These are cars we expect to arrive in PH in 2023

Some have been confirmed, while others are still up in the air.

It’s that time again when the automotive media predict the models that will grace the market in the coming new year, and Philkotse is no exception.

Upcoming Cars of 2023 | Philkotse Top List

The past 12 months have yielded both reports and rumors of new releases by automakers in overseas markets. It’s always an exciting prospect when there’s a chance of a new model arriving on our shores, but some cars have a better chance of being seen in the metal than others.

We take a look at some of the models we expect for the Philippine market in the coming 12 months of 2023.

Confirmed releases

Chinese automaker GAC opens 2023 with the Empow 55 and all-new GS8 launching in January, both having been previewed at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) last April. The former is a compact sedan powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine good for 175 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque, while the latter is a 7-seater crossover touted to have the latest in advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS).

GAC Empow 55

The GAC Empow 55 sedan and GS8 midsize crossover will be launched locally by January 2023

There’s another pair of corporate siblings slated to be sold here, in the form of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. These electric SUVs were also first seen by Filipino customers at the 2022 MIAS, and each comes with its own list of international accolades. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 will start at Php 3.068 million, while the Kia EV6 is said to go for under Php 4 million.

Kia EV6

Kia's EV6 will have its Philippine debut alongside its platform twin, the Hyundai Ioniq 5

MG Philippines closed 2022 with the introduction of the GT compact sedan, arriving in our market via two trim levels. It runs on a 1.5-liter gasoline engine in two states of tune, with the more powerful version rated at 158 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. The MG GT carries a sticker price of Php 938,888 for the base Alpha variant and Php 1,098,888 for the higher-spec Sport version.

Tentative models

Several cars released in other markets are rumored to be on their way to the Philippines. Chief among these is Suzuki’s hybrid Ertiga MPV that was also previewed at the 2022 MIAS, pairing a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an integrated starter generator (ISG), reportedly yielding a fuel efficiency rating of 20.3 km/l. While the hybrid Ertiga is already being sold in India and Indonesia, we have yet to see if it will be the same here.

Suzuki Ertiga hybrid

Suzuki is using the hype surrounding the Ertiga hybrid to gauge if the market is ready for its electrified offerings

The new MG 5 is also rumored to be coming, although this might be more complicated than it sounds since the MG GT will be having its Philippine launch soon. In some overseas markets, both the MG 5 and GT nameplates refer to the same car, and the coming GT will be sold alongside the current Roewe-based MG 5 in our market.

Japanese automaker Toyota certainly made its mark in 2022, starting with the global debut of the GR Corolla five-door hot hatch with a 1.6-liter turbo engine and all-wheel drivetrain. This was followed by the third-generation Vios subcompact sedan that now rides on a Daihatsu-based platform. Lastly, the new Innova MPV also made its debut, now featuring front-wheel-drive and a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

New Toyota Innova

The new Toyota Innova has so far merited a polarizing response from Filipino fans

Ford unleashed its own ace cards as well, with the next-generation Ranger Raptor now packing a 3.0-liter twin-turbo gasoline V6 in addition to the standard 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel. The American automaker also replaced the Ranger Wildtrak with the Ranger Platinum, positioned as the most luxurious trim yet. Lastly, the Blue Oval brand launched the second-generation Territory compact crossover with a new design and more tech.

Meanwhile, Subaru released the third generation of the Crosstrek subcompact crossover while dropping the XV name in favor of a single global nameplate. This retains the 2.0-liter e-Boxer mild-hybrid powertrain while bringing the latest Subaru EyeSight version. For the first time, a front-wheel-drive version is available.

Mitsubishi Xpander Cross facelift

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's Active Yaw Control feature now comes to the Xpander Cross

Mitsubishi Motors launched a facelifted version of its SUV-inspired Xpander Cross MPV in Indonesia. The model comes with restyled front and rear ends (complete with T-shaped LED headlamps), wireless charging, and a 360-degree surround camera system. It also benefits from the addition of Active Yaw Control for increased stability, a feature originally offered on the Lancer Evolution performance sedan.

Do you have your own fearless forecasts as to which models will make their way here? Tell us at Philkotse.com.

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

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