The COVID-19 pandemic is not stopping car brands in the Philippines from broadening their respective model lineup. The local automotive market features a lot of new and updated cars that were introduced during the first half (H1) of the year. Since January 2021, local car brands have been revamping their fleet, which widens the options for every Filipino car buyer. With that, here’s a rundown of the new and/or updated cars in the Philippines in H1 2021.
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Mercedes-Benz Philippines introduced the updated 2021 V-Class that comes with upgraded seats. The V-Class now features second-row Captain’s seats, which is said to further make the vehicle more premium and to make the ride more comfortable. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz V-Class is available with a sticker price of Php 4,690,000.
Subaru XV
2021 Subaru XV
The facelifted Subaru XV comes with subtle yet distinctive design updates. The 2021 XV still comes with a ground clearance of 220mm, and it is integrated with Subaru’s EyeSight technology as well as a dual-function X-Mode. It’s still powered by a 2.0-liter Boxer gasoline engine that can put out 154 hp and 196 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a lineartronic CVT, and power is sent to all four wheels. The 2021 Subaru XV carries a sticker price of Php 1.908 million with a single 2.0i-S EyeSight variant. Of note, Subaru Philippines is offering the XV at an introductory price of Php 1.828 million until June 30, 2021.
Volkswagen T-Cross
2021 Volkswagen T-Cross
Volkswagen Philippines joined the tightly contested subcompact crossover segment with the introduction of the 2021 T-Cross. It is offered in two variants that are both powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that delivers 113 hp and 145 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The T-Cross is offered with a starting price of Php 1,098,000, while the top-spec SE variant is priced at Php 1,198,000. Volkswagen Philippines is offering a Php 30,000 discount for the T-Cross until June 30, 2021.
Suzuki Vitara AllGrip
2021 Suzuki Vitara AllGrip
The 2021 Suzuki Vitara AllGrip debuts in the Philippines with a starting price of Php 1,458,000. The Vitara AllGrip comes with an all-wheel drivetrain that has four driving modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock. This vehicle replaces the front-wheel-drive Vitara variant in Suzuki Philippines’ model lineup. The Vitara AllGrip is powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline engine that can make 115 hp and 156 Nm of torque. The power is sent to all wheels through its 6-speed automatic transmission.
Subaru Evoltis
2021 Subaru Evoltis
The 2021 Subaru Evoltis is now officially available in the Philippines, marking the car brand’s entry into the seven-seater premium crossover SUV segment. The Evoltis, also known as the Ascent in North America, is the largest vehicle in Subaru’s model lineup. It is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that delivers 256 hp and 375 Nm of torque. The engine is connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and it comes with an all-wheel-drive setup with X-Mode. The Evoltis comes with a sticker price of Php 3,480,000.
JAC S2
2021 JAC S2
Triesenburg Auto Corporation (TAC), the official distributor of JAC passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in the Philippines, launched the updated S2 subcompact crossover in May 2021. It features minor exterior design updates but the S2 is now fitted with a 9-inch multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2021 JAC S2 also has leather seats with red accents, and cruise control. It is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that generates 111 hp and 146 Nm of torque. The JAC S2 comes with a starting price of Php 748,000.
Nissan LEAF
2021 Nissan LEAF
Nissan Philippines finally launched the LEAF electric vehicle (EV). This EV has a length of 4,480mm, a width of 1,790mm, and a height of 1,540mm. It also has a wheelbase of 1,540mm, and a ground clearance of 155mm. The LEAF comes with an electric motor capable of making up to 150 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. Nissan-made EV uses a 40-kWh lithium-ion pack with a 311-kilometer range. It is available with a sticker price of Php 2,798,000.
Mazda BT-50 Pangolin 4x2
2021 Mazda BT-50 Pangolin 4x2
Mazda Philippines added a 4x2 version of the BT-50 Pangolin Edition pickup truck this year. This pickup truck has minor exterior design changes compared to th 4x4 trim. It is powered by a 2.2-liter diesel engine that produces up to 148 hp and 375 Nm of torque. The 2021 Mazda BT-50 4x2 Pangolin MT is priced at Php 1,350,000 while 4x2 Pangolin AT can be had for Php 1,395,000.
Lexus LS
2021 Lexus LS
Lexus Philippines brought in the refreshed Lexus LS that features minor design tweaks that are seen on the L-shaped daytime running lights, smaller side vents, and restyled taillights. Pricing for the 2021 Lexus LS starts at Php 5,928,000, and it goes up to Php 11,408,000 for the top-spec LS500h Premier 4-seater.
Nissan Navara
2021 Nissan Navara
The local pickup truck segment is filled with new contenders such as the 2021 Nissan Navara. The said truck comes with a revamped fascia that now looks bolder and more composed. The new front end, especially on the top-spec PRO-4X, reminds us of the Nissan Titan for the American market. It is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine that can put out either: 190 hp and 450 Nm of torque or 163 hp and 403 Nm. Pricing for the 2021 Navara starts at Php 1,149,000 while the top-spec PRO-4X can be had at Php 1,849,000.
