PIMS 2022: 8 cars we might see at PH Int'l Motor Show

It might have taken some time, but after several years, the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) will be making a comeback next month.

Slated to take place at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from September 15 to September 18, 2022, a total of 13 manufacturers will participate including the likes of BMW, Foton, Honda, Isuzu, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota, Hyundai, Geely, and Chery.

With so many automakers set to strut their stuff, we couldn’t help but speculate as to what some brands will actually show at this year’s PIMS. With that, we listed down the possible cars that might make an appearance at the biennial auto show.

Without further ado, here are some of the cars that will likely be debuting at the 2022 PIMS.

Honda BR-V

This is perhaps one of the most awaited models from Honda. Already available in Thailand and Indonesia (where it first debuted), the 7-seater crossover has been one of the brand’s most popular models for several years.

Unlike the current model, the all-new BR-V is now larger, comes with more standard equipment, and for the first time has been engineered to use the Honda Sensing safety package. Honda Cars PH is still quiet regarding the all-new BR-V coming to PH, but based on our previous report, there could be a total of 4 variants for the Philippine market.

Nissan Livina

The company has yet to officially announce its upcoming launch, but we already have good information that it will actually be revealed soon. Actually, this is the model that we can almost be certain will be revealed at the show.

For starters, we received a photo of the all-new Livina being transported via truck on Philippine roads. We also received insider information that has seemingly confirmed its imminent launch in the country. While official specifications are not yet available, we won’t be surprised if it will have similar, if not almost the same level of equipment as its Mitsubishi twin. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for more information about the all-new Livina.

Suzuki S-Presso AGS

Ever since Suzuki launched the S-Presso back in 2020, we’ve always wanted the high-riding hatchback to come with the brand’s innovative Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmission. However, the S-Presso is still only limited to a 5-speed manual transmission for the Philippine market. But earlier this year, the company launched an upgraded version over in India complete with new safety features and a new 1.0-liter engine that benefits from start/stop tech.

We even received info that Suzuki Philippines was able to get a certification for a new model that has an engine capacity of 998cc and a curb weight of 1170kg. Those numbers match the specs of the Indian S-Presso with the AGS. This leads us to believe that Suzuki might reveal the upgraded S-Presso complete with the AGS transmission. Let's see if Suzuki actually makes it a reality next month.

Toyota GR86

If there is one vehicle enthusiasts are eager to get a closer look at, it's probably the Toyota GR86. Sure, there's the Subaru BRZ, but Toyota has a brand loyalty in the Philippines unlike any other.

While it's already slated to be revealed soon, the all-new GR86 might make an appearance at PIMS 2022. Should it be present at the auto show, it will serve as the brand's newest Gazoo Racing model alongside the GR Supra and the GR Yaris. Since the GR86 will only be available at 19 dealerships in the country, its possible appearance at PIMS 2022 means those that want to take a closer look will be able to do so throughout the duration of the auto show.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Earlier this month, Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc (HMPH) formally launched its brand new lineup in the country. Models like Creta, Tucson, Staria, and Santa Fe will lead the company’s revival under new management. They also confirmed the Ioniq 5 electric crossover for the local market.

While the company has yet to reveal official specifications, the automaker might actually hold a preview event of the electric vehicle (EV) during PIMS. Hyundai wants to make a statement and having the Ioniq 5 at this year’s PIMS will put every automaker on notice that the Hyundai brand is stronger than ever and ready to move forward with electrification.

Hyundai Palisade

Aside from the all-electric Ioniq 5, Hyundai has also confirmed that its updated full-sized SUV, the Palisade, will be coming to the Philippines. First launched at this year’s New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), the facelifted three-row SUV not only gets a more stylish appearance but now also comes with more high-tech amenities and safety features.

Like the Ioniq 5, specifications for the 2023 Palisade are not yet available. However, we can take a guess that it might have a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel under the hood, albeit rated to produce more than the Santa Fe.

Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback

When the facelifted Mitsubishi Mirage G4 was revealed last year, we were surprised that the updated Mirage Hatchback was not included during the launch. Fast forward to 2022, and it seems the automaker is ready to launch the updated five-door to the Philippine market.

Like some of the cars we mentioned earlier, Mitsubishi was able to secure approval for a brand new vehicle that has an engine displacement of 1193cc and a curb weight of just over 1,000kg. Comparing it to the Mirage Hatchback currently on sale in Thailand, the numbers appear to match up. Should Mitsubishi actually launch it at PIMS, expect the five-door to come with a more aggressive exterior and more standard amenities like the G4 sedan. Let's see if Mitsubishi will actually launch it in September.

Kia Optima

When Kia Philippines president Manny Aligada announced they will be unboxing something that will “embody Kia’s advances in technology and innovation” at PIMS, we suspected that they will launch the all-new Sportage. But according to an insider, the Sportage will not be making its Philippine debut at this year’s PIMS. Instead, it looks like the Korean automaker will launch the K5, AKA the Optima.

Should it actually be the midsize sedan, it will be the first time in a long while the brand will compete in the D-segment. In an age where crossovers and SUVs are dominating the market, it will come as a surprise if the all-new K5/Optima will actually be revealed next month.

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We're still on the lookout for any more possible launches at this year's PIMS. We may even see manual versions of the Toyota GR Supra or the manual Geely Emgrand, but so far these vehicles will be the likely ones to make an appearance based on some info we've been getting from our contacts.

Do you think the following vehicles will do well among customers in the Philippines? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.