An odd quintet of vehicles that got our attention at PIMS ‘16
THERE was a surfeit of sights and sounds at the recent Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) staged at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Indeed, the appetite and curiosity of auto aficionados of all ages were both sated and tantalized by the yesterday, today, and tomorrow of our industry scene. Aside from doffing a hat to the sector, the showcase was a triumphant flexing of muscles for our increasingly robust sector – in this case represented by member-marques of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines.
Here are but some of the vehicles that caught our attention.
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV
According to Arlan Reyes of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation, the brand’s compact SUV Outlander is now back as a plug- in hybrid electric vehicle. “Its two-liter engine powers a generator which, in turn, charges the battery,” he said. There are two motors in front and one at the rear for the four- wheel- drive ute. What the PHEV means is that when fully charged and fully topped up, the Outlander can muster at least 800 kilometers – and it’s easy on the environment, too. Hard to beat that.
TOYOTA 86
Toyota’s uber- fun rear-wheel-sports car is back looking meaner and angrier with a welcome refresh. Its front fascia suggests more aggression via a lower bumper profile and wider grille. The rear end also gets a rehash for the same end, and new character lines add more personality to the whistle bait-worthy performer. Inside, drivers should welcome steering wheel controls, new capacitive touchscreen display, and other toys. A G- force monitor shows you how much fun your having as well.
CMANC SCHOOL JEEPNEY
Conforming to new Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board requirements, this 18- seat ( plus driver and crew) jeepney produced by the Columbian Manufacturing Corporation now sports front- facing seats – each of which is provided a seatbelt,
as well. Air- conditioning completes the reimagination of the workhorse vehicle that has come to be an indispensable part of our lives.
SUZUKI SUPER CARRY
Speaking of workhorses, a number of Pinoys will inevitably gravitate towards budgetfriendly errand vehicles. Suzuki Philippines GM for automobile and sales and marketing division Shuzo Hoshikura revealed to Wheels that one from Suzuki is coming next month. The Super Carry, on display at PIMS, is a light commercial-duty vehicle that can be customized to what its buyers require. Hoshikura revealed that a 0.8-liter engine promises both frugality and power.
KIA SOUL
It looked just like an average Soul, except for the “autonomous vehicle” emblazoned on its side. Imported from Las Vegas, Nevada, this Soul is extra special because it represents Kia’s gargantuan efforts at developing selfdriving vehicles. Not only can this park itself after dropping off passengers, but can even pick them up. Sensors and cameras form the backbone of its abilities such as being able to change lanes automatically, detection of traffic lights ( and whether to turn/ go or not), and even avoidance of pedestrians and obstacles.