Here are some of the vehicles we can expect in 2021

Despite the country experiencing an auto sales slowdown due to many factors in 2020, car manufacturers took it as opportune time to launch vehicle models, enticing vehicle buyers to chase the models to fit their "new normal" needs.

While it is the case for this year, carmakers are still planning to bring in more models in 2021, which many look at as the redemption year for the disaster-riddled 2020. Here are some of the models to look forward to next year.

• 2021 Volkswagen Santana

The Ayala-backed local distributor of German automaker Volkswagen has already teased the market with the upcoming 2021 Santana.  In other markets, the 2021 Santana comes with a 1.5 liter engine mated to either a five-speed or six-speed manual transmission, a notch higher compared to current-generation’s 1.4-liter powertrain.

In an earlier interview, Volkswagen Philippines president Felipe Estrella III expressed confidence with the forthcoming Santana. "Given the situation that customers are now looking for premium on their picks, the Santana will definitely give them their money's worth," Estrella told CARMUDI PHILIPPINES.

• Audi RS models

In our story back in November, we already revealed the coming of models from Audi’s high-performance division. Recently, Audi Philippines could soon have the latest Audi RS 3 sedan by the end of the year, followed by the RS 6 Avant, the RS Q8 the new R8 supercar, which are expected to join Audi Sport’s RS range in the Philippines come first quarter of 2021. 

Aside from the aforementioned, expect the RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Coupe, RS 5 Sportback, RS 7 Sportback, TT RS Coupe, TT RS Roadster, RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback.

• Mazda BT-50

Following the release of the limited edition in late November, Mazda Philippines announced the coming of the all-new BT-50 next year. Though he did not disclose the exact date for the launch, Mazda Philippines Head Steven Tan said he is sure that they will be bringing it here by next year. What is noticeable is that the model shares the same Kodo-Soul of Motion look and design (though chunkier) with its Mazda siblings.

The upcoming iteration, Carmudi reported, will be based on the 2021 Isuzu D-Max platform.

• 2021 Isuzu D-Max, Mu-X

Japanese truck maker Isuzu—which was recently cited by President Rodrigo Duterte for its reliable models — confirmed that it will be updating the D-Max and Mu-X next year. The impending update for the two models is much needed since it is already been years since it had its upgrade.

Expected from these two are the 3.0-liter engines to be fitted in the higher-spec versions.

The D-Max is poised to be launched in the first quarter of next year while we are waiting for the exact timeline for the introduction of the Mu-X.

• Chevrolet Corvette C8, Tahoe, and Suburban

The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) President Alberto Arcilla announced that the company is set to bring these three models in 2021.

Earlier speculations yielded that both the Tahoe and the Suburban were expected to come in this year.

On the other hand, the Corvette C8—which was unveiled globally in mid-2019—has its 6.2-liter LT2 naturally-aspirated V8 engine.

• Hyundai Tucson, Santa Fe, Kona, Starex

During their presentation at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) Wired, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), the Korean carmaker’s local arm, announced the coming of four new models, dubbed as their Fab Four.

The full-model change will be for the Hyundai Tucson while the Santa Fe and the Hyundai Kona are for an update. As of this time, we have yet to determine whether the incoming Hyundai Starex  is a full model change or just a refreshed version.

• Chery Tiggo 7 Pro

The Philippine automotive market is just waiting for the official pricing of the all-new Chery Tiggo 7 Pro compact crossover after Chery Auto Philippines showed it to the public at MIAS Wired.

The all-new Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged DOHC 16-valve Euro 5 four-cylinder engine matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

• Geely Emgrand

This educated guess came following Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP) President Mikihisa Takayama's revelation of their plans to reveal models each year. During the recent launch of the Okavango, Geely Automobile International Corporation Deputy General Manager Jenny Jin divulged that they will be bringing a vehicle come April 2021 and revealed that the vehicle will be a sedan.

While Geely has three nameplates under the said body type (Bo Rui, Binray and Emgrand), it is the Emgrand that has already made it to the country.

Before being under SGAP, Autochina, then distributor of Geely vehicles, already brought the Emgrand name to the country with the full-size EC8 full size sedan, EX7 mid-size sports utility vehicle (SUV) and the Geely Panda.

• Maxus D60

This model completes the European-bred marque’s first five vehicles in the lineup. The announcement came after the Ayala-backed Maxus Philippines brought the eight-seater G50 MPV to Philippine roads.

• Nissan Leaf, Terra, and Navara

Nissan’s three models are expected to be released in 2021, spearheaded by the EV model, which was originally slated for launch this year.

The Terra and Navara are also expected to be updated with a new powertrain.

• Mitsubishi Mirage/Mirage G4

If you are following the moves of Japanese brand Mitsubishi, you would be seeing an aggressive campaign with selling the Mitsubishi Mirage, Could this be a sign that we might soon be having Mirage and Mirage G4 that sport the Dynamic Shield Design (now available in Thailand)?  We can just hope for the best as of the moment.  

And this lot could be just appetizers of what will be available come 2021. It's exciting year ahead of us, don’t you think? Aside from these, what are the other models that could reach the Philippine territory?

Photos from Volkswagen, Audi, Mazda, Isuzu, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Chery, Geely, Maxus Nissan, Mitsubishi

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