THE coming year promises to continue 2011’s list of exciting new-car produce—not easy considering this year’s Japan earthquake/tsunami tragedy and the recent flooding in Thailand, both of which disrupted virtually all Asian carmakers’ manufacturing outputs, as well as their parts supply chains.
While some companies are keeping their cards close to their chest, by most indications what are in store for 2012 appear to be quite a pretty good harvest. Here, Fast Times goes crystal ball-gazing, a method admittedly far from scientific but one that’s more reliable than that employed by the Philippine weather bureau, and lists some of the most significant models likely to arrive next year.
Ford Ranger
Ford hedged its vast global resources on the new Ranger, expected to roam every corner of the planet, and it shines through in every aspect of the compact truck’s design. From a glove box that can swallow a laptop to door compartments that can hold a 1.5-liter bottle to a hill-descent feature that makes light work of the roughest terrain, the Ranger’s level of development appears unparalleled in its segment.
Ford hedged its vast global resources on the new Ranger, expected to roam every corner of the planet, and it shines through in every aspect of the compact truck’s design. From a glove box that can swallow a laptop to door compartments that can hold a 1.5-liter bottle to a hill-descent feature that makes light work of the roughest terrain, the Ranger’s level of development appears unparalleled in its segment.
Mazda CX-5
True, the addition of a compact model to complete Mazda’s present mid- and large-size SUV crossover lineup may seem more logical on paper than in actual market realities, but the CX-5’s combination of purported sporty traits and latest green technologies may make the car too appealing a package to miss out on.
True, the addition of a compact model to complete Mazda’s present mid- and large-size SUV crossover lineup may seem more logical on paper than in actual market realities, but the CX-5’s combination of purported sporty traits and latest green technologies may make the car too appealing a package to miss out on.
Lexus GS
By most accounts, the Lexus GS is quite an entertaining drive, fusing together dynamism, luxury and safety in an utterly refined package. What the new GS also points to, as evidenced by its concept version’s appearance at the New York International Auto Show this year, is the styling direction of the entire Lexus brood.
By most accounts, the Lexus GS is quite an entertaining drive, fusing together dynamism, luxury and safety in an utterly refined package. What the new GS also points to, as evidenced by its concept version’s appearance at the New York International Auto Show this year, is the styling direction of the entire Lexus brood.
Hyundai Veloster
Hyundai bravely takes on the stylish boutique-coupe set dominated by European brands through its Veloster, a car that cleverly hides a third door. Some examples of the car are already roaming Metro Manila streets, albeit gray-market models, so Hyundai officially releasing it can’t be discounted.
Hyundai bravely takes on the stylish boutique-coupe set dominated by European brands through its Veloster, a car that cleverly hides a third door. Some examples of the car are already roaming Metro Manila streets, albeit gray-market models, so Hyundai officially releasing it can’t be discounted.
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage nameplate returns to the Philippines after almost three decades of absence as the carmaker starts building the latest model, which is now intended to reach markets globally as part of Mitsubishi’s planet-friendly efforts. The new Mirage, while promising fuel frugality and clean emissions, manage to retain the charm its first-gen model had. The new car’s planned November 2012 arrival to local showrooms promises to mark one of the most significant events in the country’s auto industry.
The Mitsubishi Mirage nameplate returns to the Philippines after almost three decades of absence as the carmaker starts building the latest model, which is now intended to reach markets globally as part of Mitsubishi’s planet-friendly efforts. The new Mirage, while promising fuel frugality and clean emissions, manage to retain the charm its first-gen model had. The new car’s planned November 2012 arrival to local showrooms promises to mark one of the most significant events in the country’s auto industry.
BMW 3 Series
While the present 3 Series remains competent and coveted, BMW has released in some countries a new-generation model of its perennial best-seller, the latest rendition promising the same sporty traits that its genre-defining lineage is known for.
While the present 3 Series remains competent and coveted, BMW has released in some countries a new-generation model of its perennial best-seller, the latest rendition promising the same sporty traits that its genre-defining lineage is known for.
Lamborghini Aventador
Lamborghini’s range-topping V12-powered Aventador had already made the rounds of Asian racetracks like Shanghai and Sepang as the carmaker hyped up the model’s arrival in the region. A soon-to-open Manila showroom awaits the car’s debut here.
Lamborghini’s range-topping V12-powered Aventador had already made the rounds of Asian racetracks like Shanghai and Sepang as the carmaker hyped up the model’s arrival in the region. A soon-to-open Manila showroom awaits the car’s debut here.
