Here are some models to be launched in 2024

December is usually the month when car companies and dealerships record a good score in terms of sales.

Not only does the general buying public have more purchasing power (thanks to their year-end bonuses), but most brands put up enticing deals that customers simply could not resist.

However, the number of soon-to-be-launched models — most of which will come out in the early quarters of 2024 — can make one think twice about making that big-ticket purchase quite too hastily.

Here are some upcoming models we know, that will (and most possibly would) make their way into Philippine shores next year.

Mitsubishi Triton

The successor to the Mitsubishi Strada — the Triton — is scheduled to make its formal launch into the Philippine pickup truck segment next month.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation President Takeshi Hara himself revealed that the Philippine debut of the Triton will be in January 2024.

The Mitsubishi Triton dons the latest design language from the Japanese carmaker. It is noticeably larger than its predecessor and is said to have been slapped with a variety of upgrades inside and outside.

More importantly, the Mitsubishi Triton packs a cleaner diesel engine that also boasts improved performance overall.

Filipino car buyers can expect good things from this Asia Cross Country Rally-winning truck, which promises to be a formidable choice for those who want to have both a daily commuter and a weekend adventure partner.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Not too long ago, Hyundai Motor Philippines revealed the forthcoming arrival of the Santa Fe sport utility vehicle (SUV).

Per the local wing of the South Korean car firm, the Hyundai Santa Fe is slated to make its arrival sometime in the first quarter of 2024.

Eye-catching is its retro-modern look coupled with unique H-shaped trims in the vehicle’s exterior and interior.

Its notable features include its pixel-like headlights and taillamps, C-pillar handles, its set of 21-inch wheels, panoramic curve display dashboard, bi-directional multi-console, and 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.

It is highly possible that the upcoming Hyundai Santa Fe will be aimed at adventurous car buyers who want a modern-looking city SUV that can easily take on various terrains and camping spots outside the metro.

Suzuki Jimny 5-door

Yet another viable SUV option is the five-door variant of the Suzuki Jimny.

Recently, a handful of these vehicles have been spotted somewhere in the South. Our hunch is that it might have been transported to or from the Japanese carmaker’s plant in Calamba, Laguna.

We’re still not sure what the specs of the Philippine-market Suzuki Jimny five-door is, but in India, it comes with the same 1.5-liter K15B engine used in the three-door Jimny currently available here in the country. Additionally, the engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic — still similar to the transmission options offered by the locally available three-door model.

We suspect that it could be formally launched here in the Philippines in the first quarter of next year. If we follow the same month the Suzuki Jimny five-door was launched in India, we could be looking at an arrival date sometime in January.

MG Cyberster

Zigwheels Philippines was one of the first few publications to report the arrival of the Morris Garages (MG) Cyberster electric vehicle in the Philippines.

Back then, our source told us that the MG Cyberster to be offered in the Philippines can go from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in about three seconds and that it will have a sub P4 million price tag.

Earlier this month, SAIC Motor Philippines — the official importer and distributor of MG products and services in the country — confirmed that the electric convertible will be sold in the Philippines in the first half of 2024.

No specifications have been revealed yet, but it is possible that the MG Cyberster might get dual electric motors that can provide a maximum output of 544 horses and 725 Newton-meters of pulling power.

Omoda 5

While the official launch of the Omoda 5 keeps getting pushed back, it is still possible that it will be launched in the Philippines in the first half of 2024.

Originally scheduled for a 2023 fourth-quarter release, the Omoda 5 electric vehicle (EV) boasts a modern look thanks to an abundance of straight lines and sharp angles found on the crossover’s exterior.

It is also said to come with modern interior appointments such as a 12.3-inch curved screen and a variety of advanced-driver assist features.

Previously, a truck loaded with Omoda vehicles has been spotted in the Philippines. Per the brand, these are the initial batch of Omoda cars, which will be used for promotional, launch, and preview activities.

Toyota Vios

Although we are yet to hear from the local arm of Toyota, it is possible that the Japanese car brand will bring in a refreshed version of the ever-popular Vios sedan in the country next year.

In a report from Carmudi Philippines, an updated version of the Toyota Vios was rolled out in Vietnam.

The sedan appeared to have a new front end, which is relatively more modern than what we have in the Philippines right now. The grille sports large honeycomb grille patterns and is beautifully integrated into what we could only describe as a gaping fascia.

In addition, it also sports a pair of headlights that have slight indentation to offer a different character.

The cabin of the Vietnam-market Toyota Vios gets a nine-inch infotainment system and paddle shifters for select variants. Charging ports are available for rear occupants to provide additional charging options.

Giving the Toyota Vios a new look could further bolster the nameplate’s sales, especially since the brand is facing a relatively serious setback after its subsidiary Daihatsu found itself in hot waters once again.

The Toyota Vios has a solid following here in the Philippines and is no doubt one of the sales drivers for the brand in the country.

GAC M8, M6 Pro

Astara-led GAC Motor Philippines announced sometime in December that it will launch the M8 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in the country next year.

The Lexus LM-looking people carrier is said to be equipped with a 2.0-liter mill married to an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing the vehicle to put out as much as 248 horsepower with 400 Nm of torque.

Noticeable is its luxuriously large grille that comes with an opulent chrome finish. The fascia also gets sleek and stylish headlamps coupled with an elegant front lip. The sides get classy skirts and dual-power side doors for that premium MPV feel.

The GAC M8 would be perfect for Filipino families that would like to travel in comfort and in style.

On top of the GAC M8, the brand is also launching the M6 Pro.

The two MPV models are part of a six-vehicle salvo, which will be introduced to the Philippine market next year.

Final thoughts

These are just some of the cars expected to be made available in the Philippines in 2024. That said, car buyers still have a lot to look out for.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV, Juan Paulo Papa, Hazel Nicole Carreon, Glasspro Windshield Scratch and Crack Repair Auto Detailing's Facebook page, Omoda and Jaecoo Philippines, and Toyota Vietnam

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