5 things we loved the most about MIAS 2022

There was a constant air of excitement among the general public and media who visited the four-day 2022 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

After all, the 2022 MIAS marked the return of the physical staging of the yearly motor show since the last one was held in 2019. So naturally, many were excited to again soak in the sights and sounds of MIAS that COVID-19 briefly took away from us. 

And there was a flurry of activity and awesome metal that matched everyone's excitement for the 2022 MIAS. We list below just those best sights and sounds we absorbed during the country's premier auto show. 

Russ Swift Stunt Show

What has become a MIAS staple still excited visitors. British precision and stunt driver Russ Swift showed what a Subaru STI and the new Forester can do — like slides and skids and sideways driving — in the hands of driving pros. 

Inside the 2022 MIAS halls, one star of the show was the 2022 Subaru BRZ sports coupe. Mounted up front the 2022 BRZ is a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder Boxer engine, which sends 237ps and 250Nm to the rear wheels by way of a six-speed manual and automatic transmission. 

Rally and racing simulators 

While the stunt show made us channel our inner Russ Swift, the booth of Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) allowed us to do vehicle skids and slides ourselves — virtually, that is — with the use of racing simulators. 

Visitors were also able to lap around virtual race tracks in a Formula 1 car, too. One caveat, though: Thrustmaster steering wheel and Playseat at the AAP booth made one mentally clear space in one's home for the exciting toys. 

Modified Geely cars 

Speaking of envisioning, how does a souped-up Geely Emgrand and Coolray sound? At the Geely stand at the 2022 MIAS, the carmaker showed off an Emgrand packing lowered suspension, 18-inch sporty wheels, and even some carbon-fiber exterior pieces. 

The so-called Coolray GT Limited Edition had more modifications up its sleeve. Under the hood of this crossover, a K&N intake ups the power of the 1.5-liter turbocharged triple to a reported 200hp. A catback exhaust from Drift Xaust also maximizes the engine's output. 

Lego booth 

Miniature motors reminded that for some of us, fancy racing simulators and vehicles are a little too out of reach. 

Front and center at the Lego stand was a faithful recreation of the Ferrari 512M, an iconic 1970's supercar. This Lego race car was flanked by other replicas, such as the McLaren MCL35 F1 car and the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. 

MG Concourse 

Amid the 2022 MIAS excitement, MG Philippines had set up a little corner for relaxation with its MG Concourse. Here, refreshments were served and comfy couches were offered — in an atmosphere that's "in tune with MG's British heritage," according to the brand's Senior and Vice President of Marketing and Communications Lyn Buena. 

The 2022 Manila International Auto Show was held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. 

Photos from the Manila International Auto Show Facebook page, Roy Robles, and Dylan Afuang