The Hits & Happenings of GIIAS 2016 Which You Can Expect At PIMS 2016

MANILA: Do you know that our neighboring country Indonesia was having an auto show since 11th August which just ended on 21st August 2016. So while the 24th edition of GIIAS was wrapped with a bang, it is now time to see some really ravishing drives at the Filipino soil, really soon. We all know that the PIMS 2016 is scheduled between 14th – 18th September 2016 and the GIIAS 2016 has raised the bar for the auto brands and auto enthusiasts. Let's have a gist of GIIAS 2016 to know what the auto manufacturers and other exhibitors offered there and what exactly we can expect at the upcoming Filipino auto show -

Toyota Calya

 

Well, topping this list is the Toyota Calya, an LCGC MPV, which was launched just at the verge of the inauguration day of the GIIAS 2016. This drive is based on the already famous LCGC hatch Toyota Agya in Indonesia and with the introduction of Calya in Indonesia, the company is all set to challenge Suzuki Ertiga. With basic amenities and a resembling styling that to Ayla, this Toyota newbie comes with a 1.2-litre dual VVT-i engine under its hood.

Daihatsu Sigra

This Daihatsu drive arrived hand in hand with its twin sibling Toyota Calya in Indonesia. This MPV version of Daihatsu Ayla shares the platform, styling and aspects with Toyota Calya. This LCGC drive comes with a choice of 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre power units with impressive fuel economy and low carbon emission. The safety aspects are again basic just like Calya.

Mitsubishi XM MPV

Now this is one car which is making news irrespective of the boundaries. The absolutely stunning newest Mitsubishi kid – the XM MPV made its debut at the GIIAS 2016. Though this drive is still in the concept form but the Japanese company is planning to put it under the production line really soon. With a unique platform – the crossover MPV may be seen somewhere in early 2018 hitting the showrooms worldwide. With the versatility of an MPV and toughness of an SUV, this drive is already considered as a rival to the last year's blockbuster debut Honda BR-V.

Honda Civic Hatch

So, we heard Honda testing the heavily disguised 2017 Civic hatch in the European Alps some time ago, but for now, the Japanese brand brought us the prototype during the GIIAS 2016. The prototype was seen carrying a 1.5-litre VTEC turbo unit which is highly speculated to power the production model also. The styling of the new Honda hatch concept differs from the Civic sedan and if the same styling is given to the production model, it would be really interesting to see these Honda Civic siblings with no resemblance in the exterior.

Mercedes-Maybach

Surely, GIIAS 2016 was not just about the mass market cars and we saw the manufactures flaunting the latest luxury stuff with pride. Leading this segment was the Merc beauty which is based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. With loads of luxurious stuff within, this drive is one highly awaited and anticipated luxury sedan for the PIMS 2016.

Jaguar XJ

This British automaker launched its first ever SUV – Jaguar F-Pace at the GIIAS 2015 and this time it surprised the auto enthusiasts with its ferocious saloon – Jaguar XJ. This luxury wrapped drive comes with a power-packed 3.0-litre V6 engine to churn out a beasty peak power of 340 PS at 6500 rpm along with an equally hefty peak torque showing 450 Nm at 3500-5000 rpm. Mated with ZF 8-Speed automatic transmission, this engine accelerates from naught to 100 kmph in just 5.9 seconds only to thrill the occupants.

Lexus LS

So while Toyota marked its attendance with its mass market fleet, it brought along its luxury car division Lexus. With premium lounge like facilities in the cabin and expensive & stunning exterior, the Lexus LS 460 kept the eyes glued and the visitors busy with the inquiries. This luxurious Lexus car is packed with futuristic aspects which are the major reason for the jealousy felt by the rivals due to its presence.

Honda Clarity

Now this is one head-turner and amongst the most talked about drives at the GIIAS 2016. Based on the Honda FCX Concept which was introduced in the year 2006, Honda has showcased its Clarity which runs on hydrogen fuel. The USP of this drive is that instead of a conventional combustion engine, Clarity is packed with an electric motor but it would run on hydrogen fuel. This smart car is absolutely environmental-friendly, comes with enticing exterior and an advanced & interesting cabin only to show the future of the cars. The car would be initially introduced in its domicile, as Japan is one of those developed countries which have the infrastructure of hydrogen filling.

The 4x4 Challenge

GIIAS 2016 was not just about showcases and launches. An arena was set up for the 4x4 Challenge where the top SUV mass market brands show their might and confidence on the man-made terrain. Isuzu brought its D-Max while the Mitsubishi had its potent Pajero Sport and Triton for this challenge. Surely, this thrill brought the chill out of spine!

Well, the aforementioned cars are not the entire fleet which made the headlines at the recently wrapped GIIAS 2016 but then these were the chosen few which kept the auto enthusiasts and visitors busy on all 12 days. With the popularity and hype received in Indonesia, we can expect that the manufacturers surely must have made up their minds to bring them to the Philippines for the PIMS 2016. Fingers crossed!