In the world of local motoring, one can describe 2023 as the year of revenge launches. It seemed that every month, there was one major launch after another. Not that we’re complaining, of course, or else we wouldn’t have jobs.
Over 30 new and redesigned cars entered the local market this year. It’s certainly a win for consumers, especially those looking for a new set of wheels. But of all the car launches of 2023, what are the biggest ones?
It was quite a challenge, but we’ve narrowed the list down to 15. Without further ado, let’s get started.
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1) BMW iX3
And we kick off the list with a luxury car. Okay, it’s not something the majority of the population can buy, but the BMW iX3 has been a bit of a sleeper hit. It appeals to those who don’t want to announce their eco credentials. As it looks like a regular X3, it has enough street credit in posh villages, and it’s got reasonable range, too.
2) Ford Ranger Raptor
It would be an understatement to call the all-new Ranger Raptor a smash hit. It was practically one of the most popular variants of the Ranger lineup, and it still shows no signs of slowing down. It helped sales of the already-popular Ranger, and its desirability and accessibility meant it was an attainable dream ride for pickup-truck-hungry Pinoys. The only thing missing? The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6.
3) Ford Territory
But the Ranger Raptor wasn’t the only box office hit from Ford this year. Another reason the American automaker had such a banner year is because of redesigned Territory. Looking sleeker and more mature than before, its size and strong value proposition has attracted a whole heap of customers, and its sales are still picking up.
4) Honda Civic Type R
The year started off with a bang when Honda launched the FL5 Civic Type R. What a way to kick off 2023, right? Sure, it’s more expensive than its predecessor, but the new R brings the hot hatch to the next level. We’ve driven it on the road and on the track, and it’s safe to say we’re smitten by it every time we get behind the wheel. Here’s to hoping Honda brings in more stocks in 2024. Perhaps a lottery system should help weed out those ‘scalpers,’ too.
5) Honda CR-V
From high performance to practical, Honda covered both ends of the spectrum this year. It did so with the launch of the sixth-generation CR-V. A CR-V of many firsts, it finally gets the power it deserves thanks to its 1.5-liter turbo, along with a punchy, potent, and efficient 2.0-liter hybrid. We’re seeing more of these on the road lately, some of which are packing an MD badge. Safe to say that doctors approve.
6) Hyundai Custin
We think minivans are vastly underrated in this country. Which is why we included Hyundai’s entry in the segment, the Custin. For those seeking the premium/luxury minivan experience for a more reasonable price, we believe that the Custin is the answer to that. In many ways, it reminds us of the Odyssey, a minivan we quite liked when it was around, and it’s all the more reason more people should consider it.
7) Lexus RZ
Yes, it’s another luxury EV crossover, but the RZ deserves to be on this list, nonetheless. Why, you ask? It’s Toyota giving us a glimpse of its EV knowhow with this futuristic-looking high-rider. Think of it more as a technical showcase of what the brand can do when it comes to full electric powertrains. Promising? We think so.
8) Mazda CX-60
Skeptics raised their eyebrows when Mazda said it was aiming for the junior luxury market. But let’s just say people have taken notice of the brand’s efforts thanks to the CX-60. Aimed squarely at the Germans (and Lexus), Mazda’s first attempt at a true luxury-sport crossover is a solid effort. With that, we’re expecting even greater things from its hardworking engineers at Hiroshima.
9) Mitsubishi Xpander Cross
It may be a minor model change, but the Xpander Cross update was a much needed one. Currently the oldest among its competitors, the facelift rolled back the years for this MPV-crossover, even adding Active Yaw Control to give it even more secure handling. It's still a decent choice among its peers, and its class-leading ground clearance has many folks interested in it.
10) Nissan Z
If our friends from the UK dubbed the Civic Type R their performance car of the year, then we can call the new Z the performance bargain of 2023. It’s the same price as a Type R and more powerful (and affordable) than a local spec Supra. Sure, the Mustang beats it in terms of pricing, but Z has something that the Ford doesn’t: An honest to goodness six-speed manual transmission. Oh, and it’s delightfully old school around the racetrack too.
11) Toyota Alphard
Among the mainstream manufacturers, Toyota perhaps had the busiest year of them all. One of the biggest surprises was the Alphard, quietly rolling out in July 2023. Truth be told, we weren’t expecting it as it made its world premiere in Japan just months prior. Still, props to Toyota Motor Philippines for making it happen, making us the first country to get left-hand drive units. If that’s any indicator, it shows that the country just loves this luxury van that much.
12) Toyota Hilux GR-S
You didn’t think Toyota was going to let Ford have a monopoly on the performance pickup market, did you? We imagine Toyota executives saying, ‘not on our watch’ and went on to build the Hilux GR-S. So, not only does it get even more chassis upgrades, but it also gets a meaner look, too. It also steals the crown from the Ranger Raptor as the most powerful in its class. Big Test, anyone?
13) Toyota Wigo
The old Wigo wasn’t just starting to feel dated by the time it was replaced, it was downright ancient. The all-new Wigo brought the little hatchback to the modern age, all without sacrificing its strong value proposition. Granted, we don’t get the punchier 1.2-liter like the Indonesian market, but it was either that or we’re looking at a much higher price tag. Regardless, we’re liking this grown up Wigo and the amount we see on the roads right now means a lot of people do too.
14) Toyota Yaris Cross
Just when we thought Toyota’s crossover range couldn’t be any more diverse, here they are with yet another one. One could say the Yaris hatch had to go to make way for the Yaris Cross, but we think it’s for the best. The move paid off too with the subcompact crossover being one of the most popular models in its segment. If anything, it’s also helping Toyota to further push its electrification drive in the country.
15) Toyota Zenix
We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again: The Toyota Zenix is probably the biggest gamble it has made in the MPV segment in decades. As a car, it is leaps and bounds ahead of the Innova with far better comfort and refinement. Yes, we know, the Innova’s truck-based chassis and diesel engine are hard to beat, but the Zenix ushers in a new era of Toyota MPV, one that’s electrified and forward thinking. Only time will tell if the risk was worth it.
