Chevrolet Camaro (P3,298,888)
The Covenant Car Company, Inc. has finally introduced the latest Camaro. This stylish pony car features a retro-futuristic exterior that blends classic ’60s muscle car styling with the sharp-edged design language we see on the C7 Corvette. While most would expect a big V8 to be lurking under its long hood, the Philippine market gets the 3LT RS variant powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged in-line-4. This boosted motor makes 275hp and 398Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (starts at P3,990,000)
A month after Auto Nation Group introduced the regular “Sport” variants of the all-new JL Wrangler, it launched the more rugged Rubicon variants at this year’s MIAS. It features a Rock-Trac 4x4 system with beefier Dana 44 axles and Tru-Lok locking differentials. To improve articulation, it has a disconnecting front sway bar. It also gets unique 17-inch alloys shod with BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain tires. The Rubicon is available as a 2-door and a longer wheelbase 4-door Unlimited. There are two gasoline engine options, a 2.0-liter turbo four which makes 268hp and 400Nm of torque and a 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated V6 which produces 286hp and 353Nm of torque. Both powerplants are mated to an eight speed automatic transmission.
Hyundai Palisade (P3,240,000)
Hyundai Philippines enters the large executive SUV segment with its all-new Palisade. This imposing seven-seater sports utility vehicle was the Korean carmaker’s main attraction during the recent MIAS. It features a massive chrome Cascading Grille, elegant flowing lines, and a classy interior. The local-spec Palisade is powered by a 2.2-liter turbodiesel which churns out 197hp and 441Nm of torque. This motor is mated to an eight speed automatic transmission. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and Multi-Terrain Control.
Kia Stinger (P3,235,000)
The Korean carmaker’s much anticipated premium sports sedan has finally landed on our shores. Its long hood and GT-esque fastback roofline are reminiscent of those 5-door German coupes but at the fraction of the cost. The rear-wheel drive Stinger has the performance to back up its sporty looks. Propelling this stunner is a longitudinally-mounted 3.3-liter twin-turbo T-GDI V6 gasoline mill which produces an impressive 365hp and 510Nm of torque. An eight speed automatic transmission comes as standard. On the practical side, the Korean sports sedan can seat five and has a decent 406L cargo area which can be accessed via a large hatch.
Kia Forte (starts at P1,095,000)
Cars apparently are not dead, Kia has returned to the local compact sedan segment with its all-new Forte. Styling is now less-wedge-like; it now features smoother lines just like the bigger Stinger. It features a slim tiger-nose grille, swept-back headlights, and a very Euro-inspired rear end. The standard engine is a 1.6-liter naturally-aspirated mill which produces a respectable 126hp and 155Nm of torque; this is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The big news of course is the GT variant’s 1.6-liter turbocharged unit which makes an impressive 201hp and 264Nm of torque; this is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch tranny. The range-topping variant features a fully-independent multi-link rear suspension in place of the lesser variant’s twist beam.
Honda Brio (starts at P585,000)
Honda Philippines just recently introduced the second generation Brio. Up front it gets a Brio-like face and an entirely new rear-end from the B-pillars back. The front doors are carried over from the first gen model. Its predecessor’s quirky behind has been replaced by a more mature-looking, more conventional rear end. Another significant change is its 60mm longer wheelbase which is identical to the outgoing Amaze sedan; this means larger rear doors and more rear legroom. Motivating the new Brio is a pint-size 1.2-liter gasoline mill which puts out 89hp and 110Nm of torque, this lump can be mated to either a five-speed manual or a CVT. The new top-spec 1.2 RS CVT and 1.2 RS Black Top CVT adds some visual spice to Honda’s little city car.
Honda Civic (starts at P1,115,000)
The refreshed Civic made its Philippine debut in mid-April. Styling updates to Honda’s popular sporty compact sedan is subtle at most; it gets a revised front fascia and new wheel designs. The RS and E variants get an updated touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A new base 1.8 S CVT variant joins the range, it can be identified by its halogen headlights and two-tone 16-inch alloy wheels.
