It’s been a pretty eventful year for the local automotive industry so far. Every major player, from Japanese giants like Toyota and Suzuki to more upscale European brands like Volvo and BMW, has been busy bringing products in. And to think we’re only halfway through 2019.
With that in mind, it might have been easy to get lost in all the unveilings that have taken place so far. To keep you guys updated on what’s available and what you can add to your shortlist, we’ve put together a quick roundup of every all-new model that’s entered the market over the past six months.
Are you planning on checking out any of these cars at the showroom? Let us know in the comments.
2019 Toyota Hiace
“The reports and leaks leading up to this day are true. The secret vehicle Toyota Motor Philippines is launching today is indeed the all-new Hiace—a big deal not just because it’s a complete model change, but because this debut is a world premiere.
“Yes, our country is the first across the globe to officially lay eyes on this van.
“This is the sixth generation of the Japanese car manufacturer’s mass-market people hauler, and it’s set to take on the likes of the Nissan Urvan and the Hyundai Starex. Outside of Japan, the Philippines has been the model’s top export destination globally since 2014, and in 2018, the Hiace grabbed 56% of its segment’s local market share.”
2019 Toyota RAV4
“Good news if you’ve been eagerly awaiting the all-new Toyota RAV4’s Philippine arrival: The vehicle has finally been launched by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), and in this story, you will find the model’s official prices and variants.
“But before that, some sad news for those who wanted this rugged Japanese crossover as a 4x4: TMP has not brought in any 4x4 units, so you will have to settle for any of the RAV4’s three front-wheel-drive variants.”
2019 Suzuki Ertiga
“Underneath the hood of this new Suzuki seven-seater is a 1.5-liter engine capable of 103hp at 6,000rpm and 138Nm of torque at 4,400rpm—the same figures produced by the motor that powers Indonesia’s Ertiga units. Depending on the variant you choose, you can get this mill mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
“The latest model also rides on the Japanese carmaker’s new Heartect platform. This, Suzuki says, provides the Ertiga with a more rigid body along with improved NVH and comfort levels, and makes the car safer in the event of a collision.”
2019 Suzuki Jimny
“The all-new Jimny runs on a 1.5-liter engine with 100hp and 130Nm on tap. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. The little SUV rides on a ladder-frame chassis and a three-link rigid axle suspension with coil springs.
“Safety features include hill-hold and hill-descent control, brake LSD traction control, and an electronic stability program. Inside, you get amenities like a nine-inch touchscreen display, automatic climate controls, and steering-wheel-mounted auxiliary controls.”
2019 Kia Stinger
“And here’s the best part: Its price will sting other European brands because at this P3,235,000 price point, its spec list is unmatched. The kind of kit that comes standard with the Stinger will put other European cars that cost roughly the same amount to shame.”
2019 Kia Soluto
“Kia Philippines has already confirmed four variants for the Soluto. As we’ve said, the most affordable one will go for P625,000, while the top-of-the-line offering will carry a P735,000 price tag. All units pack a 1.4-liter dual-CVVT gasoline engine under the hood capable of 94hp and 132Nm of torque.
“The company is pitching its new sedan as a practical combination of space, features, and value for money. Anyone worried that the car will come as a bare-bones package will be relieved to know that there’s a seven-inch Android Auto and Apple CarPlay-capable touchscreen infotainment system as standard, as well as steering-wheel controls and a six-speaker sound system. Higher EX variants will get leatherette seats and rear parking sensors.”
2019 Kia Forte
“Some of the all-new Forte’s eye-catching design bits include red accents on the car’s intricate, gloss-black tiger-nose grille, sleek swept-back headlights, dual tailpipes, and a very professional-looking rear end with a unified taillight. Inside, the GT unit features red stitching on the seats, the shift knob, and the flat-bottom steering wheel. There’s a floating infotainment screen, round A/C vents, and a sporty overall vibe, too. It’s definitely a looker inside and out.”
2019 Subaru Forester
“The all-new Subaru Forester has been launched, and now we know it’s officially available in three variants: the i-L non-EyeSight, i-L EyeSight, and the i-S EyeSight. The most affordable of the bunch, naturally, is the non-EyeSight variant, but we’re glad to report that it still has plenty to offer.
“Obviously, it’s at a disadvantage in terms of advanced safety kit. But at P1,598,000, the i-L non-EyeSight is P100,000 less expensive than the Forester’s midrange offering. It also boasts the same performance as its pricier brethren: AWD, and a 2.0-liter boxer engine capable of 154hp and 196Nm of torque.”
2019 Hyundai Reina
“It looks like the Reina will be available in two variants, with all units powered by a 1.4-liter MPI engine underneath the hood capable of 94hp at 6,000rpm and 132Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. Yes, those numbers are similar to the Soluto. The base model comes with a five-speed manual transmission, while the top-of-the-line gets a four-speed automatic. Starting price is set at P598,000.”
2019 Hyundai Palisade
“Given its price of P3,240,000, the seven-seater SUV will cater to the premium market. Up front, it has an imposing hexagonal chrome grille flanked by thin LED headlamps and beefy rectangular foglights. The sides feature more chrome, and underneath are 20-inch alloy wheels.
“The PH-spec Palisade is powered by a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine with 197hp and 441Nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It runs on all-wheel-drive, and comes with Multi-Terrain Control, which is adjustable via a dial. Available driving modes are Eco, Smart, Sport, and Comfort.”
2019 BMW X5
“Powering the all-new X5’s lone available variant, the xDrive30d xLine, is a 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower turbodiesel engine capable of 265hp and 620Nm of torque—good enough for 0-100kph in just 6.5sec.
“The price? BMW Philippines is selling the all-new X5 xDrive30d xLine for P5,990,000.”
2019 Volvo XC40
“The prices for Volvo’s latest Philippine offering, the all-new XC40, have been revealed. If you’re looking to buy a brand-new premium crossover this 2019, this should be worth a look. We’ve seen it in the metal and have to say this is one gorgeous Swede.
“So how much then? The all-new XC40 is available in three variants and starts at P3,350,000.”
2019 Honda Brio
“Powering the all-new Brio is a 1.2-liter gasoline engine capable of 89hp and 110Nm. That’s a 10hp and 17Nm drop versus the outgoing model, but the latest car does run on a newer CVT compared to the previous one’s five-speed automatic transmission. Available colors include Carnival Yellow, Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic, Rallye Red, and the RS-exclusive Phoenix Orange Pearl.”
2019 Jeep Wrangler
“Potential buyers have two engines to choose from: a 2.0-liter in-line turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine (268hp, 400Nm), and a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline (286hp, 353Nm). Both powerpants get an eight-speed automatic transmission. Based on those specs alone, it’s clear that turbocharging is indeed the future. We’d gladly sacrifice (well, not gladly) 20hp in exchange for 47Nm of torque.”
2019 MG 6 Fastback
“The MG 6 flaunts a presence that’s a mix of both professional and sporty. Up front, you have a large, intricate grille design capping off a long hood, flanked by a pair of large angry headlights. The fastback silhouette jives particularly well with a red paint finish, and lends the vehicle an energetic demeanor, we think.
“Meanwhile, the interior’s a little busier and more playful than the outside of the car suggests. There’s nice leather covering the dashboard, plus aluminum pedals, carbon-fiber bits, and even a sunroof. Also worth noting is the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.”
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
“How much are you willing to spend on one car? Probably a couple of million at most, right? Okay, say you’re relatively well-off, then you can go a bit further for a BMW or a Mercedes-Benz—most people would probably scoff at the idea of spending any more than that.
“Thing is, those considering buying the beautiful piece of machinery shown here aren’t ‘most people.’
