What to expect at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show

The 2023 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS 2023) is close, and as the event draws near, multiple brands are posting teasers and sending out press releases to let everyone know that they will be presenting something grand at the show. 

In this article, we will be covering the different models that we can definitely and may expect at the show this year. Some brands have explicitly stated what they will be showcasing, but others are a little quieter. So without further ado, these are the launches that you may or may not get to see in MIAS 2023. 

Changan Philippines will be displaying its full lineup of vehicles at MIAS this year. The brand will be fielding the Alsvin, CS35 Plus, CS55 Plus, UNI-T, and UNI-K models at its booth. The notable models here will be the UNI-T and UNI-K, which had a media unveiling earlier this year. This showcase will mark the first time that the UNI-T and UNI-K models will be out in the open. The UNI-T and UNI-K models are more upscale compared to the standard CS crossovers in the Changan lineup, and they’re worth taking a look at considering they’re not as expensive as you might think. Catch them at their booth in MIAS 2023. 

Chery Philippines will be launching a new version of the Tiggo 5X, but this version isn’t a plus variant or a special variant, instead, it will be an EV. The introduction of this model to the Chinese brand’s lineup will draw a bit of attention considering that the Tiggo 5X is a volume seller for the marque in the Philippines. We can expect the Tiggo 5X EV to make its debut at MIAS 2023. On top of that, there is also the possibility of a minor showcase of a new variant of the Tiggo 7 Pro. 

Ford Philippines recently announced that it will be taking reservations for the Next-Gen Ford Territory. It seems fitting that the Blue Oval will launch it at one of the biggest auto shows this year, so we’re psyched and hyped up to see what the sequel to Ford’s runaway success has in store for the Philippine market. Ford didn’t release any specifications at the time of this article’s writing, so we’re waiting and writhing in anticipation for this launch if ever it happens. 

Foton will introduce a new facelift for its Thunder pickup truck. The model will likely retain all of the same specifications that the model came with before the facelift, but with a new fascia and perhaps a few new trim pieces in the interior. As far as Foton trucks are concerned, however, the brand hasn’t told us anything yet. Perhaps we will have to wait at the show and see if something interesting comes our way. 

GAC Motor will be highlighting two units at its booth this year in addition to its current lineup. The brand is announcing the official availability of its GAC Empow in its top-of-the-line GE trim. Due to some delays, the best Empow that you could get was the mid-level GB trim, but during MIAS 2023, it’s likely that the GE will be the variant to get. Following that, we can also expect to see the GAC Emkoo at the show. The Emkoo will be a compact crossover that will go up against other established nameplates in the industry. It will share the same powertrain as the Empow, so we can expect a rather thrilling, but more sedate drive out of this. As for what we can expect, we’re not sure if the model will be as decked out as the Empow, but knowing GAC, it’s very likely. 

Sources indicate that Geely will be fielding its entire lineup at its MIAS booth this year. However, there are whispers of a model called the Monjaro that will make its debut. Whether or not this is true will remain to be seen. One thing’s for sure, however, Geely will be making its presence felt at this year’s show. 

A new brand, GWM will be presenting its new lineup at MIAS 2023. We got a close look at the brand’s lineup in a separate event, but one thing’s for sure, GWM will be showcasing the best that it has to offer for the Philippine market which includes a selection of hybrid and non-hybrid crossovers. The models in the lineup will include the H6 HEV, and the Jolion HEV. These two models will be a part of the brand’s booth this year, and the brand will officially debut itself to the public at this year’s show. 

Hyundai Motor Philippines will be one of the brands to watch at this year’s show. We can expect the brand’s current lineup of models like the Stargazer and the Staria to make an appearance, but we can also expect something up the brand’s sleeve. With the brand’s push for clean mobility, it won’t be too far-fetched to say that a model from our Korean wishlist will make it to the show. Hyundai hasn’t exactly confirmed what they will be previewing at this year’s booth, if at all. If we were to take a wild guess, however, it might be a battery-electric model. Of course, Hyundai Motor Philippines remains quiet about its activities behind the scenes, so we’ll probably have to wait and see what the South Korean brand has up its sleeve. 

Jetour held an event for its brand launch just last month. With a totally-new lineup for the Philippines comprised of futuristic crossovers, we can expect the entire lineup to grace the brand’s booth at this year’s show. The models include the Ice Cream EV, The X70, and the Dashing. 

Mitsubishi is rather quiet and we expect the brand to be showcasing its updated lineup of vehicles at the booth this year. Nothing too notable, we reckon, but Mitsubishi is keeping up appearances by displaying some of its best-selling models in support of dealers. 

MG will be at MIAS 2023 to showcase its lineup to the public. The most notable and the newest model on display this year will be the MG GT with its bright-yellow body color and its top-spec features. On top of that, we may also expect the MG HS and the ZS T to make an appearance, though MG hasn’t confirmed this themselves. 

Nissan’s booth this year could be spectacular, or not. If you backpedal a few months prior to MIAS, you may find that sources have been pointing to the launch of the new Fairlady Z. The issue? Well, that’s because Nissan promised that they would launch the two-door coupe in March of this year. It’s now April and we still don’t have any indication that the Japanese brand has something planned. However, it could be better late than never, and Nissan could be gearing up to launch the new Z at this year’s auto show—could, not would. 

Peugeot released a statement detailing that it will be previewing the e-2008 at this year’s auto show. Given how Peugeot Philippines has yet to field an all-electric model, this preview could be a historic one for the French marque in the country. On top of that, we also expect other models like the gasoline 2008, the 3008, and the 5008 to make appearances at this year’s show. 

The Subaru Philippines is going to be unveiling updates to its lineup at this year’s show. The Forester will get a snazzier version of its compact crossover that will come with additional body kits and features that could inject a little more interest in the model. On top of that, we can also expect a facelift or a minor update to the current-generation Evoltis.