After a restrained return last year, motor shows are back in a big way. Possible COVID surge be damned, people crammed into the World Trade Center floor yesterday for the first day of the 2023 Manila International Auto Show held annually (but please wear a mask if you can).
With 14 car brands displaying their latest models, it can be overwhelming to pick which booth to visit first. Not to mention the strain on our aging ankles and feet to try and check out all the cars.
MIAS 2023: Highlights of the show
To save you some trouble, and just to share what delighted us, I’m sharing a quick rundown of the cars that caught my attention during a quick tour of the 2023 MIAS main floor. This is not a definitive list; I may have overlooked some gems that were obscured by the massive crowd inside the World Trade Center. These are also initial impressions. I wasn’t able to sit inside and check out the specs or talk to sales personnel. I also wasn’t able to visit the displays outside because of the rain, as well as the cars in the smaller adjoining tent.
So if you’re stronger than a middle-age editor with maarte knees, do try and see what all the booths have to offer. I saw the effort all the brands put into their displays, so it’s worth the extra energy to go early and take advantage of this annual motoring event.
The show runs until Sunday, April 16, 2023. Do wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella.
So here are my picks for the 2023 Manila International Auto Show, not in any particular order:
1) Vintage Mitsubishi Pajero and Lancer
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is celebrating its 60th birthday in our market this year. Alongside the special-edition Xpander Cross, our tito hearts were elated to see two Mitsubishi models that made the Japanese brand famous in our country.
2) Jetour Dashing, Ice Cream EV
This Lamborghini Urus-like SUV really turned heads with that aggressive face. Jetour really made a splash with the Dashing. We also liked the Ice Cream EV (shown in main photo).
3) Hyundai Ioniq 6
Hyundai showed off another EV after launching the stylish Ioniq 5 earlier this year. We’re not really sure what to make of the Ioniq 6 design, but whatever it is it’s growing on us.
4) GWM Haval Jolion HEV
The GWM Haval Jolion is one of the models from the newest car brand in the market: Great Wall Motor. GWM is making a comeback after an initial foray into our market more than a decade ago. Like most modern Chinese brands, the design is eye-catching.
5) GAC Emkoo
In a sea of stylish 2023 models, the Emkoo still managed to stand out. GAC currently has one of the most attractive model lineups today.
6) Ford Territory
Arguably the star of Ford’s booth, the new Territory is an improved version of the Blue Oval’s bestseller. You have to see how roomy the new one is.
7) Decked-out Ford Ranger
The aftermarket sector would not be as big as it is now without the Ford Ranger. Customers just love adding accessories and changing the wheels. It was inevitable that Ford Philippines would offer its own modified Ranger, of course done through a partnership with a reliable brand. Meet the Ranger with ARB kits.
8) Next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor
Speaking of popular mods, Ford teased the general public with a ‘reveal’ of the all-new Ranger Raptor. If only they let us do a drone shot...
9) BYD Han EV
BYD revealed its newest EV, the Han, at its booth. It’s a beautiful sedan, with a mix of Tesla and European vibes. We hope we get to test it soon.
10) Vinyl Frog-wrapped Bimmer
At the back of the main hall is a new car wrap product called Vinyl Frog. We liked the look of the BMW coupe wrapped in this deep green wrap. The proprietor said this wrap can be detailed and waxed, something not all wraps can supposedly do.
11) JBL-kitted Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S
The GR version of the Corolla Cross really elevates the stance of Toyota’s crossover. These aftermarket wheels and the JBL audio system make it even more desirable.
12) Subaru WRX Wagon
Look at that beauty. How can anyone not want a turbocharged AWD wagon? The WRX Wagon is the practical and fun car of our dreams.
13) Nissan Kicks e-Power
It may not be new, but the Nissan Kicks is still a handsome crossover with a unique powertrain.
14) Autoplus’ Nissan Sylvia
Luis Gono’s Nissan Silvia is a JDM masterpiece, immaculately built and specced the way Autoplus is known for. If you can get near enough (ask nicely and I’m sure the owners will accommodate) you can smell the ’90s nostalgia in the cabin. Those wheels though...
15) Subaru Forester GT Edition
The green color of the 2023 Subaru Forester GT Edition is just lovely.
