Zigwheels Philippines 10 most-read launch stories for 2024

The year 2024 saw plenty of car launches, which both boosted the current roster of car brands across segments and opened up the doors to more buyers as they now have a wider choice when it comes to picking out the right ride. 

On that note, let’s look at the top 10 car launch stories we covered that gained the most traction on our website. Looking at this list can give a prospective car buyer an idea of what models piqued the interest of our readers, ultimately giving them a pulse of what the trend is in the local automotive scene. 

So without further ado (and in no particular order), here are the most popular car launch stories on Zigwheels Philippines. 

Tesla Model 3, Model Y

Tesla formally entered the local electric vehicle (EV) arena sometime last month. Covering the launch was Zigwheels Philippines Managing Editor Ruben Manahan IV. 

Per the head of our publication’s editorial department, the Tesla Model 3 was introduced to Filipino EV adopters alongside the Model Y — both of which are sourced from China. 

Manahan noted that the Tesla Model 3 is “the brand’s entry point to its roster.” But despite being the current base level model, he noted that it has “a sophisticated look,” thanks to its “hidden door handles, bold beltlines on each side, 10-spoke alloy wheels, and trapezoidal headlights.”  

Inside, our Managing Editor pointed out that the Tesla Model 3’s infotainment system has similar features as the more upmarket Model Y. In addition, the cabin appears to have that no-nonsense look, which would appeal to modern minimalist tech-savvy individuals who will undoubtedly find the nameplate an appealing choice. 

To find out more, you may read our chief’s story, here. 

For a quick look at the specifications of the Tesla Model 3, here is a table where you can find relevant information: 

Trim	Rear-wheel drive	Long range	Performance
Range (in km)	513	629	528
Top speed (in kph)	201	201	262
Acceleration (0-100 kph, in seconds)	6.1	4.4	3.1

 

As one may notice, the Tesla Model 3 is available in the Philippines in three variants: Rear-wheel drive, Long range, and Performance. They are priced at P2.109 million, P2.489 million, and P3.099 million respectively. 

Here are the specifications of the Model Y:

Trim	Rear-wheel drive	Long range	Performance
Range (in km)	455	533	514
Top speed (in kph)	217	217	250
Acceleration (0-100 kph, in seconds)	6.9	5.0	3.7

 

Like the aforementioned Model 3, it also comes in three variants. They are are priced at P2.369 million (Rear-wheel drive), P2.689 million (Long range), and P3.299 million (Performance).

According to Manahan, Tesla Philippines has started accepting pre-orders of the Model 3 and Model Y. Deliveries are expected to commence early next year.  

Ford Bronco 

Landing a place on our list is the launch of the Ford Bronco, which made its Philippine debut in May. 

Present at the nameplate’s local rollout was our Managing Editor, who noted how much excitement the off-road-ready sport utility vehicle (SUV) made prior to the official launch. 

To read more about the article Manahan wrote, you may check the link, here. 

For a quick glance at what the Ford Bronco can offer, our readers may refer to the list we prepared below: 

Exterior

• Removable hardtop
• Removable doors
• Rounded LED headlamps
• “BRONCO” script on grille 

Interior 

• Multi-functional steering wheel
• Push start button 
• Eight-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system 
• Wireless Apple Carplay
• Wireless Android Auto
• Bang Olufsen 10-speaker (including subwoofer) sound system

Engine, chassis

• 2.7-liter Ecoboost V6 
• 10-speed automatic gearbox
• Drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand)
• Advanced 4x4 system with automatic on-demand engagement
• Electronic front, rear locking differential

Ford Co-Pilot 360 technology

• Auto high-beam headlights
• Blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, braking
• Lane-keeping system
• Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and evasive steer assist
• Post impact braking
• Rearview camera 
• Parking sensors
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-centering

The Ford Bronco is offered in a single Outer Banks with Sasquatch Package variant. It is priced at P4.998 million. 

Jetour T2 

Jetour Auto Philippines Incorporated launched the T2 SUV during this year’s Manila International Auto Show. Backed by much fanfare and benefiting from the crowds visiting the motoring expo, it is understandable why many of our website visitors were intrigued by the introduction of the nameplate. 

