There are a lot of cars we’re looking forward to in 2024. While some are confirmed for launch, there are still those that have unknown local debut dates.
Still, that hasn’t stopped us from making up a wish list of sorts. Besides, there are still some models yet to be confirmed by their respective automakers. But regardless of that, we have an inkling they’ll land here sometime in 2024. Think of it then as our crystal ball for ’24.
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1) Suzuki Jimny XL (5-door)
Yes, we’ve seen the spy photos, but the thing is, Suzuki Philippines has yet to confirm it. The thing is, they can’t deny it any longer. By the time you read this, you’ve probably seem more of these on transports. It seems like a huge shipment has landed in the country, given that there have been several sightings now.
Any time now, Suzuki. Any time.
2) Toyota Vios (DNGA)
This is one car that we thought would be launched in the country in 2023. After all, most of our neighbors in Southeast Asia have it already. As far as we can tell, it’s only the Philippines and Vietnam that are still sticking to the current generation. The current platform is in need of a full model change as all of its competitors have been giving either major updates or total redesigns.
3) Mitsubishi XForce
It would be criminal if Mitsubishi Motors Philippines didn’t bring in the XForce to the country. It fulfills almost everything the modern budget motorist needs now. High ground clearance, a stylish design in and out (debatable, perhaps), and a dash of extra practicality thanks to its crossover body. We doubt Mitsubishi will skip the XForce for the Philippines as Toyota has practically had runaway success with the Yaris Cross.
4) Isuzu D-Max (with a rear diff locker, please)
The Isuzu D-Max is one of the first models to kick off the pickup wars of the new decade. Unfortunately, that means it’s now one of the older trucks in its segment. It also doesn’t help that there’s a redesigned Hilux on the horizon, and we can expect an all-new Navara soon. To counter that, Isuzu revealed the facelifted version earlier in 2023. It’s a bit of a no brainer that it’s coming here, but we do hope it finally gets a rear differential lock it sorely needs to keep up with the competition.
5) Nissan X-Trail e-Power
If there’s one segment that Nissan is missing out on right now, it’s the premium compact crossover class. Sure, they’re not selling as high as midsize SUVs, but the number of Toyota RAV4s and Honda CR-Vs show that it’s a healthy market, nonetheless. That said, the last X-Trail sold here wasn’t exactly a smash hit. But the new one, should it have e-Power, could become a game changer if offered here.
6) Honda Accord
The Toyota Camry’s dominance in a small segment meant the discontinuation of several rivals. One of the cars that fell victim was the Honda Accord. Truth be told, we weren’t expecting the all-new model to be introduced in Asia, but the car made a surprise comeback in the region and in its home market of Japan. We’re not counting on it coming back to the Philippines any time soon, but we’ll keep it in our wishlist either way.
7) Mazda MX-5
Okay, this is a bit of an obvious one as it’s inevitable that we get it here. The MX-5 has a strong following here, and we’re pretty much guaranteed that the updated model will make its way here soon. The question here is more ‘when’ than ‘if’, but we do wish it’s sooner than later.
8) Honda e:N1
Honda is keen on pushing its electrification strategy, not just in the West but also in Southeast Asia. They plan to make it more mainstream with the e:N1 crossover, essentially an HR-V with an electric motor. We’ve tried it out already and it holds great promise. Plus, the fact that it’s going to be made in Thailand further boosts its chances of coming to the Philippines.
9) BMW 5-Series
Let’s move a little upmarket, shall we? In this case, we turn to BMW for the next-generation 5-Series. It’s already out in Europe and other parts of Asia, our neighboring countries included. The 5-Series has been a consistent strong seller in the country, so we wouldn’t be surprised if it’s coming here soon. The only questions to be asked are when is it coming here and what powertrain options it will have for the local market. Our guess? It might be the 520i and the i5 eDrive40.
10) Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250
And now, for the big one, literally and figuratively. It’s already been confirmed that the redesigned Lexus GX is coming here by 2024. However, Toyota is still tight-lipped regarding Land Cruiser Prado 250 deliveries. We’re sure it’s coming here, and we’re sure the lines will be long. But that’s not stopping us from wishing it’ll come here as soon as possible.
We’re genuinely curious what engines Toyota will bring in for the Philippine market given that the tried and tested (and thirsty) 4.0-liter V6 is out. While the diesel is almost certain, we’d love to know if the hybrid will be offered here or the 2.4-liter turbo. Either way, we can’t wait.