Subaru XV
Set to arrive at local Subaru showrooms in March 2012, Subaru’s XV should expand the brand’s individualistic appeal to a wider audience. The car is actually a new-generation Impreza hatchback but one that has been pimped with sundry body claddings, snazzy alloys and a signature fancy paintjob. Two variants are planned, one of which should slot below the P1.3-million mark.
Set to arrive at local Subaru showrooms in March 2012, Subaru’s XV should expand the brand’s individualistic appeal to a wider audience. The car is actually a new-generation Impreza hatchback but one that has been pimped with sundry body claddings, snazzy alloys and a signature fancy paintjob. Two variants are planned, one of which should slot below the P1.3-million mark.
Honda CR-V
Yes, these are trying times for Honda, which had to endure the devastation of its Thailand plant while still recovering from the Japan tragedy, as well as having to address an unenthusiastic reception of its all-new Civic in the US. But it has an all-new CR-V, which is seemingly better in every aspect than the model it replaces—especially in styling.
Yes, these are trying times for Honda, which had to endure the devastation of its Thailand plant while still recovering from the Japan tragedy, as well as having to address an unenthusiastic reception of its all-new Civic in the US. But it has an all-new CR-V, which is seemingly better in every aspect than the model it replaces—especially in styling.
Isuzu D-Max
Isuzu and Chevrolet may have initially cooperated in developing a new compact truck but the two have gone their separate ways in the later stages. In Isuzu’s case, the result is the new D-Max, examples of which the company had already displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show and at the Auto Expo Thailand. While only right-hand drive versions are currently built, it’s only a matter of time when left-hookers roll off Isuzu’s assembly line.
Isuzu and Chevrolet may have initially cooperated in developing a new compact truck but the two have gone their separate ways in the later stages. In Isuzu’s case, the result is the new D-Max, examples of which the company had already displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show and at the Auto Expo Thailand. While only right-hand drive versions are currently built, it’s only a matter of time when left-hookers roll off Isuzu’s assembly line.
Kia Rio
Kia’s all-new Rio, like most in the carmaker’s stable of new-generation cars, benefits from the ministrations of chief designer Peter Schreyer, whose portfolio includes the Audi TT and VW New Beetle, as well as a number of other attractive Audi and VW models. The new Rio, as intended by Schreyer for all Kias, becomes as much as an emotional choice as it is a practical one.
Kia’s all-new Rio, like most in the carmaker’s stable of new-generation cars, benefits from the ministrations of chief designer Peter Schreyer, whose portfolio includes the Audi TT and VW New Beetle, as well as a number of other attractive Audi and VW models. The new Rio, as intended by Schreyer for all Kias, becomes as much as an emotional choice as it is a practical one.
Porsche 911
Filipinos are quite the car lovers, and no car love can ever be as fulfilling as that which involves a Porsche 911. Though chances are that only enthusiasts can mark the latest 911 from the previous model—well, as had been the case in most of the nameplate’s history—it’s hard to argue against the arrival of a new-generation 911.
Filipinos are quite the car lovers, and no car love can ever be as fulfilling as that which involves a Porsche 911. Though chances are that only enthusiasts can mark the latest 911 from the previous model—well, as had been the case in most of the nameplate’s history—it’s hard to argue against the arrival of a new-generation 911.
Toyota 86
Toyota pays tribute to its unlikely AE86 tuner-planet icon in creating the 86 (or FT 86/GT 86). The rear-drive, two-door sports car with a flat-four engine is now rolling proof that Toyota may have of late devoted much of its time to building reliable, practical and eco-conscientious cars, but that it has a storied past of producing high-performance models that mere mortals can afford.
Toyota pays tribute to its unlikely AE86 tuner-planet icon in creating the 86 (or FT 86/GT 86). The rear-drive, two-door sports car with a flat-four engine is now rolling proof that Toyota may have of late devoted much of its time to building reliable, practical and eco-conscientious cars, but that it has a storied past of producing high-performance models that mere mortals can afford.
Chevrolet Colorado
Early this year Chevrolet announced it would build a new compact pickup that’s intended to reach most markets worldwide. Around six months later the carmaker unveiled the production model that appears to be every bit as competent as it had promised the truck to be.
Early this year Chevrolet announced it would build a new compact pickup that’s intended to reach most markets worldwide. Around six months later the carmaker unveiled the production model that appears to be every bit as competent as it had promised the truck to be.
Audi Q3
Audi’s compact SUV crossover, which has already been previewed at the carmaker’s local showroom, traces its platform from VW’s Golf, so it should have similar athleticism as the car it’s based on while getting a shot more of practicality.
Audi’s compact SUV crossover, which has already been previewed at the carmaker’s local showroom, traces its platform from VW’s Golf, so it should have similar athleticism as the car it’s based on while getting a shot more of practicality.
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