THE recently concluded Manila International Auto Show or MIAS, which was held on April 7 to 10, was a rousing success. This year’s theme “Setting Gears in Motion” fits the event perfectly as annual spectacle was postponed last year due to the raging pandemic.
Joseph L. Ang, founding chairman of Worldbex Services International said in a statement, “that 2022 brings a brighter forecast to all of us. The pandemic has seemed to slow down with the numbers dwindling down each day. This year’s MIAS is going to bring back the favorite activities and highlights that many visitors miss.”
Chinese car manufacturers took the centerstage in this year’s auto show as they took the opportunity in launching their newest offerings for the year and here are some of them.
Chery
Now under the helm of United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI), Chery Auto Philippines continues to wow the market with their offerings, but their latest foray in the midsize SUV segment the Tiggo 8 Pro and its higher variant, Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is seen to shake up the segment.
The good-looking Tiggo 8 copies the sleek design of its smaller sibling Tiggo 7 Pro, the seven-seater SUV features the big, bold European inspired diamond grille and upscale-looking LED headlamps which is the style direction of most carmakers nowadays.
The rear, on the other hand, flaunts an artfully designed LED taillamps, an integrated silver-chrome-tipped dual tailpipes and rear spoiler that blends seamlessly with the roof.
Power comes from a new generation turbocharged gasoline direct injection (TGDI) 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve EURO V 4-cylinder engine that’s rated at 183 hp at 5,500 rpm and 275 Nm of torque that is widely available from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. It is mated to a new 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
The Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV, which was unveiled at the last Shanghai Motor Show, features a 1.5 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that works in tandem with a powerful electric motor and state-of-the-hybrid-art batteries and mated to unique hybrid transmission gearbox.
Chery claims that Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV can drive up to 90 kilometers in pure electric mode and boasts of an astonishing fuel consumption of a just a liter per 100 km in hybrid mode and only requires three hours to charge its batteries.
Prices for both variants are at P1,645M for the Tiggo 8 Pro and P2,4M for the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV.
Foton
Foton, the truck brand also under United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI) ushered in the all-new Foton Thunder pick-up truck, now sporting a more muscular look punctuated by the bold Foton grille upfront, which is similar to the design found on Ford pickup lineup.
The 18-inch alloy wheels and the LED taillights at the back complete the modern look.
The interior now features a more car-like ergonomics with a new floating 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system found on the middle of the dashboard.
Under the hood, a new 2.0-liter Aucan inline four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces a respectable 161 horsepower and 390 Nm of torque and is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission.
JAC
JAC Philippines, the exclusive distributor of JAC Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV), medium and heavy-duty trucks in the country unveiled their latest offering in the LCV category, the new JAC X100.
JAC calls the X100 as the JAC-of-all-trades as it is available in various body configurations such as cab and chassis, aluminum van and FB body. It is powered by a thrifty yet powerful 1.8-liter turbodiesel engine and mated to five-speed transmission.
The JAC X100 introductory prices are as follows:
JAC X100 Cab-and-Chassis- P750,000
JAC X100 Dropside- P850,000
JAC X100 FB Body – P910,000
JAC X100 Aluminum Van – P870,000
GAC
GAC Motor Philippines introduced its first sports sedan in the country with the EMPOW55. It features a low center of gravity and slippery 0.26 coefficient drag, a Mecha grille that has a double-sided blade air curtain, four exhaust pipes, 18-inch alloy wheels, a high-performance rear deflector. The slim and upswept LED headlights, sloping rear windshield and slim LED taillights completes the sporty look.
The EMPOW55 uses the 4th generation 2.0-liter ATK engine, that is reported to achieved a thermal efficiency of 42.10 percent and capable of producing more power, more response and lower fuel consumption.
Meanwhile, the 2nd-generation GS8, flagship SUV of GAC, rides on the new GPMA-L platform that features a new multi-link rear suspension.
There is also a new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that is rated at 252 hp and 400 Nm of torque and is mated to an Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission.
The front features a vertical LED headlight and a massive Dragon scale wing front grill gives the GS8 a masculine and stately look. The rear was also redesigned and now features a pair of red diamond tail lights, the EMPOW and the GS8 are now available at all GAC dealerships nationwide.
Image credits: Patrick Tulfo