Car Tales: Imagination in Motion

2008 Manila International Auto Show
http://www.manilaautoshow.com/

This year's theme for the Manila International Auto Show captured what most car followers may have in mind. From creative imaginings spring forth the actual product, and the latest car models and kits displayed at the MIAS made sure that people's imaginations came to life.

It was the first car show of the year and what better way to bring it on than with some of the best and brightest machines in the local automotive industry. Like in years past, the Manila International Auto Show presents an exciting look at the newest car models to hit Manila's showrooms. Add to that the huge participation of car tuners, bodyshops and auto restorers who come out with their best custom cars and classic vehicles to the delight of a huge following of young and old car buffs. More on this later.

MIAS 2008, held at the World Trade Center Manila and the adjoining airconditioned tent on April 3-6, is probably the biggest car show to date. Of course, other car shows yet to be scheduled this year are aiming to top it -- with more booths, a larger participation from the auto manufacturers and a bigger show area. Nevertheless, what MIAS tries to do every year is to put more focus on the cars, because that's what a car show should be all about.

Like the year before, Subaru brought in Russ Swift, world-renowned veteran precision driver, who did three exhibition shows each day during the four day expo. It was a sight to see, a tall Englishman throwing a new Subaru Impreza WRX STi all over the place. He executed moves one usually sees on TV and the movies, commanding the WRX to turn at the right moment and stop at a dime. He used a different Subaru for a spectacular stunt that entailed driving the car on two wheels. The audience loved it! This was the first time I saw his show live, coz I missed the last one. It was worth the price of admission, I tell you that.

A sideshow of the MIAS although equally huge is the Custom and Classic Car Competition, situated at the airconditioned tent beside the main WTC halls. This year, we got to see some vintage sports cars, old school Japanese models and customized American SUVs. The competition was conducted by Team Lightspeed and they managed to give ample exposure to all the entries.

One of the more anticipated booth exhibits in the show is the one owned by Motul and Autoplus. Their main centerpiece was the Z Machine -- the Motul-Pitwork 350Z, one of the fastest machines ever built by man. The Z race car is the most successful race car to ever compete in the Japan Grand Touring Car Championship. Flown in from Japan for an exclusive series of tours in the Philippines, the 350Z is inarguably one stunning piece of machinery. Many show visitors made sure to have their photo taken beside the car.

Going around the exhibit hall, one can get pretty excited with all the neatly laid out show areas of the participating car models. Mazda Philippines took advantage of the event to give more exposure to the newest members in its stable: the Mazda 6, CX-9 and MX-5 PRHT.

The CX-9 is a real head-turner. I saw one on the road last month and was immediately attracted to it. It looked miles apart from the usual SUV: sporty, hefty yet streamlined and visually exciting. This one comfortably seats seven people, though you wouldn't guess it by just looking from the outside. The SRP for this 3.7-liter-powered, fully imported (CBU) SUV is around PhP2.7-million.

Other than the CX-9, my other favorite was the Hyundai Santa Fe. I think its just the right size SUV for my needs, and I've been hearing good things about it since it was launched last year. The Santa Fe has a look that doesn't get easily tired or outdated. I just wished it came out with more color options than the usual gray, black, white or maroon.

The Nissan booth had its usual X-Trail and Murano stars, yet both are not exactly new models. Same with Honda, which showcased the relatively new version of its popular CRV. Some hot bikes were also on display, courtesy of the Hardcore Brothers Custom Bike Shop.

Not to be outdone, Mitsubishi showcased its newest Evolution Lancer, the Evolution X. Other highlights of the MIAS was the launch of the Chana brand of cars from China; the introduction of Bridgestone's Turanza AR10; a car audio competition by the EMMA (European Mobile Media Association); a display of 4x4 vehicles; and numerous test drives conducted by participating car dealers.

All in all it was a great show. Like most car shows, you can never go wrong with machines that run on four wheels, or even two. And the sprinkling of fine young ladies draped all over cars and such did help a lot in the visual sense!