7-Seaters And Monster Trucks: What Families Loved At MIAS 2024

From April 4 until April 7, 2024, the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2024 welcomed everybody to experience the most awaited car show in the country. With its two locations, World Trade Center Manila and SMX Convention Center, MIAS is bigger and bolder this year.

The MIAS theme “Bridging the Future” stems from its showcase of re-imagined classic cars and customized cars to hybrid and fully electric vehicles.

Matteo Guidicelli was present for Nissan’s launch of its fully electric vehicle Ariya. Hyundai Philippines launched Piolo Pascual as its new brand ambassador.

There was something interesting for everybody: compact cars, sports utility vehicles, sports cars, all-terrain trucks, family-friendly cross-over cars, and vans!

RELATED: Long Road Trips With Kids Via Commute: Tips From Parents

The 2024 MIAS was co-presented by BPI Auto Loans and Shell, and supported by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) and Petron. Participating brands included BAIC, BAW, Bestune, Changan, Chery, Chevrolet, DAF, Dongfeng, Foton, GAC, GWM, Hongqi, Hyundai, Hycan, JAC, Jetour, JMC, Lynk & Co, Kinglong, MG, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Omoda & Jaecoo, Peugeot, Seres, Subaru, Suzuki, and Weichai.

7-Seater Family-Friendly Cars

If you’re eyeing for a car upgrade that can fit all your family members, plus the strollers, luggages for the whole family, car seats and all, here are the ones we spotted at MIAS 2024.

1. Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV is a 7-seater family-friendly car that boasts of its compact yet spacious design. Without looking like a “big car”, Chery Tiggo serves its purpose of hauling multiple passengers and belongings. It is a hybrid car that runs on both gasoline and electricity. Pro-tip: hybrid cars are exempt from number coding!

Price starts at Php 2,698,000. Non-hybrid variants start at Php 1,698,000.

2. Hyundai Staria

Staria almost looks like a van from science fiction movies. Its straight, one line headlight definitely adds to the “science fiction” look. Upon opening Staria’s sliding door, its stepboard automatically goes down. It’ll surely make kids react with oohs and ahhs. Inside the modern-looking van are cool lightings, captain seats with handrests, and spacious passenger seating. We can imagine roadtrips being fun with Hyundai Staria!

Price starts at Php 3,030,000. Hyundai’s other 7-seater offering is Stargazer, which starts at Php 1,348,000.

3. Suzuki Ertiga

A modest 7-seater family car, Suzuki Ertiga is surprisingly spacious inside. It can comfortably seat 7 adults, with luggage at the back. It doesn’t look like a “big car” on the outside, but it matches the requirements of a family car.

Ertiga GL (Manual Transmission) starts at Php 954,000. Ertiga GLX (Automatic Transmission) starts at Php 1,178,000.

Cool Cars and Trucks for the Kids and Kids-at-Heart

Of course, an auto show is not complete without the display of cool cars and trucks!

MIAS 2024 proudly shows well-restored and and highly-customized vehicles, those that look like Lightning McQueen from the movie series Cars! It was fun for the kids, as well as the kids-at-heart.

There was a display of Hyundai Concept Cars and Method Race Wheels, a 6-wheel monster truck carrying another all-terrain vehicle! What made it more exciting: Batman giving out car stickers and posing for pictures beside the monster truck! 

Petron had a Jeep that looked like a monster truck that came to life! There was also a Truck Zone setup in World Trade Center Manila’s parking lot, where the adults could try off-road and outdoor driving big trucks, off-road and camping rigs, to commercial vans.

Nissan’s booth showcased a sight we don’t usually see: the skeleton of a hybrid car. An interesting way to let kids know how hybrid cars work, what an engine looks like, fuel tank, high-voltage battery, electric motor, gas engine and generator and inverter.

Another ‘monster truck’ display that excited monster-truck-loving kids was the latest Mitsubishi Triton. Its slanted and elevated display looks like it just came from an off-road drive!

Kids’ Play Zones

Aside from the cool cars and monster trucks, participating brands for this year’s MIAS ensured that the kids who tagged along would not be bored.

Chery’s booth was a haven for kids - its Play Zone had tables and chairs with board games, brand-new Legos, coloring materials, and card games.

Suzuki’s booth had games for kids and the kids-at-heart, with activities and freebies for “Suzuki Safety Scout”. As if kids didn’t have enough fun, there was free candies, too!

Older kids enjoyed Nissan’s video game--a driving simulation game! BPI also had an arcade set-up for driving. Some booths give away free drinks and coffee, as long as you complete assigned tasks! True to its Korean nature, Hyundai has a Korean photo booth guests can enjoy, too!

MIAS 2024 was held from April 4 to 7 at SMX Convention Center and World Trade Center Manila.

Looking for the right car seats for your child? Read this article.