Wheel my dozen

The Philippines has seen one vehicle launch after another in 2012, and the trend is set to continue next year as the car industry revs up for another banner (relatively speaking) year. Here are some of the cars that we’re anticipating the most, adding the traditional baker’s dozen, plus one:

TOYOTA Rav-4

Toyota RAV4. Not to be outdone by its partner Subaru, Toyota has also revamped the RAV4 for the 2013 model year. The five-seater SUV will slant toward fuel economy while also reportedly adding some fun-to-drive in its value equation. The RAV will finally feature a roof-hinged tailgate in place of its traditional side-hinged rear door. The sharp-looking SUV will be powered by the new 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, good for 176 hp and 233 Nm, and mated to a 6-speed automatic.

Bentley Continental. The VW group’s ultra-luxury marque is set to debut in 2013, with the massive and powerful Bentley Continental. Aptly named the Continental, the coupe makes mincemeat of long distance drives, while coddling its occupants in sophisticated comfort. The GT combines sports-car handling prowess with powerful W12 engines and all-wheel drive to provide a car capable of crossing continents with the same imperial aplomb as a private jet.

BMW 3 Series Touring. Asian Carmakers Corp. launched the all-new 3 Series this year, loading its core model with the latest in technology and driving equipment. The family may expand next year if ACC will bring in the Touring model, aka wagon. In keeping with BMW tradition, the Touring looks as good, or even better, than its sedan counterpart, while providing more versatile storage space.

FORD EcoSport

Ford EcoSport. Ford’s thorough rethink of what constitutes a good urban vehicle continues with the mini-SUV called the EcoSport. The EcoSport is a car with the compact dimensions of the Fiesta (with which it shares a platform), while offering a taller ride height and more versatility in interior configuration. The subcompact SUV may find a ready audience, as the pioneers of the category-Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 have grown in size and weight, leaving the market wide open.

Honda Accord.Honda’s midsize sedan is updated as regularly as Apple’s latest gadgets. Like that iPhone that you’ve been eyeing, the Accord too has been polished and improved to near perfection. Thankfully, the Accord does not grow any bigger in its external dimensions. Honda claims that the new car will be enjoyable to drive, with a new direct-injection 2.4-liter gasoline engine as the base power plant, mated to a CVT. The infamous and effective Econ button will make its appearance on the Accord as well.

HONDA Accord

Hyundai Elantra hatchback. The Elantra has been a huge success for Hyundai globally, with the car snapping up several Car of the Year awards, including here in the Philippines. The hatchback body style may make its debut next year, cementing the Elantra’s positioning as an attractively designed compact.

Kia Carens. Kia continues to advance the styling of its models with the all-new Carens. The MPV is built on a new platform, capable of seating up to seven. The MPV functionality comes wrapped in a dynamic shell.

MASERATI Quattroporte

Maserati Quattroporte. As part of an ambitious plan to produce 50,000 units a year by 2015, the Italian sports car and sports sedan manufacturer will introduce an all-new Quattroporte. The full-size sedan will challenge the largest sedan offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes, while offering a strong flavor of sportiness. The styling remains recognizable as an evolution of the current car, while the V8 under the hood will once again be developed by its corporate sibling, Ferrari.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The baby Mercedes has not been released officially in the Philippines, the bigger B taking its slot instead. That may change with the all-new A, designed to be more enjoyable to drive. Styling is more dynamic as well, and the sporty new A may prove to be a very desirable car.

MAZDA6

Mazda6. Mazda’s styling direction continues to evolve in satisfying new ways, including the all-new 6 sedan. The new Mazda6 may just be the sexiest mass-market midsize sedan, with taut lines. The new car will contain the company’s new SkyActiv technology, which promotes driving enjoyment while cutting fuel consumption and emissions.

Mini Paceman. Mini continues to spin off variants of its core formula. Following the cue of its parent BMW, Mini will launch a Sports Activity Coupe, the Paceman, a variant of the Countryman SUV. This one is a true two-door, albeit with a raised stance and somewhat lowered suspension.

NISSAN Almera

Nissan Almera. Nissan’s open secret is its entry into the subcompact sedan market, via the Almera nameplate. Known as the Sunny in other markets, the Almera will battle the likes of the Toyota Vios, Honda City, and Ford Fiesta with a car that has a long wheelbase, translating to a large interior space. Features previously reserved for luxury vehicles may be found in the new Almera, as well as a thoroughly modern engine-transmission combination and competent chassis.

SUBARU Forester

Subaru Forester. Subaru’s compact SUV has been popular for good reason: it’s spacious, conservatively good-looking, and easy to maintain. The all-new 2013 Forester is set to continue in that direction, with a roomier interior housed in the same footprint as the outgoing model. The big news is the launch of a new engine, a 2-liter turbocharged boxer 4-cylinder that’s good for 250 hp. The base engine is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer four. The engines will mate to a six-speed manual, or likely for our market, a CVT.

Volkswagen Golf. The most anticipated debut of 2013 will not be a single model but an entire brand: Volkswagen. Under the Ayala umbrella, the VW nameplate will be one to watch, not least for the cars that enjoy a sterling reputation. Enthusiasts will no doubt be waiting to get their hands on the Golf hatchback, as a practical yet enjoyable tool for every day driving. Those willing to pony up a premium can get the sizzling GTi.