20 new cars to expect in the Philippines in 2020

New year, new cars. The automotive industry in the Philippines never rests, and even after an eventful 2019, more is in store for everyone in 2020. We look to the future as multiple brands are looking to either cement their position or make a name for themselves, so here is a list of upcoming models to watch out for as the year progresses. 

Note that this is not an absolute list. Some models are speculated to release in 2020, but as with anything speculative, nothing’s set in stone. 

BMW is not starting out small with the first electric vehicle in its lineup. The 7-series is definitely one of the largest in the lineup, and it’s getting electrified in 2020. 

There’s a big thing coming in 2020. The anti-Expedition is coming and it has a diesel engine with 6 cylinders, possibly a killer combo given the Philippines’ relationship with diesel. The Suburban is huge, which is a match made in heaven with a torquey motor. 

As you may have noticed, the Ford Explorer is still in its previous incarnation, while online photos will have you wondering when the next rendition of this midsize crossover will finally make landfall. It’ll come – soon. 

We’re not entirely sure which Geely will be first to hit showroom floors. We have our guesses, and it seems likely that one will definitely be first to launch, but the other two may just be decided by a coin toss. 

The Geely Atlas is already on display in the brand’s North EDSA showroom, so it could be the first in the brand’s launch calendar. The Geely Coolray could use a bigger brother, so for the start of 2020, this could be a perfect pair. 

Perhaps a sedan is up next for Geely? We’re not sure. We’d like to see this in the near future go up against established players in the industry, knowing how good Geely gets with regard to build quality and features. The Emgrand GT is the brand’s midsize entry, and might turn a few heads on the showroom or on the road. 

To satiate the Philippine car buyer’s demand for 7-seaters, Geely could possibly have the Jiaji MPV brought into the country ahead of the Emgrand GT. It would make sense to bring in a model that is high-value with an easy-to-reach price tag knowing the Geely brand. 

One of the main headlines in the Thai motor show is the Honda City. It comes with a 1.0L turbocharged motor and an RS variant paired with a new look, what more can you want? 

In other territories, the CR-V received a facelift for the 2020 model year. Minor updates await this model in the coming year, and it could include several refinements in the interior as well.

As with many new Honda Jazz models, this update was met with some criticism with regard to the styling. There are several trim levels that make the lineup in Japan, including a hybrid variant and a crossover. Perhaps we will see a new Jazz make its way to the Philippines this year – please?

Here is a pickup that is in dire need of an update. It looks good, has an uprated engine and handsome restyling so anticipation for a Philippine release is on the high side for the Isuzu D-max

One of the newer brands in 2019 has already shown in some photos that the Maxus T60 is in the Philippines. The launch is slated for the first quarter of 2020, making it the first SAIC motor pickup truck in the country. 

Just like the Maxus counterpart, the MG Extender is another model from the SAIC family which could make waves in the market, given MG’s success with the ZS and the popularity of pickup trucks in the Philippines.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) swore to bring in the 2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport GT 4x4 in 2019 after the GT 4x2 and GLS 4x2 were launched to the market in 2019. The 4x4 GT promises to be a potent package given that the 4x2 was so enjoyable on its own. 

Announced in other countries, the Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4 received a rather attractive facelift. We finally see what a Mirage would look like with the Dynamic Shield design language slapped onto its exterior. We have to say, it does look good. 

As far as we know, it will use the same 1.5L engine found in the current generation Xpander, and it is currently out in Indonesia. The rumor mill churned and we have a definite word from MMPC that it will bring in the Xpander Cross this year – perhaps sooner than expected. 

Nissan’s subcompact sedan has been relatively overshadowed when compared to other brands in the market. Perhaps this update will make it a top contender this time around with the V-Motion grille on full display on the Almera. 

What was once controversial with a face that you either loved or hated, the Nissan Juke is ready for an update in 2020, with other territories enjoying the restyled face that is now more attractive. 

Nissan Philippines promised to bring in the first fully-electric vehicle in the country by 2020. The clock struck twelve already, Nissan, our outlets are ready. 

There have been minor improvements made to the Nissan Navara overseas, which could make the already great Navara, even greater, as a new set of wheels and nip and tuck can go a long way. 

A compact Nissan sedan wasn’t on the top of most people’s Christmas list last season, but then all that could change next year, as the new Sylphy looks oh-so-gorgeous.

All of Subaru’s crossovers are 5-seaters, but the Ascent features 7 seats. This midsize crossover is the largest in the lineup and could be the Subaru to beat in 2020. 

Volkswagen has teased a crossover for the longest time already, with a launch slated in the near future. Well, the future is now, and expectant fans are waiting. Who knows what it could be. It could be the 7-seater Teramont or a smaller crossover.