MIAS 2023: Car launches that aim to shape PH mobility

At this year’s Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), carmakers showed off their best and latest offerings to the public. This is especially true during the event’s first day (April 13, 2023) when all the official unveilings and launchings took place.  

2023 MIAS saw the launch of the next-generation Ford Territory

Just like last year’s MIAS, the brands went all out. The result of course is a variety of car models that will suit an equally wide mix of budgets and needs.  

But which cars managed to grab the spotlight at the 2023 MIAS? Here’s our list of brands with cars that caught our attention. Suffice it to say, we think that these cars might just be the ones that can shape the future of mobility in the Philippine market. 

Ford 

One of the most exciting launches at the 2023 MIAS is probably from Ford Philippines with the next-generation 2023 Territory crossover.  

To sum this model up, it has a fresh new exterior design as well as a larger size than the older version. New standard features include a 12-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, LED exterior lighting, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. 

The next-gen 2023 Ford Territory is on display at MIAS until April 16, 2023

Safety was also improved on this Ford crossover thanks to its wide array of driver-assistive features. Plus, it gets a peppy powertrain that’s able to deliver up to 158 horsepower and 248 Nm of torque.  

There are two trims of the 2023 Ford Territory. There’s the entry-level Titanium priced at Php 1,335,000, and the top-spec Titanium X which retails for Php 1,599,000. Note that the all-new Territory comes with a 5-year warranty. 

Hyundai 

While still a preview, the crowds at 2023 MIAS also saw the sleekly-style Hyundai Ioniq 6 in the metal. Note that this is the Korean marque’s latest electric vehicle (EV) offering, and it serves as a follow-up to the equally eye-catching Hyundai Ioniq 5. 

The Hyundai Ioniq 6

Not much was revealed about the EV model, but Hyundai did indicate that it will be launched later this year with a price tag hovering around the Php 4 million mark. Hyundai likewise shared that it can provide a range of up to 545 kilometers, and it can perform a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 5.1 seconds. 

Mitsubishi 

Contrary to most of the sleek models that were launched and showcased at MIAS, Mitsubishi instead debuted a vehicle that is said to “inspire off-roading.” A brusque, and macho vehicle if you will. 

Dubbed the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross 60th Anniversary Edition, it is based on the facelifted 2023 Xpander Cross. Also, the new special edition variant marks the brand’s long and fruitful career in the Philippine market.  

The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross 60th Anniversary Edition

Some unique features found on this special version of the Xpander Cross include a new tailgate garnish, a unique tailgate spoiler, a set of mudguards, and a rear bumper protector.  

Just like the regular Xpander Cross, the Xpander Cross 60th Anniversary Edition uses a 1.5-liter engine paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. At the most, the said powertrain can produce up to 103 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque.  

Peugeot 

French car Peugeot likewise wowed eventgoers by giving them a glimpse of its future electric vehicle lineup. Specifically, the star of this show was the Peugeot e-2008. 

The Peugeot e-2008

As a preview, not many details were shared about this electric-powered vehicle. Note, however, that the Singapore-spec model can provide up to 130 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque. That’s 30 Nm more than the gasoline-powered Peugeot 2008. Peugeot likewise claims that it has a range of 345 kilometers.  

That said, the brand indicated that this model's official local launch might be happening soon. No exact dates were provided though.  

GAC 

Another brand that made a big splash at the 2023 MIAS is GAC. It did this by introducing the GAC Empow GE, and the GAC Emkoo. 

Note that the Empow GE is the sedan model’s new top-spec variant. It gets several unique exterior style details, as well as an array of unique color options.  

The GAC Empow GE

The Empow GE’s 1.5-liter turbo mill can make up to 174 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels via a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission (DCT).  

Safety aboard the Empow GE is then ensured by several advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). 

The GAC Emkoo meanwhile, is the brand’s newest entry into the local crossover market. It boasts a sci-fi-inspired exterior and gets several onboard amenities promising to make rides safer and more comfortable.  

Chief among the Emkoo’s features is its 7-inch instrument cluster and 10.1-inch touchscreen. It also gets automatic air-conditioning and a wide array of ADAS technologies.  

Powering the Emkoo is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that’s good for 177 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. Like the Empow GE, it also uses a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission.  

GAC Emkoo

Prices for the GAC Empow GE start at Php 1,413,000, while the GAC Emkoo can be had for Php 1,553,000. These two models and all other GAC cars come with a 5-year warranty on parts and services. Note also that reservations made for any GAC model until April 16, 2023, will get a Php 20,000 discount. 

Chery 

Chery likewise made a huge statement at MIAS by revealing two new hybrid crossovers. These are the Tiggo 7 Pro Hybrid and the Tiggo 5X Pro Hybrid. 

