This year was big for the automotive industry. This is due to the fact that around 90 car models or variants were launched or given an update for the Philippine market in 2022 alone. So, figuratively, one can say that the floodgates were opened after the dry spell caused by the COVID-19 restrictions.
2022 was a very fruitful year for the Philippine automotive industry
So what are the models and new variants that were introduced in 2022? Here’s a detailed list organized by month.
January
For the first month of the year, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation brought in the Mirage G4 GLS Sport limited-edition trim. Likewise, the Montero Sport Black Series was also launched.
The all-new Lexus NX was introduced to the market. This is a next-gen model, and it gets a totally new look, and more in the way of features.
The Peugeot 5008
The Mazda CX-9 was given a design update for this year. Mazda Philippines also added a new Black Edition trim for this full-size crossover.
A refreshed Peugeot 5008 saw a local release under Peugeot Philippines. It gets more tech, and it also comes with an updated exterior design.
Mercedes-Benz Philippines launched the Mercedes-AMG A 35. This A-class variant offers 300 horsepower sent to all four wheels making it a certified hot hatch.
February
In February 2022, Mercedes-Benz Philippines brought in the refreshed E-Class. It gets an update for its styling, and tech upgrades as well.
The Audi e-Tron fully electric-powered crossover was brought into the market. It offers a premium ride, and a beefy 402 horsepower powertrain.
The Geely Emgrand
Geely Philippines launched its first-ever sedan model, the Emgrand. It is competitively priced, but it is physically heftier compared to its subcompact sedan rivals.
It was during this month that the all-new, next-generation Kia Carnival made it to our shores. Kia Philippines describes it as a Grand Utility Vehicle, and it features SUV-like styling, with the room and features of a minivan.
Kia Carnival
The crowd-favorite Mazda MX-5 received updates for the 2022 model year. Specifically, it gets improved handling.
Further completing the Peugeot Philippines lineup was the introduction of the updated Peugeot 3008. Its on-board tech was upgraded, as was its exterior design.
Toyota Raize
Toyota Motor Philippines made a huge splash in the crossover market with its introduction of the Toyota Raize subcompact crossover. The Japanese brand likewise added the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid variant to its lineup.
March
For the month of March, Changan Philippines debuted the CS35 Plus. This feature-rich, but relatively affordable crossover is notable for its crisp styling, and its 160 horsepower 1.4-liter turbo gasoline mill, among others.
Changan CS35 Plus
The Toyota Land Cruiser-based Lexus LX600 was added to the local Lexus lineup. Like the model it is based on, it has solid off-road credentials but offers plenty of luxury at the same time.
Toyota Motor Philippines brought in the next-generation Toyota Avanza. It continues to compete in the local MPV segment, but it now fully uses a unibody chassis. It ditched the old model’s rear-wheel-drive layout, in favor of a front-wheel-drive arrangement.
The Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S was added to spice up the Corolla Cross.
Toyota Avanza
Peugeot Philippines introduced the Peugeot Traveller. This is the French car maker’s largest model available in the local market, and it can seat up to eight or seven depending on the variant.
Suzuki Philippines also had new variants for the Suzuki Dzire and Carry. Both are designed as fleet cars. The Suzuki Swift subcompact hatchback likewise received an update.
MG HS
MG Philippines introduced the all-new MG HS compact crossover. It promises to be feature-rich while keeping a reasonable price tag.
Luxury brand Porsche launched the updated Porsche Macan in September 2022 as well.
April
April 2022 marks the return of the Manila International Motor Show (MIAS) as a physical event. This means plenty of car launches.
Subaru BRZ at the 2022 MIAS
Subaru Philippines launched the next-generation Subaru BRZ ahead of its Toyota sibling at the 2022 MIAS. The refreshed, tech-rich Subaru Forester was introduced as well.
Chery Philippines went big at the 2022 MIAS by launching the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV. It’s a plug-in hybrid model, and it sits as the brand’s flagship car.
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV
Peugeot completed its three-card crossover roster by launching the Peugeot 2008 subcompact crossover at the said event.
Launched at the 2022 MIAS is the latest version of the Chevrolet Tahoe. Likewise, Foton Philippines brought in the all-new Foton Thunder.
At the same car event, BMW established a better foothold in the electric crossover game with its introduction of the BMW iX EV. Also new to its roster is the next-gen BMW 2-Series sedan.
Toyota Veloz
April marks the time when Toyota Philippines officially launched the Veloz, which is now a separate model from the Avanza. The Corolla Altis GR-S was likewise introduced in April 2022.
For Honda Cars Philippines, its big launch in April was the HR-V compact crossover. This particular model is notable for having Honda Sensing driver assistive suite, as standard for all trims.
The Honda HR-V V and Honda HR-V S
MG Philippines added the MG 5 Core Plus. This new variant now stands as the MG 5’s entry-level trim.
Volvo Philippines brought a trifecta of luxury, hybrid models to the Philippine market. These include the Volvo XC60, XC90, and the S90.
May
Mitsubishi Philippines introduced the second facelift of the Xpander in the month of May. It gets a new look, and some bits of its interior was updated as well. Furthermore, the brand provided some changes to the Mitsubishi Strada, specifically its GLS trims.
Suzuki Celerio
The next-generation Suzuki Celerio was introduced locally. It has an auto gear shift gearbox, and a compact form factor with a modern design.
Porsche Philippines brought in the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. Of note, this model is one of the fastest Cayenne variants, and it even holds the distinction of being the fastest SUV on the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany.
June
Subaru Philippines introduced the next-generation Subaru WRX and the all-new WRX Wagon for the month of June.
Mazda Philippines brought in the Mazda CX-5 Turbo, which is currently the most powerful CX-5 trim available locally.
