April 2013 | CarGuide.PH | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Car Prices

April 30, 2013

Review: 2013 Honda Pilot

Photos by Ulysses Ang

So you’ve become a pretty successful guy. You’ve blown out a half-a-million peso hole in your wallet for a new IWC pilot’s watch after the renovations were done on your Forbes Park mansion. What’s next? Well, if you’ve got some P 2.6-million in loose change stashed somewhere, why don’t you reward yourself with a fancy new crossover. Mind you, it can’t simply be any ordinary crossover; it has to be adventurous, versatile, and different as you are. In other words, you’ve got to think outside the box, you’ve got to think Honda Pilot.

The All-New Volvo V40, a modern expressive car, with characteristics from larger Volvos wrapped in a sleek, compact package, is now in the Philippines. This 5-door, 5-seater luxury hatchback combines trendsetting design with class-leading driving dynamics.

“The All-New Volvo V40 is a bold expression of challenging the conventional. With great focus on the luxury look and feel of the car, the All-New Volvo V40 offers you a more engaging and personalized driving experience. With keen attention to detail, the All-New Volvo V40 also reflects Volvo’s promise of a car that is designed around you.” enthuses Miss Loi Concepcion De Guzman, Assistant Vice President for Marketing Services.

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger: Toyota Road Trek 9 Takes on Clark and Palawan

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The soft orange hue of the mid-summer sunrise greeted me as I drove into Toyota Global City—the flagship dealer that carries the new bolder and younger brand identity standard. As a Road Trek novice, I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this ninth outing (the previous ones had everything from mental to driving to even physical challenges) except save for two clues: the outline of a track curb on the invitation as well as the words, “Clark and Palawan: Reloaded”. Perhaps it could mean an Amazing Race-style winner-takes-all challenge or perhaps it could mean a date with the Clark International Speedway? Whatever it may be, I stepped down from my car, took a deep breath, and waited for the briefing to begin.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines announces today that the all-new CR-Z, a sport hybrid coupé will be available for retail by August this year.

During the 4th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) in World Trade Center Metro Manila last year, the Honda CR-Z MUGEN concept was displayed and left viewers wanting more. According to Tatsuya Natsume, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., the Honda CR-Z was the real crowd drawer of the Honda booth during PIMS. “At the time of the show we received a number of inquiries about selling it in the Philippines. Even after that, we are still getting inquiries online, at our dealer showrooms and various display events. This scenario gives us the confidence that the Philippine market will warmly welcome the all-new CR-Z when it arrives in August, exactly a year after its concept was shown”, Natsume said.

Tennis megastar Maria Sharapova has taken on a new role: Effective immediately, the 26-year-old world class player will be representing the sports car manufacturer, Porsche AG, as brand ambassador. The cooperation is initially signed for three years and involves a global communications campaign. The athlete is already very familiar with the vehicles from Zuffenhausen: As last year´s winner of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Sharapova not only took home prize money, but also a white 911 Carrera S Cabriolet.

Conquering the Final Frontier: Kia True North Takes on Batanes

Photos by Ulysses Ang

They say it can’t be done: a ride and drive event in the Philippines’s northern most point: Batanes. It certainly sounds like a challenge, a challenge that Columbian Autocar Corporation, the country’s exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles, happily accepted. Consider this: the weather in Batanes is unpredictable at best, being the only place in the country to experience four seasons. Then, Batanes is the entry or exit points of typhoons, so careful planning is needed to ensure everyone’s safety. Finally, the logistics of mounting such an event is daunting: it required 10 Kia vehicles from a Picanto to an Optima Hybrid to be shipped as cargo (there’s no Ro-Ro or Roll On, Roll Off in Batanes) from Sual, Pangasinan for 32 hours before unloading them one by one by crane with nothing more than a thick piece of foam separating the delicate metal body from the rusty steel chains.

Visit the Kia Carens Microsite and Hatch an Egg-citing Adventure

Are you thrilled to see the newest member of the Kia family? Kia is hatching something big soon! Be part of this egg-citing adventure through Kia's new microsite, www.HatchMyCarens.com!

With Kia's microsite, do your part to help hatch the egg, and get a chance to win amazing prizes! Up for grabs are an excitement filled day at Enchanted Kingdom, or a wave of fun with lovable creatures of the sea at the Manila Ocean Park.

Review: 2013 Hyundai Accent CRD A/T

Photos by Ulysses Ang

“Surprise and delight the customer” may be a common marketing goal these days, but it’s still unusual to find a car that genuinely fits the bill. After all, a Genesis Coupe is expected to be fast and a Starex to have enough room for two basketball teams. But during the course of testing dozens of new cars each year, there’s one vehicle that clearly stands out and it takes the swoopy, fluidic shape of the new Hyundai Accent CRD hatchback.