The author provided coverage for the model’s launching in May (link to article, here). 

I noticed its good, muscular styling, which when combined with its sleek design cues gives the vehicle a rugged, modern look. Below are just some of the exterior features that complement its massive, boxy body: 

• Bold “JETOUR” script on grille 
• Boxy headlamps 
• Massive front bumper 
• Wide fender flares
• Large step boards
• Blacked-out pillars
• Robust roof rails 
• Square spare tire cover 
• Rugged rear bumper

Inside, the Jetour T2 boasts plenty of modern features that can make its occupants feel comfortable on both short and long drives. We have listed some of these appointments: 

• Flat -top, flat-bottom steering wheel
• 10-inch cluster gauge 
• 12.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Leather seats
• Leather center armrest
• Second-row pull-down armrest
• Leather steering wheel 

Propulsion is facilitated by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with the Jetour XWD system that automatically switches between two-wheel to four-wheel-drive. 

At the time of writing, the Jetour T2 is listed on our website in two variants. Below are their respective prices: 

Jetour T2 Beyond	P2.498 million
Jetour T2 Terrain	P2.598 million

 

Mitsubishi Xforce 

In July, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC)  officially unleashed the Xforce. Not only did its arrival mark the introduction of a brand-new nameplate from the Japanese carmaker, but it signaled the company’s re-entry into the local compact crossover. 

On that note, it has earned a spot in the second spot in our list. 

In attendance was our Managing Editor. In his report, he noted that the Mitsubishi Xforce is expected to be a “game changer” for MMPC. To know more about it, you can read his article, here. 

Below are some of the Mitsubishi Xforce’s specifications covered in his writeup: 

Exterior 

• Redesigned Dynamic Shield fascia
• T-shaped headlamps
• Uniquely-patterned front grille
• Hexaguard horizon motif rear

Interior 

• Three-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel 
• Eight-inch colored LCD digital instrument cluster
• 12.3-inch infotainment system
• Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium sound system with Speed Compensated Volume and equalizer function

Engine

• 4A91 1.5-liter gasoline engine 
• Continuous variable transmission
• Maximum power output (103 hp)
• Maximum torque production (141 Nm)
• Driving modes (Wet, Road, Gravel, Mud)

You can also check out the video we did for our sister platform Carmudi Philippines where the author checked out the features of the Mitsubishi Xforce. Below is the embedded clip for your reference: 

At the time of publishing, the Mitsubishi Xforce is available in two variants. Below are their respective sticker prices: 

Mitsubishi Xforce GLS	P1.367 million
Mitsubishi Xforce GT	P1.581 million

 

Kia Sonet 

Led by Ayala’s ACMobility, Kia Philippines debuted the Sonet. Our Content Writer Cesar Miguel was there to witness the compact crossover’s local launch. 

According to him, the Sonet arrives as Kia Philippines’ “fresh and potent entry into the local subcompact crossover segment” and noted that it can go toe-to-toe (or wheel-to-wheel) against the popular Toyota Raize. 

You can read about it, here.

He also pointed out that the Kia Sonet bears some resemblance to the larger Sorento. Here are the features, he covered in his story: 

Exterior 

• Updated Tiger Nose fascia 
• LED headlights
• Hook-shaped LED daytime running lamps
• Square-shaped intake vent
• Angular front bumper
• Black wheel arches
• Claddings on side sills
• LED rear light bar
• Roof-mounted spoiler

Interior 

• Leather steering wheel
• Leather seats
• 10.25-inch TFT LCD gauge cluster
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple Carplay, Android Auto
• Six speakers

Engine 

• 1.5-liter inline-4 MPI engine
• Six-speed manual gearbox, intelligent variable transmission
• Maximum power output (113 hp)
• Maximum torque production (144 Nm)

The Kia Sonet is available in four variants. Below are their prices: 

Kia Sonet LX MT	P758,000
Kia Sonet LX AT	P868,000
Kia Sonet EX AT	P978,000
Kia Sonet SX AT	P1.138 million

 

BYD Seagull

The BYD Seagull is part of the multi-model salvo of the Ayala-led car brand in 2024. While they released several other nameplates, the small EV made significant buzz among our readers.

