Watch out WRX: Lynk & Co PH previews 265 HP AWD sports sedan
UAAGI holds preview of Lynk & Co 03+ at this year's MIAS
The 2024 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) may have already concluded, but the annual auto show gave us plenty of new cars to look out for. From JAC Motors previewing their new vehicle lineup with Astara Philippines to MG showcasing their upcoming EVs and electrified vehicles, there will be plenty more choices for Filipino buyers to choose from in the coming months.
Lynk & Co also made its presence felt at MIAS 2024 when they launched not one, not two, but a total of three vehicles; the 01 PHEV, the 06 turbocharged crossover, and the sleek 05 crossover coupe that comes with AWD. However, they also previewed a sports sedan that will surely attract enthusiasts and perhaps take on several competitors from various brands.
This is the Lynk & Co 03+, and it's raring to go up against the likes of the Hyundai Elantra N, the Subaru WRX, and perhaps even the Honda Civic Type R if given the chance. The automaker revealed no official specs during MIAS 2024 although a well-placed source did share with us some of the specs of the sleek and stylish sports sedan.
For starters, it will have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 265 PS and 380 Nm of torque. It is then paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox from Aisin along with a BorgWarner AWD system that sends power to all four wheels.
It will also be equipped with paddle shifters for quicker manual shifting should the driver choose to. Depending on the AWD mode, the system can split power delivery from 100% to 50:50. Also worth mentioning about the upcoming 03+ is that it's fitted with genuine carbon fiber aero parts, an active exhaust system, and massive alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile tires.
Inside, the Lynk & Co 03+ will get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a leather-Alcantara cabin, a 10-speaker Harman Infinity sound system, semi-bucket front seats, and a suite of intelligent driver aids.
No exact pricing has been revealed just yet by the automaker. But given that there are already local specs for it, it may only be a matter of time before the automaker actually launches it soon.
Once revealed, we hope Lynk & Co will be able to price it competitively against the likes of the Hyundai Elantra N, Subaru WRX, and the Honda Civic Type R. Heck, it might even face off against the GAC Empow R should Astara Philippines bring it here.
