Hotties of 2018: Top 5 car launches in the Philippines

The year 2018 has just ended. It was a year where we had things to cherish and grieve about as well. For the automotive industry though, the year 2018 was quite eventful. We saw some new launches, a few facelifts, and a lot of teasers of the vehicles still in the pipeline. The year where we had so many new and updated vehicles, we have brought for you the best of the lot. Yes, in this write-up, we bring you the top 5 car launches in the Philippines. Read on to know which cars made it to our list and which didn’t.

Toyota Camry

Continuing to rule since 1997, the new Camry launched in 2018 in the Philippines and the sedan keeps finding its place among the best out there. The latest iteration of the Toyota Camry features a sleek design language which is neither too bald nor too aggressive. Going by the Toyota Camry specs, the V6 motor seen on the previous generation Camry has now been ditched and the sedan now gets a 2.5-litre engine good enough for 184 PS (178 PS previously) of maximum power and a peak torque of 231 Nm. The new Camry gets all the features one would ever need and is available in two different variants namely 2.5 G and 2.5 V. The two models cost Php 1,806,000 and Php 1,992,000 respectively.

Suzuki Swift

In its fourth generation now, the Suzuki Swift has evolved to be a family member in Asia and Europe. Starting its journey as a sedan, the next three generations of the car have been in the form of a hatchback, and to be honest, Suzuki has done no wrong. In the latest iteration, the Japanese hatch has received a major overhaul in terms of its design. The new Swift packs some gentle curves and creases which provide the car with a calm yet attractive look. In the Philippines, the Suzuki Swift is offered in three variants powered by the same engine. Talking about Suzuki Swift specs, under the hood is an 1197 cc 4-pot Multipoint Injection DOHC engine which produces 83 PS and 113 Nm. The Suzuki Swift comes with both manual and CVT options and can be brought home at a starting price of Php 755,000.

Toyota Rush

The new Toyota Rush launched in 2018 is not only bigger than the last one but it also offers a lot more premium-ness in every aspect. The Fortuner inspired looks, up to date interiors, and powerful enough engines make Toyota Rush the MPV to go for. However, the price which is a little higher than the Mitsubishi Expander might hurt the updated Rush. Available in three different variants, the Rush is powered by a 1499 cc 4-cylinder 16 valve DOHC Dual VVT-i motor. This mill generates 104 PS of power and 134 Nm of torque. Going further into the Toyota Rush specs, while the base variant 1.5 E MT comes with a manual transmission and the two other 1.5 E AT & 1.5 G AT models of the Rush are equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The price of the new Toyota Rush ranges from Php 948,000 to Php 1.07 million depending on the model you choose.

Toyota Vios

Anne Curtis, Gerald Anderson, and the Toyota Vios. Sounds like a good combo, doesn’t it? Toyota knew just that and brought the three together for a TV commercial. What better way to promote a new car, right? The Toyota Vios in its newest form comes in no less than 9 different variants with two engines options as well. According to the Toyota Vios spec sheet, the two 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre engines on the Vios produce 99 PS and 108 PS respectively. Both manual and CVT units are available with the two engines. If we talk about Toyota Vios price, it starts at a generous Php 659,000, the top of the line model of the new Vios at Php 1.1 million costs just under the double of the base model. With a revamped design language, updated interior, and new features the Toyota Vios is still as reliable as before and keeps on being one of the favourite cars in the Philippine market.

Hyundai Accent

One of the most selling compact sedans in the Philippine market, the Hyundai Accent has come a long way since it was first launched in the year 2011. The updated Hyundai sedan looks refreshed and has written reliability all over it. The reliability the Hyundai Accent provides can be easily known from the fact that it has covered more than 1 million miles (1,609,344 kms) and is still going strong. The Hyundai Accent in the Philippines is available in 6 different variants with 2 engine options mated both manual and auto transmissions. The Hyundai Accent specs tell us that while the smaller 1.4-litre motor is good enough for 100 PS, the larger 1.6-litre engine can pump out a maximum power of 128 PS. With the prices of the all-new Accent yet to be announced by Hyundai, we’re quite sure that the sedan will be priced at a competitive price to compete with its arch rivals like Honda City.