Editor Speaks: Cars to look out for in the Philippines by 2019

The year 2019 is just around the corner, and we at AutoDeal are excited at the new vehicles coming out to satisfy the needs of consumers nationwide. While we’ve covered some vehicles and the 2019 variants during closed door events, both the 2018 Manila International Auto Show and the recently held 2018 Philippine International Motor Show are the stages in which most manufacturers finally release the latest vehicles for public consumption.

While we’ve still got about two more months before the year ends, we’ve already narrowed down a list of some personal favorites I’m excited for come the end of 2018. There’s a good mix of revivals of nameplates, and refreshes to standard bearers, but one thing’s for sure, the Philippine automotive landscape is set to be another exciting one by the start of January, 2019. From family vehicles to sports cars, here’s my personal list of cars I’d be thrilled to see by the start of the new year.

Okay, so there’s technically been no announcement from Honda Philippines of a diesel variant or even a turbocharged gasoline trim coming in for the HR-V just yet, but we’re optimistic as the recently launched Euro-spec HR-V at the 2018 Paris International Motor Show promised a 1.6L i-DTEC diesel engine, and a 1.5L VTEC Turbo power plant by 2019. What are the odds of it coming to the Philippines? We don’t know, but with the success of the diesel variant 2018 Honda CR-Vs in the country, maybe the good sales numbers and reviews are a good indication for Honda Philippines to consider widening its portfolio?

At long last, the Mitsubishi Strada will be sharing the same face with the Montero Sport, considerably upping the visual appeal and bringing in the pickup with the rest of the family’s “Dynamic Shield” design approach. Although the teaser and news comes out of Thailand, we’re pretty sure we’ll be receiving our piece of the pie by 2019. As for performance numbers and interior upgrades, we’ll just have to wait and see.

After much speculation and anticipation, we can expect the new-generation Toyota Supra to be revealed by January at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This has got to be the most exciting car to come out from Toyota in a long time, and will hopefully be the start of much more exciting efforts from the Japanese car company to refresh its sportier lineup. Of course, who knows if and when we get our local allocation, but for now, let’s be happy with the fact that we’ll know all the details by the end of January 2019. For now, we can still enjoy the Toyota 86.

A staple of those looking for premium sedans, the 3 Series has been a torchbearer for the Teutonic brand since the 1970’s. Although it has grown significantly in size, comfort, and technology from the iterations of yesteryear, the 2019 variant is even bigger, as the upcoming seventh generation 3 Series is 76mm longer in length, and the front and rear tracks being 43mm and 21mm wider respectively. Despite all of that size, it’s also 55 kilograms lighter than before. We can expect multiple engine choices and a handful of options presented to customers once local units start to arrive.

You saw it at the 2018 Philippine International Motor Show, but, unfortunately, those display units were for your eyes only, as the allocation for our batch of local units will be slated for next year. Apparently, people can’t get enough of this mini SUV, and the supply can’t keep up with the demand. Also, we’re still not absolutely sure of the variant that will be offered locally, but rest assured we’ll be getting the Jimny as soon as possible. From what we hear, the line for reservations is pretty long, so best get on it.

Volkswagen’s latest entry for their Santana family promises to be the most affordable station wagon you can get your hands on right now. Offering value for money paired with German engineering, this solidly built car impresses with practicality and solid driving feel. We drove the standard sedan variant, the Santana, a while back, and came back impressed. We can expect the same from the Santana GTS, for sure.

Those who are familiar with the Toyota C-HR should know that the UX rides on the same Global Architecture Compact (GA-C) platform, and despite being the smallest crossover the the brand offers, they’ve worked to make the UX more car like while still offering up generous space. Familiar edgy Lexus styling courtesy of the spindle grille and LED lighting come standard, plus it’ll also be the most attractively priced Lexus to date, offering a new stepping stone into the highly acclaimed brand.

Nismo fans rejoice, as the ever popular two seater performance coupe finally takes its place in the local Nissan Nismo lineup. Offering performance and aesthetic upgrades over the base 370Z, the Nismo variant should please those looking for the ultimate 370Z, with the car joining the ranks of the venerable Nissan GT-R Nismo. Bigger brakes, suspension upgrades, and potent engine and aerodynamic tuning will keep the 370Z Nismo on anyone’s aspirational car list.

The world’s best selling sports car gets a power bump and a number of refinements for comfort and convenience. You’ve still got the agile and lightweight chassis, plus the additional touches of a reverse camera and seating adjustments and additional . Oh, and a Club Sport variant with BBS wheels and Recaro seats will be made an option for RF trims. Nice.

Volvo’s foray into the premium compact crossover segment comes in the form of the XC40. Featuring Volvo’s first ever three-cylinder engine, it also sits atop Volvo and Geely’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform. Expect all the top level safety that the brand is known from, plus the most dynamic and youthful styling to ever come from the Scandinavian brand.