2019: Top 5 car launches in PH

2019 has been a very eventful year for the Philippine auto industry despite the global economic slowdown. There were lots of new emerging players, especially from Chinese automakers trying to penetrate the local market, luxury brands attempting to gain more grounds and bigger slice of the pie,

and established automakers solidifying their foothold in the country by offering a new generation of vehicles. So, before the new year countdown begins, let’s appreciate the new vehicles that entered our local market and look back on some of the best car launches in 2019 that landed on Philippine soil for 2019.

1. Mitsubishi Montero Sport

Starting Price: Php 1.769 Million

Let’s be honest, the Montero Sport is one of the most beloved SUV of Filipinos so it is but natural that it makes the top of our list. The new Mitsubishi Montero Sport launched in 2019 finally gets an updated look with the overhauled front façade and the redesigned teardrop taillight which got shorter.

Plus, it already comes with a rear spoiler, smoked-finish taillights, and shark fin antenna, so you don’t have to buy an aftermarket kit for those anymore to make your Montero look sporty.

Under the hood, the new generation Montero Sport still runs on the same 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve turbodiesel engine that churns out 181 Hp of power at 3,500 rpm and 430 Nm of peak torque at 2,500 rpm. Some of the new features in Montero Sport specs sheet are the fully digital instrument cluster, an upgraded infotainment system, and added safety features like lane-change assist (LCA) and rear-cross traffic alert (RCTA).

2. Toyota Hiace Super Grandia

Starting Price: Php 2.42 million

This Toyota gets the second spot as it brings homage to our penchant for big family vehicles that can really haul people without compromising on comfort or cargo space.

The Toyota Hiace Super Grandia launched in 2019 is the less ostentatious cousin of the Toyota Alphard, and the more practical choice too. This hauler is powered by a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine partnered to a 6-speed automatic transmission that can deliver 174 Hp of power and 450 Nm of torque.

Besides engine performance, the active and passive security features of the Hiace Super Grandia under the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) namely, the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Steering Assist, Road Edge Detection, Dynamic Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, Anti-Lock Brake System, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Clearance and Back Sonars, ISOFIX, and 9 SRS airbags truly makes it a must-have family van.

3. Honda Brio

Starting Price: Php 585,000

Honda Brio is the “little car that could.” A great car for first-time buyers, the Honda Brio made a strong comeback after years of hiatus. It gets the third spot on our list for appealing to the price-conscious buyer that values fuel-efficiency and reliability that the Honda brand is known for.

As a compact hatchback, the 2019 Honda Brio specs sports an updated look and a roomy-enough cabin albeit smallish exterior. It is powered by an L12B 1.2- Liter SOHC i-VTEC gasoline engine that is capable of producing 89 Hp of maximum power and 110 Nm of peak torque.

The engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or CVT. Since this is an entry-level model of Honda, expect this vehicle to have the basic specs. But it did include a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system with four speakers as standard in all trims.

4. Kia Seltos

Starting Price: Php 1.098 million

Kia is one of those car brands that have completely transformed itself. If I were to describe the brand in two words, it will be “affordable” and “basic.” But now that Kia has made a 180-degree turn in terms of quality and reliability of their car portfolio, Kia has become a real contender in the global auto industry. And for this year, their crowning jewel is the Kia Seltos.

The Kia Seltos subcompact crossover appealed to the Filipino auto buyers because of its modern style and technology-packed features. The 2020 Seltos is powered by a 2.0-Liter 4-cylinder naturally aspired engine that can churn 147hp of power at 6,200rpm and 179Nm of torque at 4,500rpm mated to a CVT.

The Kia Seltos specs sheet is packed with noteworthy specs, passive and active safety systems, and driver-assist features such as 8-inch center-mounted touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, anti-lock brakes, airbags, stability control, hill start assist, downhill brake control, rear sensors, and cruise control.

5. Isuzu mu-X

Starting Price: Php 1.3 million

To cap off our most popular cars in 2019 list is the new Isuzu mu-X with two engine options. This Isuzu mid-size 7-seater SUV boasts of fuel efficiency, low emission, and powerful performance. Under the hood is either a 1.9- Liter turbo-diesel engine capable of giving 148 Hp of power and 350 Nm of torque or a 3.0- Liter 4-cylinder in-line Blue Power diesel engine with turbo intercooler than can produce 174 Hp of power and 380 Nm of maximum torque.

Besides engine options, the mu-X specs sheet features a 10- inch roof-mounted DVD monitor partnered to a 6-speaker sound system that’s very handy for long drives or rush hour traffic.

Other notable features are the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, power seats, rear AC control and vents, multiple USB charging ports with 12v accessory socket, ample cargo space and storage options, and safety and driver-assist features such as power tailgate, cruise control, traction control system, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist (BA) and hill descent control.

Bonus: Chery Tiggo

Starting Price: Php 695,000

As a bonus, here is a China-made car to watch out for. The Chery brand is not as popular or as notable to most Filipinos that’s why it did not quite make the cut, but the price point, specs, and after-sale warranties make this SUV a promising contingent worthy of a second look.

The Chery brand isn’t new. In fact, it’s making a comeback with a strong lineup of SUV from a subcompact entry grade crossover to a 7-seater SUV via the Tiggo nameplate with modern design and updated technology. Some notable specs include an infotainment system that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, sunroof, and a whole lot of passive and active safety and driver-assist features at par with more popular brands.

If the features and starting price is not enough to pique your curiosity, know that all Tiggo SUV is Euro 5 compliant and comes with the best possible aftersales warranty: 3 years of free PMS including parts and labor, 5-year bumper to bumper warranty, and 10-year warranty on the engine or 1 million kilometers, whichever comes first.

Also Read: SUV skirmish under Php 2 million