6 sensational debuts at PIMS 2024

Dealer principals and top executives of Chery Auto Philippines flash the C sign at the unveiling of the Tiggo 2 on the first day of the Philippine International Motor Show 2024.

The 2024 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), held from Oct. 24 to 27 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, was the venue for the showcase of many new cars.

From the preview of the Mazda MX-30 R-EV with its rotary generator, to the global debut of the Mitsubishi DST Concept seven-seater, the expo was the place to be to see and experience the present and future of Philippine mobility.

A cheerleading squad performs at the unveiling of the Chery Tiggo 2

Among all this metal, six all-new production vehicles from the show really drew attention for offering pioneering features. We list them down in no particular order.

Honda Civic RS e:HEV

Following the Japanese carmaker’s success with the CR-V e:HEV, Honda Cars Philippines officially launched the hybrid-electric version of its popular Civic compact sedan at PIMS following its preview last month.

Sporting a P1,990,000 pricetag, the Civic RS e:HEV serves as the new flagship of the Civic lineup. The biggest news is under the hood – a 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor for a combined output of 181 horsepower and 335 Newton-meters of torque.

Other notable features include the brilliant Honda SENSING active-safety suite, e:HEV-exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound system and Google Built-in, which allows users to interact with the car through voice commands. The Civic RS e:HEV goes directly against the Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV.

UAAGI marketing manager Tim Sytin gets on the board the newly-launched Chery Tiggo 2

Chery Tiggo 2 Pro

Chery Auto Philippines unveiled its all-new Tiggo 2 Pro subcompact crossover, poised to take on the hot-selling Toyota Raize, the Kia Sonet and the recently launched JAC JS2 PRO.

With prices starting at a jaw-dropping P708,000, the Tiggo 2 Pro offers yet another viable alternative to increasingly expensive subcompact sedans. It is powered by a 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine producing 111 horsepower and 138 Newton-meters of torque, mated to either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

All variants come with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 16-inch, gunmetal gray alloy wheels, a reversing camera, cruise control and part-leatherette upholstery. The CVT model adds a wireless smartphone charger and push-button start.

Foton Traveller Sierra EV

Not to be outdone, Foton Philippines launched the country’s first-ever battery-electric passenger van.

Called the Traveller Sierra EV, the vehicle features a 77.28-kWh battery mated to an electric motor for a combined output of 181 horsepower and 330 Newton-meters of torque, good for a top speed of 120 km/h. Unlike other Traveller models, the Sierra EV features a front motor compartment that helps increase cabin space.

Foton Philippines claims the van has a maximum range of 303 kilometers and can charge in just 1 hour using DC fast charging or 7 hours with a regular AC outlet. The Traveller Sierra EV joins the Tornado EV and the Thunder EV, which are respectively the Philippines’ first-ever battery-electric light-duty truck and first-ever battery-electric pick-up truck.

Kia EV9 GT-Line

Speaking of electric vehicles, Kia Philippines launched its latest electrified model at the show.

The all-new Kia EV9 GT-Line is a three-row sport-utility vehicle that is built on the South Korean carmaker’s Electric Global Modular Platform shared with the Kia EV6 crossover. It sports 21-inch alloy wheels, vegan-leather upholstery, dual 12.3-inch displays for the gauges and infotainment system and the Kia DriveWise active-safety suite.

At P5,888,000, the EV9 GT-Line gets other luxury goodies like a 14-speaker Meridian surround-sound system, tri-zone climate control and Premium Relaxation seats with cooling and massage functions. Power is courtesy of a 99.8-kWh battery mated to front and rear electric motors, sending 380 horsepower and 700 Newton-meters of torque to all four wheels.

The Wonder Pickup makes its first appearance at the Foton booth

Foton Wonder Pickup

Foton Philippines also previewed the Wonder Pickup at PIMS2024.

With its short snout and beady eyes, this cute light-commercial vehicle is aimed at entrepreneurs, small business owners andeven multinational logistics companies. Foton Philippines said the Wonder Pickup is also ideal for mobile businesses like food, cafes, retail and services.

In other markets, this little truck is powered by either a 1.6-liter inline-4 gasoline engine or a battery-electric drivetrain with a claimed maximum range of 280 kilometers. Other interesting features available abroad include a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual front airbags, electric windows, electric mirrors and an electronic parking brake.

CMANC Daewoo Bus

The last notable launch at the show isn’t a car, but a bus.

The Columbian Manufacturing Corporation (CMANC), the official importer and distributor of Daewoo Bus in the Philippines, launched its proudly Filipino-made bus at the show. The company said its Daewoo Bus was designed a “long-haul champion” (likely for use in provincial bus routes) and features Euro 5 SCR technology.

The CMANC Daewoo Bus joins two other notable models showcased at PIMS 2024 – the CMANC Jeepney, which is a modern take on the traditional Philippine jeepney, and the CMANC Smartbody that provides a platform for top-tier customization options for various commercial needs.

Which cars did you enjoy seeing most at the show?