The recently concluded Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) celebrated its 20th year since its inception in 2005. This year’s theme “Driven by Connection,” was fitting to highlight the auto show’s efforts to connect with international car brands, partners, and visitors to enhance the MIAS experience year after year.
Held from April 10 – 13, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, MIAS 2025 was dominated by Chinese auto brands, existing and new. More so, all-electric and electrified models have become the frontrunners of most participating car brands. There were also known Japanese and Korean brands flexing their respective latest models.
The old guards
Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) showcased the recently launched 2025 Isuzu mu-X, which features a fighter jet design. Motivation comes from a robust and reliable 4JJ3-TCX 3.0L Blue Power engine, delivering 187 hp and 450 N-m of torque. It also has a Traction Control System with Rough Terrain Mode. The top-spec 3.0L 4×4 LS-E AT variant is priced at P2.670 million.
Suzuki Philippines launched the All-new Dzire Hybrid subcompact sedan, now equipped with Suzuki’s hybrid system. The All-New Dzire Hybrid showcases a more refined exterior. Under the hood is a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder Z12E engine mated with a CVT. It generates 81 hp and 111 N-m of torque. The All-new Dzire Hybrid retails at P 920,000 (GL CVT Hybrid) and P998,000 (GLX CVT Hybrid).
For Nissan, it continues to mark 55 years of its presence in the Philippines, celebrating this significant milestone. Recently introduced to the Philippine market, the All-New Nissan Patrol took center stage with a special accessorized version. Also displayed were the Terra and Navara 55th Anniversary Editions bearing retro-inspired styling, upgraded wheels and tires, unique side decals, and 55th Anniversary logos.
Hyundai officially revealed the all-new Elantra sporting a Parametric Jewel Design. An N Line high-performance variant is available. Motivation comes from a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. On the other hand, another variant is the all-new ELANTRA Hybrid Premium. It is powered by a 1.6-liter hybrid system. The all-new Elantra starts at P1.650 million.
Kia Philippines showcased four of the brand’s latest models. Leading the lineup was the Kia EV9 flagship EV, which has an impressive range of 505 kilometers. Also displayed were the Carnival Turbo Hybrid, the Sorento Turbo Hybrid, and the Kia Sonet, the brand’s current best-selling model.
New and upcoming all-electric and electrified models
BYD Cars Philippines launched the all-new BYD eMAX 7, the country’s first EV MPV seven-seater in the country with a Dragon Face 3.0 front fascia. The Superior Captain variant has luxurious captain’s chairs in the second row. The Standard variant features a 55.4 kWh battery, producing 160 hp and 310 N-m of torque. The Superior Captain trim has a 71.8 kWh battery, generating 201 hp and 310 N-m of torque. Drive ranges are 420 to 530 kilometers, respectively. The Standard variant is priced at P1.498 million while the Superior Captain variant is P1.748 million.
Also, Jetour Auto Philippines debuted the X70 Lightning i-DM seven-seater SUV priced at P1.648 million and the T2 Lightning i-DM 4×2 SUV priced at P2.488 million. The Panda edition is priced at P2.888 million.
Meanwhile, Cherry Philippines made a sneak preview of Tiggo ReV C-DM. This seven-seater PHEV model has the powerful Chery Dual Motor or CD-M technology. Motivation comes from a 1.5 turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a dedicated hybrid transmission with an impressive 1,400km of driving range in both hybrid and EV modes. The vehicle is also powered by an impressive 18.66kWh battery.
As for Jaecoo, they previewed their latest hybrid SUV, the J7 SHS, built with their unique Super Hybrid System technology, extending the range of up to 1,200+ km. It can also drive up to 106 km in EV mode. The model’s Super Hybrid System is powered by a 201-hp 1.5-liter TDGI DHT hybrid engine generating 525 N-m of torque. Its battery is an 18.3 kWh lithium-ion.
Changan in the Philippines unveiled four groundbreaking electric vehicles. First was the Nevo Q05 PHEV compact SUV. It is powered by a 1.5-liter BlueCore Range Extender, mated to a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), generating 212 hp and 330 N-m of torque. Its onboard 18.4 kWh battery provides an EV range of 125 km, totaling up to 1,215 km.