Tiggo 7 Pro Hybrid

Both of these come with what the brand calls a 48-volt belt starter generator (BSG) system. It works by collecting the kinetic energy generated during braking and using the said energy to provide the car with more go-juice.  

More specifically, it adds 10 horsepower and 40 Nm of torque over what the internal combustion engine makes. Furthermore, the BSG system can likewise help the Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 5X Pro users to save up on gas.  

Note that the hybrid powertrains found on these two new Chery models are also intelligent systems. This means that it can adjust to a user’s driving style in order to be more efficient.  

Tiggo 5X Pro Hybrid

For now, pricing details for these two new Chery models are yet to be released.  

Geely 

It can be argued that Geely Philippines showed off the cutest crossover at the 2023 MIAS. This is because it previewed the Geely GX3 Pro, a model that’s smaller even than the subcompact Coolray. Heck, it might just be the smallest crossover model showcased at the event.  

The GX3 Pro is marketed as one of the brand’s most affordable models in Latin America. It then uses a 1.5-liter 102 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque.  

Geely GX3 Pro

While one can say that it doesn’t have the interior space of the Coolray, some might go on to say that this tiny crossover might do well on tight Philippine roads. Maybe, it can also perform as a great, city-going daily driver. 

Changan

Another car brand that graced 2023 MIAS is Changan Philippines. Displayed at its booth are the Changan Uni-T and the Uni-K crossovers. 

Changan Uni-T

Note that both of these two Changan models were launched earlier this year, and they both promise to provide dazzling exterior design, combined with plenty of onboard features.

Regarding powertrains, The Uni-T uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline mill capable of churning out 176 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. The Uni-K meanwhile, is the beefier of the two with its 2.0-liter mill that can make 229 horsepower and 390 Nm of torque. 

Changan Uni-K

Both Chagan rides likewise feature a level 2 autonomous driving system. Specific safety bits that make up this system include autonomous braking, forward collision assist, blind spot detection, lane change assist, lane keep assist, etc. 

Pricing for the Changan Uni-T starts at Php 1,679,000, while the Uni-K retails at Php 2,719,000. 

Subaru

Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc., the official distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country, showcased three new models at the 2023 MIAS. Subaru Philippines launched the facelifted Evoltis alongside the Forester GT Edition and the new Outback.  

Facelifted Subaru Evoltis

The Subaru Evoltis now comes with the car brand’s enhanced EyeSight 4.0 tech, which uses three cameras, one of which is a monocular with wide-angle capabilities while the other two are cutting-edge stereo cameras. With this update, Subaru said that it has a better view particularly when approaching junctions.

Jetour

Jetour Dashing

Fresh from its Philippine launch last March 15, 2023, Jetour made its way into this year’s MIAS. It is among the new Chinese car brands that entered the local market. At the show, Jetour Philippines displayed its model lineup including its flagship model – the Dashing. It also brought the Ice Cream electric vehicle.

MG

MG ZS Nite Edition

MG Philippines joined the 2023 MIAS by launching a new variant of the ZS compact crossover. Dubbed ZS Nite Edition, it features sleeker exterior styling with the addition of black trims. It also flaunts a newly-colored grilled that replaces the chrome surround accent seen on the regular ZS.

Great Wall Motor

Haval H6

Great Wall Motor (GWM) is also one of the newest Chinese car brands in the Philippines. GWM previewed and officially launched its model lineup prior to the 2023 MIAS opening day. The Haval H6 compact crossover comes with a hybrid powertrain that generates 240 hp and 530 Nm of torque. 

Great Wall Motor Cannon

The Haval H6 is highlighted alongside the Jolion crossover and the GWM Cannon pickup truck.

BYD

BYD Dolphin EV 2023 MIAS

BYD is another Chinese car brand that participated in the 2023 MIAS. Build Your Dreams or BYD showed the Dolphin, an all-electric hatchback that features the car brand’s new e-Platform 3.0.

Bonus: Nissan

Nissan was also present at the 2023 MIAS. In fact, the brand probably has one of the largest display areas at the event. 

That’s because apart from displaying a wide collection of available Nissan models, the Japanese brand also highlighted the e-Power technology that's currently in use on the Kicks crossover. 

Nissan's 2023 MIAS booth showcases the e-Power hybrid system

To jog your memory, Nissan’s e-Power is a hybrid powertrain that uses a gasoline engine to charge up a battery. The battery alone is responsible for driving an electric motor, which in turn drives the wheels. The result according to Nissan is a more fuel-efficient system with uncompromised performance. 

Catch more car news and automotive industry updates here on Philkotse.