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The most popular wheels on the road in 2024
The world moves on another year, and as always, the automotive landscape is growing at a rapid pace. The industry has always been at the forefront of innovation and human ingenuity, and each of the latest car models dominating Philippine roads today continues to push the boundaries of what we have come to expect from cars.
From sleek electric vehicles to high-performance SUVs, the 2024 lineup is a testament to the auto industry’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an environmentally conscious traveler or a thrill seeker, there’s something for everyone this year.
Hyundai SantaFe
Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc. will release the next-generation 2024 Santa Fe crossover SUV on local roads in three variants: the top-of-the-line Calligraphy AWD, the mid-range GLS AWD and the entry-level GLS 2WD.
Introduced in South Korea in August 2023, this fifth-generation Santa Fe features a bold new exterior design, an upgraded gasoline engine and a host of modern amenities. It replaces the previous diesel model, but remains a mid-size crossover with room for up to seven passengers.
Under the hood, the 2024 Santa Fe is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 Smartstream gasoline engine. The GLS versions are equipped with a naturally aspirated version, which produces 191 hp and 246 Nm of torque. However, the Calligraphy trim is equipped with a turbo variant, which delivers an impressive 277 hp and 422 Nm of torque.
BMW 5 series
SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines, has expanded its lineup with the introduction of the all-new 2024 BMW 5 Series. Celebrating its 52ndNL anniversary, the new 5 Series is available in two versions for the Philippine market: the gasoline-powered BMW 520i and the electric BMW i5 eDrive40.
The BMW 520i is equipped with a 2.0-liter petrol engine that produces 208 hp and 330 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This model accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (km/h) in 7.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 230 km/h.
Meanwhile, the BMW i5 eDrive40, the fully electric variant, has 340 hp and 430 Nm of torque, with a remarkable range of up to 582 kilometers. Thanks to fifth-generation eDrive technology, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds and has a top speed of 193 km/h.
Lexus LBX
Lexus Philippines unveiled its smallest crossover yet, the Lexus LBX, a subcompact luxury hybrid designed for style-conscious buyers seeking functionality and efficiency. Despite its compact dimensions, the LBX retains a distinctly Lexus identity, with a custom spindle grille flanked by sharp bi-beam LED headlights with single projector and automatic functionality.
The 2024 Lexus LBX is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-three gasoline engine paired with a self-charging hybrid electric powertrain managed by the Lexus Hybrid Control system. This setup produces a combined power of 136 hp and 185 Nm of torque, allowing the LBX to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 km/h.
Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (GA-B) platform, the LBX shares its underpinnings with the Toyota Yaris and uses a hybrid powertrain similar to that of the Toyota Yaris Cross, combining advanced technology with the luxury from Lexus.
Toyota Corolla Cross HEV
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has officially launched the updated Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) following its ASEAN debut in Thailand. This updated XG10 generation model now features a sleeker design and improved features, with TMP moving to a fully hybrid range, eliminating internal combustion-only variants.
The updated Corolla Cross features larger cockpit displays, including a seven-inch digital and analogue instrument cluster for the V trim, while the GR-S variant features a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. Both trims offer power driver seats for added convenience.
New for the 2024 model is an electronic parking brake with automatic hold function, replacing the previous pedal parking brake. All three versions of the Corolla Cross HEV are powered by a 1.8-liter hybrid system, which together produces 120 hp and 142 Nm of torque. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with Eco, Power and Electric Vehicle (EV) modes available to maximize efficiency and performance.
Ford Mustang
The next generation of the Ford Mustang will also hit Philippine roads in 2024, with two variants: the entry-level 2.3-liter EcoBoost Premium and the top-level 5.0-liter GT Premium. First unveiled at the 2022 North American International Auto Show, this seventh-generation S650 Mustang replaces the S550 model and features a sharper, more modern design and upgraded powertrains.
The EcoBoost Premium variant is powered by a turbocharged inline-four petrol engine that produces up to 314 hp and 475 Nm of torque. The GT Premium variant features a robust V8 engine, which produces an impressive 486 hp and 567 Nm of torque, surpassing the 460 hp and 569 Nm of the previous generation.
Both versions are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offer six driving modes: Sport, Normal, Slippery, Track, Drag and Custom. The Mustang’s suspension system includes a McPherson strut front suspension and an independent Integral-Link rear suspension, providing a smooth and controlled ride. Braking is done by disc brakes on all four wheels.
Mazda MX-5
Mazda Philippines unveiled through Bermaz Auto Philippines, Inc. also a new generation of a signature model, the MX-5 Miata. The renewal features improved safety technology and mechanical adjustments across the range.
The 2024 MX-5 retains its iconic design and offers both a soft top and retractable fastback (RF) roof style. New full LED headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights give the front a fresh, striking look. Internally, it retains the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine, which produces 181 PS and 205 Nm of torque. With the soft-top versions you can choose between a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission, but the RF variant now only has the six-speed automatic transmission.
Mazda has also upgraded the MX-5’s power steering for better handling and introduced Dynamic Stability Control with Track Mode (DSC-Track), which intervenes to prevent loss of traction. In addition, the new asymmetrical limited slip differential (A-LSD) optimizes cornering behavior by adjusting input during deceleration and acceleration.
Honda city
Although not yet announced for the Philippines, the updated 2024 Honda City Hatchback made its debut in Thailand with a sportier appearance and a host of notable updates. Chief among these is an exterior change to the front fascia, which now features larger upper and lower grilles with a new mesh pattern and a pronounced lower lip.
Under the hood, the 2024 City Hatchback offers two engine options. The first is a 1.5-liter inline-three engine, delivering up to 120 hp and 173 Nm of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
For higher specification trims, there’s a 1.5-litre inline-4 e:HEV engine with a petrol component that produces 96 PS and 127 Nm of torque, while the electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery, adds an impressive 107 PS. and 253 Nm of torque.
Mitsubishi Xpander and Xpander Cross
Another new launch from Thailand is the 2024 Xpander and Xpander Cross from Mitsubishi Motors. The new models are now equipped with a hybrid powertrain. The seven-seat MPV hybrids also feature Mitsubishi’s newly developed e:Motion system, derived from their Plug-In Hybrid technology, promising an environmentally friendly and exciting driving experience.
The e:Motion system consists of a 1.6-liter DOHC MIVEC gasoline engine, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Mitsubishi claims this setup improves fuel economy by around 10% compared to the 1.5-litre petrol engine in the non-hybrid Xpander models, with a notable 34% increase in fuel efficiency for city driving. In addition, the Xpander and Xpander Cross HEV models are the first from Mitsubishi to feature an electric water pump, reducing mechanical losses.
The 2024 Xpander and Xpander Cross HEV offer seven driving modes: Normal, Tarman, Gravel, Mud, Wet, EV Priority and EV Charge. EV Priority mode allows the vehicle to run entirely on battery power without switching on the engine, making 100% electric driving possible. — Bjorn Biel M. Beltran