Maserati Levante GT Hybrid
Maserati Philippines introduced the Levante GT Hybrid. This is the marque’s first-ever electrified crossover SUV.
The all-new Chevrolet Suburban was launched locally by Chevrolet Philippines. This huge model is a full-size SUV, and its immense interior space is filled with creature comforts.
Toyota Philippines launched the Toyota Rush GR Sport, to further spice up the Rush’s local variant lineup.
July
Ford Philippines’ biggest launches happened back in July, with the introduction of the next-generation Ford Ranger and Ford Everest.
Ford Ranger and Ford Everest
Isuzu Philippines added the LS-A 4x4, and the Single Cab 4x4 trims for the Isuzu D-Max pickup truck.
Introduced in July by Land Rover Philippines is the next-generation Range Rover. Of note, this is the British brand’s flagship model.
Mercedes-Benz Philippines added the GLB 200 to its lineup.
WM Motors Philippines entered the market as Weltmeister. This brand’s first model is the WM W5, a fully electric crossover model.
Toyota Lite Ace
July marks the return of the Toyota Lite Ace to the local market. It is now classed as a commercial vehicle, and it may come in many forms like a drop-side pickup truck, a closed van, refrigerated van, etc.
August
Among the biggest things that happened in the Philippine automotive industry in 2022 is Hyundai Philippines’ coming under the management of Hyundai Global. Along with the change in leadership are several new models, which include the all-new Creta, the updated Santa Fe, all-new Staria, and the next-generation Tucson.
The all-new Hyundai Staria
Mercedes-Benz introduced the next-generation C-Class luxury compact sedan.
Nissan’s most significant activity in August was the introduction of the Kicks e-Power. The said model is currently the most affordable hybrid in the Philippines. Likewise notable to mention is its one-pedal system, and its e-Power series hybrid system.
Nissan Kicks e-POWER
Toyota Philippines introduced the Toyota 86 locally. This is the other half of the Toyota-Subaru boxer-powered twins, with the latter being launched earlier back at the 2022 MIAS. The Lite Ace then received the new FX variant, and a Cargo variant.
Toyota GR 86
September
Plenty of models were launched back in September, as this month marks the return of the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).
For Chery Philippines, it brought in the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro 2.0T. It joins the variant lineup of the Tiggo 8 Pro midsize crossover.
Joining the Honda HR-V's local variant lineup is the HR-V RS. Just like V Turbo, it uses a 1.5-liter turbo engine, but further adding to its look are RS-specific exterior trim pieces.
Honda HR-V RS Turbo
Mazda Philippines brought in the refreshed Mazda CX-3, and the updated CX-8. The new MX-5 Miata Club Philippines’ 25th Anniversary trim was then launched in the same month. This variant of course, is exclusive to our market.
The new Mitsubishi Montero Sport Ralliart and Strada Ralliart were introduced at the 2022 PIMS. This marks the return of the Mitsubishi Ralliart brand to the local market.
Nissan Philippines introduced the Nissan Livina. This new MPV is based on the Mitsubishi Xpander, and it shares the same capabilities as well.
Nissan Livina
Toyota provided updates for the Fortuner and Hilux. Both models come with updates to their on-board tech, as well as some changes to their exterior features.
Mercedes-Benz brought in the updated forms of the GLA, GLC, and GLE SUV models.
Lexus introduced the Lexus ES300h, as well as the refreshed Lexus UX. For the latter, it gets a new hybrid trim.
October
The updated Lexus IS 350 F Sport was brought in in the month of October. Now standard on this model is a limited-slip differential (LSD), and other handling-oriented upgrades.
Subaru Philippines launched the Subaru XV 2.0i-S Leather-Suede Deluxe special edition trim.
Mercedes-Benz Philippines bolstered its E-Class variant lineup, with the addition of the Avantgarde trim.
Nissan LEAF
Nissan Philippines introduced the refreshed Nissan LEAF to the Philippine market. It gets a style update, and better safety tech.
November
One of the more important events in 2022 for Honda Philippines happened in November. It was during this month when the brand officially launched the next-generation Honda BR-V seven-seater MPV model.
Honda BR-V
Hyundai Motor Philippines added the Stargazer MPV to its lineup, as its entry into the ever-competitive local MPV market segment.
Nissan Philippines rolls out the refreshed versions of the Nissan Urvan. It now sports the brand’s new logo, and it has received more safety features as well.
The Maserati MC20 supercar officially enters the Philippines in November. This is a significant event for the brand, as it signals its return to producing supercars.
Hyundai Stargazer
The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Black Series is added to the Mirage’s variant lineup. It offers a sportier-looking exterior with black-colored wheels, side mirrors, and other features.
Mazda introduced the Pangolin Edition 2, which is now based on the next-generation Mazda BT-50.
The unique-looking Mini Resolute Edition was launched locally for the Philippine market. It is based on the 3-door Mini Cooper S.
December
Kicking off December 2022 was the introduction of the Changan Uni-K and Uni-T crossovers. Both are premium models, and both have plenty to offer in terms of on-board tech, safety, and style.
The largest version of the Land Rover Defender was introduced in December. Known as the Defender 130, it is the largest-ever Defender model offering seating for up to eight occupants.
Land Rover Defender 130
Subaru’s XV and Forester crossover received new features in the last month of 2022. The Forester now gets a facial recognition system and a driving monitoring system, whereas the XV is kitted out with a start-stop system and tire pressure monitoring.
The Hino 200 Series 315 and 415 commercial truck models were launched locally in December.
Those are all the new models, refreshed models, and variants that were introduced to the Philippines market in 2022. Are you looking forward to what’s to come from the automotive industry in 2023? Do you reckon that next year will be as busy as 2022? Stay tuned here on Philkotse to see what’s to come.