9th PIMS: event roundup

The ninth edition of the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) came to a successful close this weekend. The four-day event offered a handful of sights and sounds, which were a treat to automotive enthusiasts and potential car buyers who attended the automotive expo.

On that note, here’s a quick roundup of what transpired during PIMS 2024.

Car launches

Local players launched a handful of new models at this year’s PIMS. These rollouts range from hybrid sedans and electric sport utility vehicles (SUV) to souped-up versions of iconic nameplates.

That said, let’s look at the newest additions to the available vehicles in the Philippine auto market.

Honda Civic RS e:HEV

Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated (HCPI) formally launched the hybrid variant of the Civic sedan.

To recall, the electrified car was previewed last month when the Japanese automotive brand released the EM1 e: electric scooter. Honda Motor Company Vice President and Head of Regional Operations for Asia and Oceania and Asian Honda Motor Company President and Chief Executive Officer Toshio Kuwahara led the said preview.

Powering the Honda Civic RS e:HEV is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. An electric continuously variable transmission (CVT) facilitates smooth power transfer.

According to HCPI, the Honda Civic RS e:HEV is able to make some 184 horsepower (hp) and 315 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque.

It retails for P1.99 million.

Additionally, HCPI brought to PIMS 2024 the limited-edition Mugen Civic Type R Group A. Only five samples of the said model will be sold here in the Philippines.

All-new Chery Tiggo 2 Pro

Chery Auto Philippines has launched the all-new Tiggo 2 Pro. The Chinese crossover is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline mill paired with a CVT or a five-speed manual gearbox. The said setup makes up to 114 horses with 143 Nm of pulling power sent to the front wheels.

We have listed its notable features below:

• Halogen headlamps
• LED daytime running lights
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• 3.5-inch digital multi-information display
• 10.25-inch infotainment system

Per the United Asia Automotive Group, Incorporated-led brand, the all-new Chery Tiggo 2 Pro has a sticker price that ranges from P708,000 to P818,000.

Kia EV9

Kia Philippines formally launched the award-winning EV9 electric SUV at the ninth PIMS, which follows the path forged by the EV6 — a compact crossover that was made available in the country sometime last year.

The Kia EV9 uses two electric motors mounted on its front and rear wheel axles. They generate 397 hp with 700 Nm, allowing the SUV to sprint from zero to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) in five seconds.

Its electric propulsion system is paired with Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes. The all-wheel drivetrain enhances performance for everyday commutes and adventures.

The Kia EV9 also packs a 99.8 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery that offers emissions-free driving of up to 505 kilometers (km) on a single charge.

According to the Ayala-led South Korean car manufacturer, the Kia EV9 has a sticker price of P5.888 million.

All-new Nissan Z Nismo

Nissan Philippines launched the souped-up version of the Z at PIMS 2024.

Per the local subsidiary of the Japanese carmaker, the Nissan Z Nismo is powered by the VR30DDTT engine complemented with Sports+ drive mode for a more engaging experience.

Notably, the performance-oriented model is fitted with aerodynamic front and rear bumpers, Dark Gray alloy wheels, and Recaro bucket seats.

Adding the all-new Nissan Z Nismo to one’s garage will set a buyer back some P4.688 million.

Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0 liter V6

For Ford Philippines’ part, it launched Ranger Raptor 3.0 liter V6.

During the first day of PIMS 2024, the V6-powered pickup truck was presented to attendees. It packs a 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with an anti-lag system — available in Baja mode.

It can dish out 392 hp and 583 Nm.

Ford Philippines noted that the Ranger Raptor 3.0 liter V6 is only limited to 300 units at launch. It has a starting price of P2.739 million.

Jetour X50, T2 Terminator

Jetour Auto Philippines has launched two models at the auto show. These models are the X50 crossover and T2 Terminator SUV.

The Jetour X50 gets a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. It is able to produce around 153 hp with 239 Nm of pulling power.

Per the local arm of Jetour, the X50 comes in three variants and is priced from P888,000 to P1.088 million.

On the other hand, the Jetour T2 Terminator cradles a 2.0-liter Kunpeng TGDI gasoline engine under its hood. Paired with a seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission, it makes 251 hp and 390 Nm.

The marque has brought two variants of the SUV to the country and is priced from P2.898 million to P2.498 million.

Model previews

Some models were also previewed during PIMS 2024. They said vehicles set the tone for the upcoming months and have given a teaser to the public of what is to come to the Philippine automotive industry.

Here are the cars that made appearances, prior to their respective official debuts.

Chery Tiggo 5X Pro

On top of successfully launching the latest iteration of the Tiggo 2 Pro, Chery Auto Philippines also previewed the Tiggo 5X Pro.

Displayed was the nameplate’s range-topping Hybrid variant, equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and a 48-volt belt-starter generator with a CVT. It is said to put out some 153 hp and 230 Nm out of the box.

Nissan Magnite, X-Trail e-Power

On top of Nissan’s launch of the all-new Z Nismo, it previewed the Magnite crossover and X-Trail e-Power. Specifications of the two models are yet to be revealed.

What we know so far is that the said vehicles telegraph Nissan’s emphasis on innovation, performance, and style as well as its commitment to pushing boundaries. Its presentation at PIMS 2024 gave attendees a glimpse of the company’s vision for the future of the country's automotive landscape.

MG HS PHEV

MG Philippines gave event-goers a look at the upcoming HS plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

Per the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation-owned marque, the hybrid crossover can push up to 321 horses with 570 Nm. In electric-only mode, would-be owners can enjoy up to 100 km of range. Conversely, the said model can travel up to 1,065 km with the internal combustion engine in use.

Changan Hunter REEV

Changan Auto Philippines also displayed the forthcoming Hunter Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV).

According to the carmaker, the truck is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with two electric motors. Much like the Nissan Kicks e-Power and BYD Sealion 6 DM-i, it has an internal combustion engine, which acts as its generator or what is commonly referred to now as the “range extender.”

The Changan Hunter REEV is touted to provide owners with up to 180 km in pure electric mode but pushes the bar to 1,031 km when assisted by the combustion engine.

New Toyota Camry

Also making an appearance is the new Toyota Camry.

To recall, it was released in Thailand not too long ago, which is why Zigwheels Philippines believes that it could be launched in the country soon.

The Thai-spec Toyota Camry packs a 2.5-liter hybrid engine that makes a total of 227 horses. Equipped with an electronically controlled CVT, it makes more power than the currently available executive car in the Philippines.

Mitsubishi DST concept

Another highlight of the event is Mitsubishi Motor Philippines’ DST concept presentation.

What appears to be the bigger brother of the Mitsubishi XForce is said to seat seven passengers and carry the same dynamic design of the compact crossover.

Not much has been disclosed about the Mitsubishi DST concept, but Mitsubishi Motors President and Chief Executive Officer Takao Kato was quoted saying that the production version of the DST “will be rolled out primarily in the ASEAN region including the Philippines starting in fiscal year 2025.”

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