June has been an exciting month for new car buyers. If you’re in the market for your next ride, keep reading—we list down the significant vehicle introductions from the past month.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS Black Series (P1,800,000)
Based on the 178hp 2.4-liter GLS 2WD AT, the Black Series adds a black grille, a black painted roof, black roof rails, black front and rear faux skid plates, black alloy wheels, LED headlights, a rear spoiler, and illuminated scuff plates. These changes help give the popular SUV that extra sporty touch.
All-new BMW 3-Series (starts at P4,590,000)
The latest generation of the German brand’s compact sports sedan features sharper and sportier styling as well as updated technology. Only one variant is offered—the sporty 330i M Sport powered by a 258hp 2.0-liter turbo in-line-four gasoline mill.
All-new BMW Z4 (starts at P3,990,000)
After a short hiatus, BMW’s popular roadster is back. The new Z4 boasts a more aggressive design than its predecessors: It has crisp lines, an intricate grille pattern, ultra-slim LED taillights, and a high-tech cockpit with digital screens. These upgrades give the new Z4 a more exotic feel. Two gasoline-powered variants are offered—the sDrive20i with a 197hp turbo-four, and the high-performance M40i with a 340hp turbo-six.
Ford Ranger XLS Sport (starts at P1,062,000)
Ford made waves when it launched its top-spec Baja-inspired Ranger Raptor. This time, the Blue Oval is adding some spice at the lower end of its popular midsize pickup. Compared with the regular XLS, the Sport gets a gloss-black grille, rear bumper, step boards, and 17-inch alloys. It retains the base truck’s 158hp 2.2-liter oil-burner, and only comes with a six-speed manual transmission. The XLS Sport comes in two flavors—4x2 and 4x4.
Refreshed Honda BR-V (P1,035,000)
This popular subcompact three-row crossover SUV from Honda has been refreshed for 2019. Styling upgrades to the front and a new set of wheels give the vehicle a more aggressive look. On the tech side, the top 1.5 V variant receives an updated infotainment system that now features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2019 BR-V carries over the pre-facelift model’s mechanical bits, including the 118hp i-VTEC motor mated to a continuously variable transmission.
Maxus V80 (prices start at P1,190,000)
While not exactly a new vehicle, this is one of two models that AC Industrials introduced during the local debut of the Maxus brand. The V80 is a straightforward, modern, and boxy front-wheel-drive van. There are three variants offered—the commercial Flex van, the 18-seater Transport, and the higher-trim 13-seater Comfort. All variants come with a 134hp 2.5-liter diesel unit that’s Euro 4-compliant, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
Maxus G10 (P1,680,000)
The other new model introduced by AC Industrials is the Maxus G10. Unlike the V80, this is a more refined minivan with sleeker styling and a more upmarket interior. It can seat up to nine passengers, and features captain’s chairs on the second and third rows. Under its hood is a modern 148hp 1.9-liter turbocharged CRDi diesel mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Peugeot 3008 Active Diesel (P2,390,000)
Peugeot Philippines has just introduced the Active variant of its stylish 3008 compact SUV. Despite being P500,000 less expensive than the 2.0 BlueHDi GT Line variant, it retains many of the features like the digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment system, and sharp-looking 18-inch alloys. Motivating the Active is the French carmaker’s familiar 150hp 2.0-liter BlueHDI turbodiesel and six-speed automatic transmission.
All-new Range Rover Evoque (starts at P5,090,000)
Despite looking like a major refresh, this is in fact an all-new model. The most obvious changes are the slightly tidier exterior and the Velar-style flush door handles that pop out when unlocked; these tiny details give the vehicle a very modern, almost concept-car feel. Inside, it gets an equally futuristic vibe thanks to dual central touch screens and a digital instrument cluster. There are three engine options: a 178hp 2.0-liter Ingenium turbodiesel (D180), a 247hp 2.0-liter Ingenium turbopetrol (P250), and a 296hp 2.0-liter Ingenium turbopetrol mild-hybrid (P300 MHEV). All variants get a standard nine-speed automatic tranny and all-wheel drive.
All-new SsangYong Rexton (starts at P1,730,000)
The Korean brand’s midsize SUV returns, this time in a more stylish and upmarket package. The interior of the range-topping variant gets opulent-looking quilted brown leather seats. As is the norm in this segment, the Rexton has a rugged body-on-frame construction and a coil-spring rear suspension. Powering the vehicle is a 181hp 2.2-liter diesel powerplant paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, with 4x2 and 4x4 variants both on offer.
SsangYong Musso Grand (starts at P1,180,000)
To strengthen Ssangyong’s pickup range, it has introduced the Musso Grand. Versus the the regular Musso, it has a longer wheelbase and pickup bed. The rear suspension boasts leaf springs. Under its hood is the same 181hp 2.2-liter diesel that propels the regular Musso and Rexton. It’s offered with either part-time four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive.
