Top new cars to look forward to in 2023

As 2022 draws to a close and as 2023 is looming over the horizon, let's see what the brands have planned for the market come next year in the Philippines. While we're quite sure about a bunch of the models and brands on this list, some of these are a little speculative and perhaps mixed with a little wishful thinking. 

GAC has recently had a distributor change, and with a new company at the helm, it looks like that brand will be entering into a new era next year. In 2022, we saw a lot of new models that the brand has planned, and all of its cars look stunning. The GAC Empow55, the new GS8, and more are waiting for us in 2023. We can’t wait to see the new lineup. 

After a launch in China, the new Territory could be another best-seller for the Blue Oval here in the country. We’re expecting to see a totally new design for the compact crossover along with new features and a lot of new hype surrounding the model. We can also expect that Ford will keep a lot of the features that made the Territory such a hit in the country but now with a new design. 

Some rumors are pointing to a new Raptor in the Ranger lineup. With the hit that was last generation’s Raptor, Ford looks like it could be releasing something even better in the market come 2023. The new Ranger and Everest were both well-received in the Philippines, and we cannot wait to see how Ford will better its performance midsize pickup in the country. Rumor has it that the new Raptor will feature a V6 diesel engine, and that’s something worth waiting for. 

Rumor has it that in the first half of 2023, Honda Philippines will be launching the sequel to the FK8 Type R. Now more modern and more mature-looking, the new FL5 Type R will mark one of the last if not the last pure internal combustion engine performance model from the Japanese brand. It will be a huge milestone for Honda at the same time, bettering its FK8 Type R with a more powerful engine, revised suspension, and mature looks that’ll still get you excited. 

It’s kinda poetic how Hyundai has found itself back in the limelight under its new distributors. That being said, the new lineup of Hyundai Motor Philippines is focused, goal-oriented, and looking toward the future of motoring. Next year, we will witness the launch of Hyundai’s first-ever electric vehicle in the country, the Ioniq 5. Several models will be available 

Perhaps you’ve already spotted this Kia out on the road already, but it’s still not yet available for sale for now. With infrastructures being built, and with pricing and product plans in place for next year, Kia confidently stated that we can expect next year to be the year for the EV6. Pricing remains a mystery for now, but we can expect there to be an early adopters tax, as with all EVs anyway. 

The Xpander Cross in the country did a relatively good job in the market, offering consumers more in a seven-seater with added style and ground clearance. The SUV-style MPV could see an update come 2023, and we cannot wait to see the new model in the metal. Other territories have already seen this new model launch, so we’re waiting for Mitsubishi Philippines to expand on one of its most popular nameplates in the Philippines today. 

Rumor has it that the Nissan Z will be coming to the Philippines. While Nissan Philippines remains a little quiet for now, several rumors point to the arrival of Nissan’s new two-door coupe in the country. We’re interested in seeing just how far Nissan will take it in the country, perhaps we will see special editions, but that remains to be seen. 

In 2022, Suzuki tested the market and the interest in hybrid models at various trade shows. The first unveiled hybrid model under the brand was the Ertiga. It’s not like the Ertiga needed it, however, since it is still one of the most fuel-efficient models out in the market today. What's more when it gets assistance from a hybrid system? 

The Suzuki Jimny is quite expensive at the moment for a two-door SUV, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the brand’s best-sellers. The model is as cute as it can be, and it has a legion of fans that are ready to take it around town and wherever the road ends. The rumor mill’s alight with murmurs of a five-door variation of the little subcompact SUV. The development could lead to more Jimny fans fully committing to the model. With more space, it’s likely that the Jimny could get a second wind in the market as if it needed it. 

We’re reaching a bit deep in the cookie jar here, but there are numerous whispers in the industry stating that the GR Corolla will reach the country. After the huge sell-out success of the GR Yaris, it looks like Toyota Motor Philippines has a lot of incentives and potential clients for this new compact hot hatch. While it may not be a homologation special like the GR Yaris, it’s definitely something to look forward to, and definitely, something that could go toe-to-toe with Honda’s Type R. 

A new Vios is coming, and the new model looks like a shrunken-down version of the Camry. We’re hearing reports of an updated 1.5-liter engine on top of the redesigned front end. We’re not sure yet about the model’s launch date, but we’re just about ready to see a lot of these sedans out on Philippine roads after it releases. 

Insiders in the industry have reported that the Yaris Cross will make its debut in the country in the first quarter of 2023. While the Raize is a part of the lineup, it’s quite possible that the new crossover will slot into a more premium end of the market, likely right below the compact crossover, the Corolla Cross. Expect a hybrid variant in the Yaris Cross as well.