2018 PIMS - Day one highlights

Most of the petrol heads are excited, as the 7th Philippines International Motor Show opened its gates today. It is one of the most exciting days for auto junkies nationwide, as not only they get to see the best and latest cars, they even meet like-minded people and renowned personalities visiting the show. Also, the 2018 PIMS is a must visit for a prospective buyer, if you are one, currently sitting at home wounding weather to go or avoid the 2018 PIMS, we would suggest to go. It’s a great opportunity to see all prospective options under one roof, with some brands even running special promos and rebates on instant booking. Though the day one of 2018 PIMS is wrapped, do visit the show tomorrow, and experience the amazing world of cars.

2018 PIMS Details -

Date - 24 to 28 October

Venue - World Trade Center

Time - 10 am to 9 pm

Here’s all that happened from launches to announcements to concept reveal at the PIMS 2018 -

Concept

1. Toyota TJ Cruiser Concept

The car that instantly caught our attention at the 7th Philippines International Motor Show was the FJ Cruiser based concept, the TJ Cruiser. Standing in all its glory and occupying quite a lot of space at the Toyota’s booth was this humongous car in the metal. According to Toyota, it is said by the company to be a 'harmonious balance between the roominess of a cargo van and the powerful design of an SUV.' For the namesake, the ‘T’ here stands for the toolbox, from which the design is said to be inspired, and ‘J’ is for joy. Coming to mechanics, the TJ Cruiser is powered by a 2.0-litre hybrid motor and underpins the same TNGA platform as seen in the Prius and CH-R.

2. Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept

For a while now, Mitsubishi has been making news for its e-Evolution concept and why not? The automaker is bidding EV efficiency along with high performance via this concept. Therefore making it the perfect magnet for the brand’s booth at 2018 PIMS. Be it the exterior design or interior look and feel, everything spills out futuristic styling. Powered by a triple motor system with one option dedicated to front wheels and other two to the individual rear wheels. This concept from Mitsubishi also includes the helping hand of artificial intelligence. Sounds intriguing, right?

3. Honda Small RS Concept

Honda’s booth at 2018 PIMS is loaded with exciting models, one of which is the Honda Small RS concept. The said concept will serve as the base for the upcoming Brio hatch. The Small RS concept is a mean machine, supporting our claim is its aggressive exterior design that features sharp creases and angles all over. The cabin is lifted off from the BR-V and Mobilio, however, the soft-rounded pattern is replaced by edgy ones. Powering the RS concept is a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine that churns out a maximum power of 90 PS and 110 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and CVT unit.

Launch & preview

1.Isuzu mu-X RZ4E LS

If like most Filipinos, you too are fond of the big-bulky sports utility vehicles then this will surely interest you. At the 2018 PIMS, Isuzu Philippines launched a new automatic variant of mu-X. Called the RZ4E, the new mu-X trim is priced at Php 1.3 million. Overall, the new variant replicates the design of its stablemates, with the only difference being the inclusion of grey garnish in place of chrome, both at the front and rear. Unlike the rest, it stands on 16-inch alloy wheels and also misses out on fog lamps. Under its hood rests a 1.9-litre RZ4E turbo diesel engine that gives away 150 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque.

2. Suzuki Jimny

We have been waiting for the all-new Suzuki Jimny for long, more since its global introduction in July. At the 2018 PIMS, Suzuki PH brought along the new Jimny, along with the recently launched Dzire and Swift. Though this one is just a preview bit for the Filipinos, sources tell us that the company is planning to launch the Jimny in Q2 of 2019. On arrival, the Jimny fleet would include three trims - base with manual transmission, automatic mid- and high-grade. Replacing the old 1.3-litre M13A is the slightly bigger 1.5-litre K15 motor. It puts out 102 PS and 130 Nm as its output figures. The price for the all-new Suzuki Jimny will start at Php 1.1 million.

3. Nissan Juke Nismo

At the ongoing Philippines International Motor Show, Nissan Philippines revealed the country’s first performance centric small crossover. We are talking about the Juke Nismo. The car is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo mill with 190 PS (a 74 PS jump from the standard) of maximum power and 240 Nm of peak torque. The Juke Nismo can cover the 0 to 100 kmph sprint in 7.5 seconds. Baking up its performance are elements like aggressive damper settings, upgraded brakes, and lower springs. Adding to the Nismo design kit are front chin spoiler, integrated rear bumper, taller tailgate spoiler, and unique side skid. Price and launch date are still to be revealed.

4. Nissan Navara Warrior X

Nissan booth at 2018 PIMS was a humongous success with all the stunning cars the brand showcased. What however stole the limelight was the updated Navara trim, the new Warrior X. The said pickup looked awe-striking in the red outfit with revision mainly limited to the exterior body. The Warrior X displayed 20-inch alloy wheels, new front and rear bumper, wider flares, a roll bar along with a revised rear spoiler. Also, the suspension and ride height are revised. Nissan is yet to announce Warrior X price and launch date.

5. Nissan 370Z Nismo

It seems that Nissan is working hard to expand the Nismo lineup. Along with the Juke, came in the 370Z Nismo. The car looked absolutely stunning, with its low outer profile speaking for its high-performance standards. It looks like the Toyota 86 and Subaru BR-Z has a new competition in the town. Under the hood of 370Z Nismo, one can find a 3.7-litre V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control. It is capable of producing 351 PS of power along with 347 Nm of torque. Enhancing its performance and handling abilities is the independent suspension system that gets performance dampers and a Nismo strut tower brace. We are expecting 370Z Nismo launch along with the standard model by late 2019.

6. SsangYong Musso

As promised, SsangYong Philippines introduced the Musso, a midsize pickup in the country. Don’t let the name confuse you, as the brand earlier sold an SUV under the same title, and it has been discontinued. A 2.2-litre turbo engine powers the Musso pickup. This diesel mill generates 181 PS of power and 420 Nm of torque, and it is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. As for now, the new SsangYong pickup would only be available in a 4X2 drivetrain and is priced at Php 1495000.

Major announcement

1. Honda BR-V will be locally produced

Yes, you read it right. Now, no more long waiting period for the Honda BR-V. The company officials at the 2018 PIMS announced that Honda Philippines would soon commence in-house production of the car. The BR-V would be the second car after City to join Honda’s Philippines production line.

This is all from Day 1. Stay tuned with Zigwheels to get the latest update of the 2018 PIMS and auto world.