS8 midsize SUV, with its dragon scale wing grille flanked by full LED headlamps. A floating-roof design defines the profile, while twin exhaust tips at the rear hint at the model’s sportiness. Power adjustable seats are now available, along with a 12.25-inch gauge cluster and massive 14.6-inch touchscreen monitor. 

2022 GAC GS8

Driver-assist features include a 360-degree 3D camera, Augmented Reality Head-Up Display, Automatic Assisted Driving System, and Fusion Automatic Parking Assist. Powering the GS8 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that makes 251 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, partnered with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and a BorgWarner intelligent four-wheel-drive system. 

2022 GAC EMPOW55

The EMPOW55 sports sedan also made its local debut, the first to use GAC’s Global Platform Modular Architecture (GPMA). Aside from its athletic looks, the EMPOW55 is equipped with the ADiGO 3.0 Smart Driving System, facial recognition for adjusting seats, and 32-color ambient lighting that matches the full glass roof. Powering the EMPOW55 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine rated at 175 horsepower. 

Geely

Geely presented the facelifted version of its best-selling Coolray subcompact crossover. It now features an X-shaped element on the fascia, giving it a 3D look. The Expanding Cosmos grille has been replaced by a mesh pattern, and a new spoiler has been installed at the rear. 

2022 Geely Coolray facelift

The interior largely remains the same, especially the onboard convenience features such as the 10.25-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, and electronic parking brake. Power still comes in the form of a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine good for 177 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque. 

JAC

Known for light commercial vehicles (LCVs), JAC featured the latest addition to its lineup: the X100. Marketed as a versatile LCV, the X100 can be outfitted in different configurations, be it a cab and chassis layout, 18-seater passenger unit, or closed aluminum van. 

2022 JAC X100 

A 1.8-liter Euro 4-compliant turbodiesel engine makes it possible for the X100 to haul passengers and cargo, generating 67 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque. The rear wheels receive power through a 5-speed manual gearbox. 

MG

British brand MG showed off two models at the 2022 MIAS. The first is the HS compact crossover, a bigger visual of twin of sorts to the ZS. But it’s more than just a copycat of its popular sibling, as the HS comes with a power tailgate, power-adjustable seats, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10-inch touchscreen that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

2022 MG HS

Driver-assist features are also present, including a Blind-Spot Information System, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Assist. A 1.5-liter turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine delivers 167 horsepower and 250 nm of torque, complemented by a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

The second model is the MG 5 Core Plus, an update to the brand’s subcompact sedan. Positioned a notch above the entry-level Core, the Core Plus differentiates itself in the cabin with a large 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

2022 MG 5 Core Plus

Dual airbags are present along with disc brakes, tire pressure monitoring, and cruise control. A 1.5-liter gasoline engine propels the MG 5 Core Plus with 112 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

Nissan

Japanese automaker Nissan broke out surprises of its own at the auto show, starting with the new Calibre-X trim level for its Navara midsize pickup. The Calibre-X is a limited-edition variant, featuring blacked-out and orange trims dominate the exterior. For the interior, there are Zero Gravity seats, plenty of power outlets, and an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring capabilities.

2022 Nissan Navara Calibre-X

A 2.5-liter turbodiesel power unit under the hood makes 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. The Calibre-X is a rear-wheel-drive only version, using a 7-speed automatic transmission. It still comes with Nissan Intelligent Mobility, bringing features such as a 360-degree Intelligent Around View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning. 

Nissan e-Power display

For the first time, Nissan’s e-Power hybrid technology comes to the Philippines, utilizing a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine charging an electric motor that powers the front wheels. An e-Power unit displayed in a glass case outside the exhibition hall bears a tantalizing resemblance to the Kicks subcompact crossover, one of four global Nissan models that are offered with e-Power. 

Peugeot

French auto brand Peugeot lifted the covers off its latest offering, the 2008 subcompact crossover. This sporty-looking model features the trademark three-claw LED lighting system found on more recent releases such as the bigger 3008 and 5008. Tech also features prominently on this 5-seater crossover, with a 3D i-Cockpit cluster and 7-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

2022 Peugeot 2008

Powering the 2008 is a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine that musters 130 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque. Safety features include six airbags, Active Lane Keep Assist, and a Visiopark 180-degree rear camera system. 

2022 Peugeot Traveller Premium 

Also on hand was Peugeot’s 7-seat MPV, the Traveller Premium. The automaker displayed the vehicle’s versatility by showing it off in camping mode, complete with a roof-mounted tent and extended carrier at the rear. This proves that the Traveller Premium is more than just an urban people mover.    

Subaru

Twin highlights marked Subaru’s first day at 2022 MIAS. The first to be unveiled was the refreshed Forester compact crossover, now with a more aggressive front end boasting the company’s “Dynamic x Solid” design language. More significant changes include the EyeSight 4.0 driver-assist system, along with an improved X-Mode for all-terrain driving. 

2022 Subaru Forester

Finally making its way to the Philippines is the second-generation BRZ sports coupe, featuring a stiffer chassis, longer wheelbase, and sleeker exterior and interior design.

2022 Subaru BRZ

It now runs on an upgraded 2.4-liter Boxer engine capable of 228 horsepower and 249 Nm of torque. A limited-slip rear differentlal has been fitted, as well as the Subaru EyeSight driver-assist suite on variants equipped with the 6-speed automatic gearbox.    

Volvo

Swedish car brand Volvo premiered its lineup of Recharge PHEVs, renamed the Boost Hybrid for the Philippine market. These consist of three electrified models: the XC60 R-Design compact crossover, XC90 Inscription midsize crossover, and S90 Long Wheelbase Inscription executive sedan. 

2022 Volvo XC90

The “Thor’s hammer” LED headlamps are a consistent element of the Scandinavian design found on all three models, along with an advanced Cleanzone with Air Quality PM 2.5 air filter. A 12-inch portrait touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while remote features can be enabled by the Volvo Cars app. 

The vehicle's functions can be enabled remotely via Volvo's smartphone app 

Volvo’s Boost Hybrid powertrain comprises a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, working with an Integrated Starter Generator and 48-volt lithium-ion battery. The result is 313 horsepower and 460 Nm of torque, transferred to all four wheels via an 8-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox. A brake energy recuperation system harnesses heat from the brakes and converts it into energy to recharge the onboard battery.  

Get updates on new releases featured at the 2022 MIAS with Philkotse.com.