Finally! After a long wait, the third-generation Mazda MX-5 will finally be in Mazda showrooms. This time its 2.0L engine has 168 hp and 190 Nm of torque on tap, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

THE Manila International Auto Show (Mias) at the World Trade Center (WTC) has always been a crowd-drawer due to a vast luxury-car presence, interactive driving (test drives or otherwise) and a strong aftermarket presence. But there was a lot of grumbles from certain car companies due to undisclosed differences, and last year’s Mias was overshadowed by the Chamber of Auto Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) motorshow, also at WTC.

This time, the organizers and car companies present had to cook up something new for Mias 2008, and the result was a sport compact (and Chinese) smörgåsbord.

A big reason for the sport compact buffet was the official arrival of the Subaru Impreza WRX STi hatchback and Mazda MX-5 roadster. The former is touted as Subaru’s answer to the highly anticipated Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, has a turbocharged 228hp/320 Nm 2.5L horizontally opposed four-cylinder (mated to a six-speed M/T) and Si-Drive (a driver-modifiable system that uses drive-by-wire throttle system and multiple computer programs to tailor the car’s performance to driver’s needs), and is tagged at P2.348 million.

The Mazda MX-5, on the other hand, is the latest iteration of the iconic Miata roadster popular in the early ’90s. A rather strong wallop is delivered from its naturally aspirated 2.0L inline four-cylinder, which now has 168 hp and 190 Nm of torque on tap, and mated to a six-speed M/T with a reverse gear similar to the lever on the outgoing Audi A4—push down on the stick itself and row to the upper leftmost side. But the MX-5 also retains the aesthetic “wow!” factor of its forebears, added largely by a power-assisted retractable hardtop roof.

Also making a huge splash were two Chinese auto manufacturers—Chery and Chana. The former already made waves in the country during the third quarter of 2007, and further rocked the market with the launch of its A1 subcompact hatchback. Resembling a cross between an Opel Zafira and a Hyundai Matrix, the P458,000 A1 has a light gray/white/yellow interior colorway that is a stark contrast to the vehicle’s outside, and a 1.3L engine that totes 82 hp and 114 Nm of torque to move its 1,040-kg body.   

Chana made no small qualms about making headlines in the local auto market with its Philippine debut. The company presents itself as a minivan specialist and is currently the fourth-biggest Chinese automaker, with a claimed $85-million net profit last year and it hopes to sell 1,000 vehicles for this year. It highlighted two vehicles at Mias. The first was the CM8 multipurpose vehicle, a small six-seater van resembling a squashed second-generation Toyota Previa and a Suzuki APV, powered by a naturally aspirated 80 hp/102 Nm 1.3L four-banger and pegged at P495,000. The other is the Benni, which resembles a mix between a Toyota Avanza and an Opel Zafira, has a naturally aspirated 84 hp/110 Nm 1.3L four-cylinder and costs P438,000.     

Not to be left out was the debut of the Bridgestone Turanza AR-10, an all-new tire meant for compact passenger cars. This new Turanza variant has two new factors that contribute to a smoother ride—Bridgestone’s AQ II compound and an all-new tread design—aside from limiting road noise and expanding tire-to-ground lateral contact for better grip. Additionally, the new tread particles (billed as Particle Z) has unique high- and low-angle slots for better water expulsion and the tread pattern (known as Dual Layer Tread II) creates even water flow between tread blocks to prevent hydroplaning.

International precision driver Russ Swift returned to Manila to wow motoring enthusiasts and casual observers of all ages with his ability to make cars—Subaru Imprezas in particular—dance and teeter on two wheels. Aside from putting the new Impreza hatchback through its paces, he wowed the crowd with his unique parallel parking maneuver from 60 kph, creating believers out of notables such as racer Gaby de la Merced.

For four days, Mias 2008 was a virtual buffet of four-wheel enthusiasm, be it for sport compact cars, China vehicles, rims or tires.

THE Manila International Auto Show (Mias) at the World Trade Center (WTC) has always been a crowd-drawer due to a vast luxury-car presence, interactive driving (test drives or otherwise) and a strong aftermarket presence.

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