Manila Bulletin

Cars we might see in 2019

New models to watch out for

- INIGO S. ROCES

Whether it’s the vehicle excise tax or the panic buying that occurred before the price increases kicked in, 2018’s new vehicle sales slumped after more than a decade of continuous growth. Nonetheles­s, the auto industry remains positive it will bounce back this year. That has likely a lot to do with the new vehicles that are coming our way. Everest Bi-Turbo

If 2018 was the year of the Ford Ranger Raptor, 2019 may very well be the year of the Everest. Ford’s best-selling SUV is set to get a powertrain upgrade soon in the form of the very same 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo under the hood of the Ranger Raptor. Just like the current Ranger that already benefits from this, the Everest will receive the new engine in its top trims, with the Bi-Turbo reserved for the 4x4 Titanium and the 2.0-liter turbo for select trim levels of the 4x2. Both will receive the tempting 10-speed automatic that will allow it to return even better fuel efficiency. That means we’ll have to bid farewell to the 3.2-liter, but rest assured, the 2.2-liter TDCI will still be around.

BMW 3 Series

The seventh generation of the top-selling se- dan of Bavaria is set to arrive this year. The new sporty sedan will boast of a new look that blends both sport and commanding presence. Knowing BMW Philippine­s, buyers can expect a power yet efficient diesel powerplant under the hood. Yet what’s must interestin­g about it is actually the software. BMW veterans are likely familiar with the iDrive infotainme­nt software. Version 7.0, which will be installed in the 3 Series hopes to take it a level further, replacing the dials with a fully digital display to better prioritize informatio­n. It also allows the driver to input commands more easily whether via the dial, a touchpad, voice, or gesture controls.

Kia Stinger

Recently acquired and managed by Ayala Corp., the company behind Volkswagen and KTM, Kia hopes to make a splash in the coming year with the arrival of several new models. While Kia Philippine­s has not confirmed which models specifical­ly, we certainly hope that one of them will be the Kia Stinger. The Stinger is a large performanc­e sedan that has been making waves in markets abroad. The five-door fastback will go head to head against the Camry and Accord. This rear-wheel drive sporty sedan could potentiall­y shake up the

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