In an article I wrote, I talked about how the BYD Seagull can help the marque in its bid to democratize electric cars. You can read about it, here.

I also talked about some of the specifications of the vehicle. The BYD Seagull uses a a single electric motor powered by a 30-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery.

Below are some of its power figures:

Maximum power output (in hp)	73
Maximum torque (in Nm)	135
Estimated all-electric range (in km)	300

 

Currently, the BYD Seagull is offered only in a single variant, which I have talked about, here. It can set car buyers back some P898,000. 

Suzuki Jimny 5 Door, XL7 Hybrid

The respective launches of the Suzuki Jimny 5 Door and the XL7 Hybrid generated some traffic on our website.

We understand the hype as many car buyers have been wanting to see a larger version of the iconic off-roader as well as a more sustainable iteration of the company’s multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

Our Managing Editor covered its launch and recalled the buildup of anticipation as there was already “numerous reports of its sightings in the country by late 2023.” Here is his report.

For my part, I was able to drive the Suzuki Jimny 5 Door in a media trip that saw us put the model through its paces to Lake Mapanuepe in Zambales. You can see what I have to say about it in my review, here.

Those who want to quickly glance at its dimensions (to compare it to the smaller three-door version) may refer to the table below:

Overall length (in mm)	3,820
Overall width (in mm)	1,645
Overall height (in mm)	1,720
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,590
Ground clearance (in mm)	210
Approach angle (in degrees)	36
Ramp breakover angle (in degrees)	24
Departure angle (in degrees)	47

 

Its power comes from a 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to either an automatic or a manual transmission. The setup produces some 100 horses with 130 Nm.

The Suzuki Jimny is offered in four variants. Below are their prices:

Suzuki Jimny three-door GL MT	P1.258 million
Suzuki Jimny three-door GLX AT	P1.32 million
Suzuki Jimny three-door two-tone	P1.33 million
Suzuki Jimny three-door Rhino Edition	P1.331 million

 

As for the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid, our editorial head reported its launch back in March (link to report, here). He was later able to sample it and called it “a good contender in the local MPV division” given its price tag.

In his review (review link, here), he detailed some of its features. A brief glance of the said specifications can be seen below:

Exterior

• Underguards, black protection moldings
• Bold front grille
• Headlamps with DRLs
• 16-inch polished alloy wheels
• L-shaped taillamps

Interior

• 10-inch infotainment system
• Six speakers
• Dual zone air-conditioning system
• D-shaped steering wheel
• Leatherette trimmings (steering wheel, shift boot)
• Fabric seats

Engine

• 1.5-liter gasoline engine with integrated starter generator
• Four-speed automatic gearbox
• Maximum power output (103 hp)
• Maximum torque production (138 Nm)

The Suzuki XL7 Hybrid is available in two variants. Below are their sticker prices:

Suzuki XL7 Hybrid GLX AT	P1.252 million
Suzuki XL7 Hybrid GLX AT (two-tone)	P1.262 million

GAC M8

The GAC M8 was introduced to the country in February. Our Managing Editor reported its local release noting back then that Astara — the company leading the Chinese marque in the Philippines — said that the family ferry was “designed for customers who prioritize luxury, style, and practicality in their driving experience.” 

Here are some of its notable features:

Exterior

• Huge chrome grille
• LED headlamps
• 18-inch Master-specific wheels
• Power-folding side mirrors
• Power sliding doors

Interior

• Ventilated seats
• Captain’s chairs
• 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel
• 14.6-inch multi-functional touchscreen infotainment system

Engine

• 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• Maximum power output (248 hp)
• Maximum torque production (400 Nm)

It is currently offered in two variants. Here are their prices:

GAC M8 GL Master	P2.998 million
GAC M8 GX Master	P3.948 million

Final thoughts 

Now that we are about to wrap up the year, it was fun to look back at some of the most popular model launches on our website. It showed the diversity of the preference of our site visitors as it included EVs, SUVs and crossovers. 

For more similar stories, you can check the list below: 

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