The Manila International Auto Show or MIAS has become a summer tradition for petrol heads and car enthusiasts alike. Already dubbed the biggest motor show in the country based on floor space, this year’s outing sees 19 brands duke it out for your attention. With MIAS celebrating its 11th anniversary this year, it’s fitting to filter the 300 or so car exhibits and come up with the 10 cars you should spot during the show. So without further ado, these are the stars, in alphabetical order, of the 11th Manila International Auto Show.


Chevrolet Sail

With the Sub-B passenger car market becoming the country’s fastest growing vehicle segment, it’s no surprise that Chevrolet wants a piece of that action. With its Sonic now available solely as a hatchback, there’s now room to introduce the Sail. Already big in other emerging markets such as China, the sculpted and slender Sail is built atop Chevrolet’s new-generation small car architecture. It promises unrivaled spaciousness and safety thanks to its high-strength body. It’s also fuel efficient thanks to its family of small-displacement engines (1.3- and 1.5-liter) mated to a 5-speed manual as well as the use of an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.


Hyundai Veloster (Related news: here).

Already previewed once four years ago, Hyundai is finally, finally, finally introducing the Veloster for the local market. Thanks to the implementation of Euro-4 emission standards, car enthusiasts will finally have a taste for Hyundai’s unique three-door sports coupe. The high-performance yet fuel-efficient GDI or Gasoline Direct Injection engine that powers the Veloster boasts of a shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery while allowing for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment improving efficiency. Hyundai engines equipped with GDI also use a higher than normal compression ratio for increased power while “dished” pistons are present to increase combustion efficiency. Along with the Veloster, Hyundai is also displaying its new commercial vehicle offerings for the Philippines.


Jaguar XE

As a brand, Jaguar is known for two things: sports cars and large sedans. After the oft criticized X-Type in the early 2000’s, Jaguar is finally bringing its stellar form in the compact luxury sedan market with the XE. Already in the market since last year, the XE is every bit the X-Type wasn’t. It’s a true driver’s car boasting of a new platform that uses aluminum extensively. The compellingly designed car mixes stunning proportions and excellent packaging to create a sporty and dynamic sedan that offers great comfort and spaciousness.


Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport

Jeep wants a piece of the premium rough-and-tumble off-roader market with the 2016 Wrangler Unlimited Sport. Celebrating 75 years, it’s already one of the most recognized vehicles in the world thanks to its unmatched off-road capability and legendary four-wheel drive system. The body-on-frame Wrangler features front and rear live axles with a five-link set-up and electronic lockers. Its rich history is apparent with its classic styling (round headlights, seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel flares, and exposed hinges) and highly versatile interior. The biggest news though is that the new diesel-powered 2016 Unlimited Sport model will bow in at less than P 2-million making it the most affordable Jeep model.

Kia Sportage (Related news: here).

The fourth-generation compact crossover to wear the nameplate, the 2016 Sportage is bold, refined, and dynamic. Powered by a Euro-4 emissions compliant R 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Sportage boasts of 185 horsepower and 402 Nm of torque. More than just pure grunt, the Sportage is recognized for its cutting-edge design that’s dynamic and aerodynamically efficient. Inside, the emphasis is to deliver a more driver-centric cockpit with a higher percentage of soft-touch materials and more space thanks to the longer wheelbase and improved packaging.


Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Creating a paradigm shift since its launch in 2012, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is refreshed this year for added sportiness. The striking lines and curved surfaces of Mercedes-Benz’s hot hatch now adds a new arrow-shaped front bumper, newly designed rear lights, and exhaust tips that are now integrated into the rear bumper. Inside, the cabin maintains its driver-centric nature while boasting of better materials, new dial graphics, and switchgear. The freestanding center display is also increased in size and is now fitted with Apple CarPlay.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport (Related news: here, here, and here).

Mitsubishi’s best-selling model, the all-new Montero Sport headlines its pavilion at MIAS. Already launched earlier this year, this all-new, third-generation model boasts of even better performance, comfort, and safety. It packs a 181 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder clean diesel engine mated to an 8-speed automatic. The “Dynamic Shield” gives it an unforgettably bold look while inside, the newly developed seats mean improved comfort, especially for long-distance driving.


Peugeot 308 GTi

Responsible for Peugeot’s competition models, Peugeot Sport gets their hands on the 308, transforming it into the ultimate hot hatch. The Peugeot 308 GTi packs a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower successfully setting a new record for power-to-weight in its segment. It covers the century mark in just 6 seconds and can cover a kilometer in just 25.3 seconds from a standing start. The 6-speed manual is also strengthened to take on the additional power. More than just about horsepower, the 308 GTi comes equipped with Torsen limited-slip differential and beefier disc brakes. Outside, the 308 is striking and clean with a style that commands presence while remaining simple. Inside, it has sport bucket seats, a compact steering wheel, plenty of GTi badges, and the Peugeot i-Cockpit, a user-friendly touchscreen interface.

SsangYong (Related news: here).

The Philippines is welcoming back SsangYong Motor. The fourth largest Korean automaker has found a new distributor, Berjaya Philippines. Taking advantage of the Philippines’s continuously growing automotive industry as well as the recently passed ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement or AKFTA, SsangYong is confident of providing an innovative and reliable alternative to the usual offerings in the country. SsangYong will rely on its all-wheel drive and diesel engineering credentials to set it apart from the competition. Globally, it has positioned itself by making advances in eco-friendly diesel technology employing Euro-4 common rail direct injection engines to their vehicles. SsangYong Philippines will offer three vehicles initially: the SsangYong Tivoli, a sub-compact crossover, the SsangYong Korando, a crossover, and the SsangYong Rodius, a spacious MPV.

Subaru Forester (Related news: here and here).

Motor Image Pilipinas is celebrating its 10th year in the country in style by refreshing its most important product: the Forester. Already the best-selling all-wheel drive crossover in the country (and at one point, the best-selling crossover, period), the Forester gets a slew of aesthetic and mechanical changes to make it more premium than ever before. Outside, it gets new swiveling LED headlights along with new bumpers, grille, tail lights, and alloy wheels. Inside, there are more luxury touches thanks to more piano black accents, the addition of powered seats for the front occupants, and many more. Though the engine and transmission options haven’t changed, the 2016 model gets a re-tweaked suspension for a softer ride, more sound deadening for added comfort, a quicker ratio steering for better handling, and in the case of the XT, a brake-based Active Torque Vectoring system.