STILL THE YEAR OF SUVS
Frommid-sized to ultra premium SUVs, 2016 was a prolific year for these off- and soft-roaders
It had been a great start for 2016, and the year was marked by numerous new model launches from both the premium segment and the mainstream brands of the auto industry.
The introduction of new models and car brands still continue to play an important role in making sure the market continues to grow and expand.
INQUIRER Motoring compiled the new models and brands that were introduced in the market this year.
For the mainstream brands, the SUV segment has been the most hotly contested and controversial. We saw the introduction of the long-awaited Fortuner, Montero Sport and updated Chevrolet Trailblazer leading the charge in the midsized SUV market.
For the premium labels, BMW’s 7 series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class took the spotlight, while in the supercar segment, Porsche and Audi took pole position with the 718 models and the all-new Audi R8 V10 plus.
A new segment had also emerged: the ultra-premium SUV segment, which saw the introduction of the Maserati Levante and the preview of the Bentley Bentayga, touted as the world’s fastest and most exclusive SUV.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) was the first brand to kick off the year with a single brand motor show where the all-new Mitsubishi Montero Sport was unveiled.
Mitsubishi also introduced during year its new 2017 Mirage model. It is equipped with bixenon HID projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and LED taillights for the GLS variant.
Toyota
The year 2016 was important for Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) with two of its key models, the Fortuner and Innova, introduced in the first quarter of the year.
The ubiquitous Corolla celebrated its 50th birth anniversary during the year, with TMP unveiling the 2017 Corolla Altis sedan in December.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen Philippines launched the new Jetta sedan variants, as well as upgraded versions of the Polo Sedan and Tiguan.
In addition, it also unveiled new variants of the popular Golf model last April.
Honda
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) introduced its Pilot SUV last February with all the hallmarks of its predecessor model, ride comfort, cargo room, performance, road manners and very user-friendly features.
Honda also introduced its new Odyssey EX variant with an 8-passenger seat capacity.
Honda’s most important launch for the year is the beautiful all-new Civic, which re- turned to the sporty sedan template that enthusiasts embraced for several generations.
In July, Honda added three new sportier variants for the all-new Civic with the introduction of the Civic 1.8 E CVT Modulo, RS Turbo Modulo, and RS Turbo Modulo Sport variants.
It also revealed its new CR-Z 1.5 IMAFinal Edition with an exclusive sophisticated black leather interior and exterior embellished with a Final Edition sticker.
HCPI also introduced the new City and Jazz Black Edition. The Black Edition gets a sportier treatment with its Crystal Black Pearl paint, which perfectly blends with all-black original factory-installed Modulo or Mugen accessories .
MINI
Last February, Mini Asia unveiled the new Mini Clubman in Singapore, and subsequently introduced it in the local market in March.
The slightly bigger new Clubman offers everyday practicality, long distance suitability, versatility and ride comfort to suit a more mainstream market, targeting Mini owners and soon-to-be owners with a growing family.
Aside from the all-new Clubman, Autohub Group also unveiled the MINI Convertible at their Bonifacio Global City dealership. It features an electronically-powered soft-top that can be deployed in just about 18 seconds.
BMW
In March, BMW Philippines unveiled its sixth-generation BMW 7 Series, marking an important milestone in BMW’s technological evolution by combining ground-breaking features in design and comfort that define contemporary automotive luxury.
Porsche
PGA Cars, distributor for Porsche vehicles in the country, quietly unveiled its new generation 911 series (dubbed at the 991 Gen2 model) for some members of the media and special guests.
Suzuki
The new Suzuki Ciaz is a fresh offering in the competitive subcompact segment that comes with nice overall package to give buyers in this segment a second look at this model.
Mercedes-Benz
Auto Nation Group, the distributor of Mercedes-Benz, unveiled the all-new 10th generation E-Class.
Mercedes-Benz took a huge leap for this generation of its midsize saloon, introducing a number of technical innovations. The brand’s safe driving philosophy takes on a new level and dimension in driver assistance.
Other models introduced by Auto Nation Group in the first half of 2016 were the face-lifted A-Class, the GLS, and the C180, GLA 180, and CLA 180 featuring new engines.
Audi
Audi’s highly anticipated A4 was unveiled in Manila less than a year after it was launched at the 2015 Frankfurt Motorshow last year.
The 9th generation A4 is slightly wider and longer, and crucially much roomier inside.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet International and Philippine distributor The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI) unveiled the new Chevrolet Trailblazer 7-seat SUV and Colorado pickup truck to members of the Asean Press in Cebu, Philippines.
Jeep
In celebration of Jeep’s 75th anniversary, Auto Nation Group through its dealer CATS Motors, Inc. held the first public viewing of the new 2016 Jeep Renegade.
Nissan
The Nissan Navara Sport Edition was Nissan Philippines’ newly installed president and managing director Ramesh Narasimhan’s first model launch.
Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) also unveiled its first official GT-R supercar at the 2016 PIMS.
Hiroshi Tamura, Nissan’s NISMO chief product specialist, flew in personally to unveil his latest iteration of the Nissan GT-R R35 and to talk about its key new features and performance enhancements.
Volvo
Volvo PH introduced the V60 Cross Country Premium Crossover, a model combining Volvo’s dynamic styling and rugged capability.
Bentley Bentayga
PGA Cars held a preview of the Bentley Bentayga last December. Just barely a year in production, the Bentley Benteyga has been receiving international accolades from Europe, Asia and the US.
MIAS
Introduced during the Manila International Auto Show were several new models: the Chevrolet Sail, new variants for the Ford Everest and EcoSport, Hyundai Veloster Turbo GDi, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport, Kia Sportage, Mercedes-Benz AClass BlueEfficiency Edition and the topline special "Motorsport Edition" model, Peugeot 308 GTi, Subaru Forester, Tata Super Ace, and the Ssangyong brand launch which showcased its entire line-up including the Korando, Tivoli SUV and Rodious MPVmodels.
PIMS
The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines held its biennial Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) in September.
The following models were introduced: Honda BR-V, Mazda CX-3, Lexus LC500h, Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV, Nissan 2017 GT-R, Toyota Prius, and the Volkswagen CC.