Honda City Hatchback
The debut of the Honda City Hatchback in the Philippines marks the end of the Jazz’s era. The 2021 City Hatchback replaces the Jazz, and it is available in a single RS trim that’s priced at Php 1,115,000. Under the hood, it is equipped with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine that can generate 119 hp and 145 Nm of torque. A continuously variable transmission sends the power to the front wheels and can be manually engaged using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Toyota Vios GR-S
Toyota Motor Philippines expanded the Vios lineup further by introducing the sporty-looking GR-S variant. The 2021 Vios GR-S comes with an appearance package courtesy of the Toyota Gazoo Racing. It is powered by the same 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that puts out 106 hp and 140 Nm of torque. But, the Vios GR-S comes with a 10-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Ford Ranger
2021 Ford Ranger
The facelifted Ford Ranger is among the new pickup trucks launched in the Philippines in H1 2021. The 2021 Ranger still has its familiar exterior design except for the grille that features Saber accents. The skid plate is now rendered in a more menacing black color, complemented by new black alloy wheels that give the Ranger a more assertive stance.
Ford Ranger FX4 Max
2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max
Ford Philippines launched the 2021 FX4 Max just months after introducing the facelifted Ranger. The Ford Ranger FX4 Max is inspired by the off-road capabilities of the Ranger Raptor but with more focus on being a workhorse pickup. It is fitted with a blacked-out grille that features a massive “FORD” trim, non-slip side steps, a full-length tubular sports bar, and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. The 2021 Ford Ranger FX4 Max is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that puts out 210 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Isuzu D-Max
2021 Isuzu D-Max
The 2021 Isuzu D-Max is another vehicle that entered the local pickup truck battle royale. Of note, Isuzu Philippines is offering the all-new version of the D-Max that features a new design from the ground up. The all-new Isuzu D-Max also gets a revamped interior as well as a more powerful 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine that delivers 188 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The top-spec 2021 D-Max is equipped with the Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), a tech that’s similar to Subaru’s EyeSight.
GAC GN6
2021 GAC GN6
The 2021 GAC GN6 is a seven-seater vehicle that rivals the likes of the Toyota Innova, and the Maxus G50. Under the hood, the GAC GN6 is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 170 hp and 265 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
BMW 4 Series
2021 BMW 4 Series
The 2021 BMW 4 Series comes with bigger dimensions as compared to the old model. It comes with a large BMW grille as well as LED headlights, and LED foglamps. The rear gets dual exhaust pipes, LED taillights, and a stylish set of wheels that can either be 18- or 19-inch alloys. Under the hood, it is fitted with a 2.0L BMW TwinPower turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine, rated at 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque. An 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission (Steptronic Sport on the M Sport) supplies the power to the rear wheels.
Volkswagen Santana
2021 Volkswagen Santana
Volkswagen Philippines introduced the updated Santana subcompact sedan during the first half of 2021. There are no significant changes made design-wise. The biggest change made on the new Santana can be seen in its powertrain option. All variants of the 2021 Volkswagen Santana are now powered by a 1.5 MPI gasoline engine with BlueMotion that boasts optimum fuel efficiency. The engine can deliver power outputs of 109 hp and 145 Nm of torque.
Toyota Innova
Toyota Motor Philippines brought in the facelifted Innova that is now only offered with a diesel engine. All variants of the 2021 Toyota Innova are powered by a 2.8-liter diesel engine. The engine can be mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission delivers 168 hp and 343 Nm of torque while the automatic gearbox puts out 172 hp and 360 Nm.
Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback
2021 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback
Mitsubishi Philippines streamlines the Mirage to just two variants. The model now simply comes as either the Mirage Manual or Mirage CVT reflecting the transmission choices. It still comes with the same facelifted front end along with blacked-out trims.
Geely Okavango Urban Plus
2021 Geely Okavango Urban Plus
The Okavango Urban Plus is integrated with features that Geely customers asked for. It comes with a 60-inch panoramic sunroof, adaptive drive beam (ADB) matrix LED headlamps, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.
Maxus G50 Comfort
2021 Maxus G50
Maxus Philippines launched a G50 that comes with a manual transmission. Dubbed the Comfort variant, this vehicle is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 150 hp and 230 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
Maxus D60
2021 Maxus D60
The 2021 Maxus D60 is a compact crossover SUV that’s offered with a seven-seater or five-seater configuration. Under the hood, the Maxus D60 shares the same 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine that’s found on the G50 MPV. At the most, it can make up to 167 hp and 250 Nm of torque.
Suzuki Dzire
2021 Suzuki Dzire
The 2021 Suzuki Dzire features a restyled front end that has a new grille design, and a revamped fog lamp housings. The 2021 Dzire retains its 1.2L gasoline power plant that delivers 82 hp and 113 Nm of torque, mated to either a 5-speed manual or an Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmission.
Subaru Forester GT Lite Edition
2021 Subaru Forester GT Lite Edition
This vehicle comes with the usual Forester GT Editon exterior kits such as the GT Edition roof spoiler, front and rear lip extensions, side skirts, and exhaust tailpipe cutter. However, the Subaru Forester GT Lite Edition doesn’t come with the GT Edition 18-inch alloy wheels.
Nissan Terra VL
2021 Nissan Terra VL
The 2021 Nissan Terra VL comes with black-out exterior trims. The de-chromed Nissan Terra comes with gloss black accents seen on the radiator grille and front bumper. The blacked-out treatment is also seen on the door handles, side mirrors, and step boards.
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
2021 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
Chery Philippines expanded its model lineup by offering the 2021 Tiggo 7 Pro. It’s a five-seater compact crossover that is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that delivers 145 hp and 210 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
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