The second on display was the Nevo Hunter K50 Range-Extended Electric Vehicle pick-up. It is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged BlueCore Range Extender. The 4×2 variant’s single motor drive produces 174 hp with 320N-m torque, while the 4×4 variant’s dual motor drive generates 268 hp and 470N-m torque. In EV mode, the range is up to 180 km and 1,031 km with the range extender.
Next was the Nevo A05, the upcoming PHEV compact sedan. It is equipped with a 1.5L BlueCore Range Extender, mated to a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), generating 212 hp and 330 N-m of torque. Last was the Lumin mini hatchback EV. It is driven by a front-mounted electric motor generating 47 hp and 83 N-m of torque. Its Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery offers two capacities: 17.65 kWh with a range of 190 kilometers (S variant) and 28.08 kWh with a range of 301 kilometers (L variant). Prices for each model and variant are Nevo Q05 SE (P1.259 million), Nevo Q05 ID (P1.449 million), Hunter K50 REEV 4×2 Warrior (P1.699 million), K50 REEV 4×4 Knight (P1.970 million), Lumin S (P699,999), Lumin L (P799,000) and Nevo A05 (P1.195 million).
Lynk & Co brand launched the 02EV. It draws power from a 66kWh battery to generate 268hp and 343N-m of torque. With this setup, the 02 promises an estimated range of 435km. The 02 starts at P1.788 million.
GAC Motor Philippines, led by Astara Philippines, debuted its flagship PHEV MPV, the M8. This latest model is expected to arrive in the Philippine market by the third quarter of 2025, with a projected price below PHP 4.3 million.
New NEV brands
AITO, which stands for “Adding Intelligence to Auto,” is a new Chinese luxury EV maker. The newly introduced brand has launched its flagship PHEV SUV M9. It boasts a dual-motor AWD system generating 489 hp and 675 N-m of torque, allowing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Its 52-kWh battery can travel over 200 kilometers on a single charge. The intelligent Range Extender platform (REEV) adds another 1,000 kilometers of range, making the total range up to 1,200 km. The top-spec Ultra REEV retails at P6.357 million).
Another brand is the Bestune Pony. It is an adorable small-sized EV that can seat four people (2+2 layout). It has a 13.9 kWh battery, powering a single electric motor, generating around 25 hp and 85 N-m of torque. Bestune claims the total drive distance is up to 170 km on a full charge with a top speed of 100 km/h. Full battery charge is achieved in 4 to 5 hours.
Other new model launches and previews
GWM Philippines unveiled the New Cannon pick-up with an upgraded 2.4-liter turbo diesel engine paired with a refined nine-speed automatic transmission. It generates an improved performance of 181 hp and 480 N-m of torque. The New Cannon LUX 4X4 variant retails at P1.348 million, while the top-of-the-line Cannon SLUX 4×4 variant is at P1.498 million.
GWM Philippines also previewed the all-new Haval H9, an intelligent seven-seater SUV. Under the hood is a 2.4-liter turbocharged diesel engine, mated to a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission.
SUV and 4×4 specialist auto brand BAIC rolled out the diesel-powered B40 Pro TrailMaster and the brand’s first full-size electrified SUV B60e Beaumont rEV. The BAIC B40 Pro TrailMaster is powered by a 2.0-liter Aucan turbo-diesel engine, with a heavy-duty BorgWarner part-time four-wheel drive system. Its introductory price is P2.598 million. On the other hand, the seven-seater B60e Beaumont rEV boasts a Dual Motor Intelligent Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive system, dishing out 540hp and 655 N-m of torque and a driving range of up to 1,200 kilometers. The introductory price is set at P3.248 million.
Last, Vietnamese automaker Vinfast officially launched the VF 6 EV SUV. The VF 6 is equipped with an electric motor generating 201 hp and 250 N-m (Eco) or 310 N-m (Plus) of torque with a range of up to 480 km per full charge. The VF 6 Eco retails at P1.419 million while the Plus variant is at P1.610 million. Deliveries of the VF 6 Eco variant are expected to begin in May 2025.