Motor Image Pilipinas Inc., (MIPI) the exclusive distributor of Subaru cars in the Philippines registered a record-breaking growth of 94% in total sales for the 1st quarter of 2013. Selling of 577 units compare with 297 units for the same period of last year. Subaru sales in March reached an all-time high with 236 units, breaking the previous record of 188 units established a year ago. The sales were propelled by the growth of major models like the well-accepted Subaru XV in the popular small SUV segment. And also the sales rose with high demand for the Forester models driven by the just-launched all-new Forester.

MIPI remains positive that for the succeeding months of the year, the high growth performance will be sustained.

“2013 is an exciting year for Subaru in terms of both sales and network expansion. I am very optimistic that we will grow further our business because we have an exciting product line to offer our customers and we will have 11 dealerships in the Philippines by the end of this year,” said MIPI General Manager Michael Ramon Luyun.

BMW Introduces FlexiLease

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines, introduces FlexiLease, its latest option for aspiring BMW owners to experience sheer driving pleasure at the most convenient way possible. FlexiLease is a new innovation in BMW ownership that addresses the mobility requirements of top professionals.

Win Free Fuel for a Year with Petron Value Card

For any motorist, the chance to get free gas is a dream come true.

That’s why Petron is raffling off free fuel for one year for five lucky Petron Value Card (PVC) owners.

The first step is to is to register using by sending a text message (SMS), in the format PVC REG <16-digit PVC number>/<first name middle initial surname>/<birthday: month day year>/ <complete address>/<email address-optional> (example: PVC REG 4488223315241628/Juan D. Cruz /08281988/53 Lawaan St. Pasig/jdcruz@yahoo.com).

In celebration of its 50th birthday and against the backdrop of the Shanghai Auto Show, Automobili Lamborghini presented a very special super sports car with exclusive equipment and technology. The Lamborghini Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario is a limited and numbered series of 100 units worldwide. Each unit has a Forged Composite® badge with the 50° logo and a serial number.
With its output increased to 720 hp, its new performance-oriented front and rear design, the special paintwork and unique interior trim, this Aventador is one of the most exclusive models ever produced in the history of Lamborghini.

The Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario represents a new highlight of this globally successful model range with carbon-fiber monocoque, twelve-cylinder engine and permanent all-wheel drive. With its output of 720 hp, the 6.5-liter twelve-cylinder in the Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario is 20 hp more powerful than the current V12 in the Aventador LP 700-4. This is due to a new specific engine calibration. With its extremely fast-shifting ISR transmission, the anniversary model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 350 km/h.

At the Auto Shanghai 2013, Bentley introduces the new Flying Spur to Greater China, alongside the Continental GT Speed, Bentley’s fastest production model ever and its pinnacle flagship model, the ultra-high luxury Mulsanne. Bentley also announces its plans to grow the dealer network in Greater China, reinforcing China as a key market for Bentley’s continued success as the company heads for double digit growth again in 2013.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, comments: “China is a key market for Bentley and we are enjoying great sales success and growing customer interest. To continue to achieve these results, we have a significant expansion plan in place. This starts with the new Flying Spur, previously our best-selling model and we expect 60 per cent of the new Flying Spur sales to be delivered to customers in China.

Porsche is celebrating the world premiere of the second generation Gran Turismo at the Auto Shanghai show in China. The centerpiece of Porsche’s show appearance is the new Panamera S E-Hybrid, the world’s first plug-in hybrid in the luxury class. Also making their debut together with this new role model of intelligent interconnection of efficiency, sportiness and comfort are two luxurious Executive versions for the Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo which sport an extended wheelbase and a three-litre V6 engine with bi-turbocharging that is a completely new development. With the launch of the new generation, the Panamera range is now increasing to ten individual models that offer an extended range between sportiness and comfort.

Honda Aims to Redefine Sub-Compact Segment with 2013 City

Using kaizen or the Japanese term for “continuous improvement”, Honda Cars Philippines is aiming to redefine the sub-compact segment with the introduction of the 2013 City. Now available at all Honda dealerships nationwide, the new City carries new aesthetic and safety improvements as well as the introduction of a brand-new variant, the 1.5 ENC.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) closed the first quarter of the year recording an impressive double digit growth of 21.7%. Sales for the first three months totaled to 10,016 units compared to 8,230 units sold during the same period last year. March sales modestly increased by 1.6% with 3,612 units sold. Combined reports from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturer of the Philippines (CAMPI) and Trucks Manufacturer Association (TMA) also showed a surge in MMPC’s market share. For the first quarter MMPC was able to capture a 24% market share making it the second bestselling automotive brand in the country.

After Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. announced a mammoth recall of its CR-V and Civic models, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMPC) is announcing that it is also recalling around 3,500 units of its Corolla Altis models for the same faulty airbag problem that has plagued Japanese makes globally.

In a short statement, TMPC said that no reports of injuries caused by the defective airbag has been reported. Nonetheless, Toyota is Corolla Altis models produced between May 2001 to March 2003. TMPC will advise its dealers as to when it will coordinate with affected customers and owners.

Audi Philippines Achieves 28 Percent Sales Growth in 2013

Audi in the Philippines has surpassed initial targets this year achieving a 28% year on year growth from 2012. The growth is mainly driven by new entry-level models introduced by the brand at the beginning of the year.

“The debut of our new Audi Q3 SUV and A1 5-door Sportback ushers a new phase for Audi in the country, because for the first time we have a model below PHP 2,000,000” said Lito Jose, Sales director for Audi Philippines.

Review: 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 4.0 V6

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The Toyota Land Cruiser, particularly, the Land Cruiser Prado has a special place in my heart. There’s something about its rugged styling coupled with its first-class interior and its storied nameplate. Without batting an eyelid, it’s always my first choice to spend my lotto winnings on. The P 2,900,000 price tag is certainly a big splurge by anyone’s book, but given how much chunk of metal you’re getting for the buck, it’s reasonably priced; plus it’s backed up by Toyota’s legendary levels of reliability and durability. However, given the chance to live with a Land Cruiser Prado in the garage for a week, will its luxurious promise hold or will this simply be the case where imagination ended up better than reality?

Hyundai Awards Change-Up, DrivE-on Grand Prize Winner

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) awarded a Hyundai Eon to a lucky client of Hyundai General Santos dealership, bringing the Change-up, DrivE-on promo to a successful close. The promo, which ran from November 5, 2012 to February 5, 2013, gave Hyundai customers a chance to bring home a brand new Eon or one of five Apple iPad 3 units for every oil change using Hyundai’s HGMO (Hyundai Genuine Motor Oil) Fully Synthetic. The final draw was held at the HARI headquarters last March 14, 2013.

The HGMO Fully Synthetic Motor Oil, supplied by Pro-Oil Corporation, promises superior engine performance, enhanced additive formulation, improved fuel efficiency, less oil evaporation and emission, and advanced protection to prolong engine life.

Present in the awarding were (L-R) HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo; Grand Prize Winner Ariel Lagamon; Pro-Oil Corporation Chairman Martin Dy Buncio; HARI Senior Assistant Vice President, Quality Assurance & Process Enhancement Division Engr. Alfredo S. Jose; Hyundai General Santos Dealer Principal Russel Gregorio; and Pro-Oil Corporation President Erwin Tan.

Porsche Boxster and Cayman Named World Performance Car of the Year

At a ceremony hosted by Bridgestone Corporation at the New York Auto Show last month, the Porsche Boxster and Cayman were named the 2013 World Performance Car. The Cayman celebrated its world premiere only last November at the International Motor Show in Los Angeles, while the Boxster has been on the market now for a year.

The World Car Awards (WCA) are presented annually in four categories - Car Design, Green Car, Performance Car and Car of the Year. Winners are determined by an international panel of 66 automotive journalists from 23 countries. Jurors are appointed by the World Car Steering Committee based on automotive expertise, experience, credibility and influence.

Hyundai Posts 4% Year-on-Year Growth in March

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, posted a 4% year-on-year (YoY) growth in March 2013 compared to the same period last year.

Bouncing back from a supply-hampered February, Hyundai cars on both passenger and commercial vehicle fronts posted favourable numbers, with passenger cars (PC) registering a 2% growth to finish at 1,343 units vs. 1,316 in March 2012. The Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment, meanwhile, also posted strong digits with 984 Hyundai LCVs rolling off showroom floors from 929 units in March 2012.

Month-on-month figures showed even more vigour, registering a 43% increase in March over February 2013. Leading the charge were Hyundai’s passenger car (PC) models which posted an impressive 63% growth over February 2013. Not to be outdone, LCV models bannered an equally remarkable 22% growth in the same period.

Leading the pack was an eclectic mix of vehicles ranging from the Eon sub-compact, the popular Elantra compact sedan, as well as Hyundai’s newest offerings, the Santa Fe SUV and Genesis Coupe sports car.

Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2013: The Video

CATS Motors, Inc., the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in the Philippines recently held the 2013 edition of the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience. This half-day track event is designed not just to bring the different Mercedes-Benz passenger cars through its paces (including the SLS AMG) but also to teach invaluable lessons to the driver, especially when it came to emergency maneuvers.

Vent It Out Friday: Speed Perception

Measuring a car’s speed by the kilometers it covers in an hour is as obsolete as the eight-track tape. Drivers need a speed measurement that reflects our go-anywhere-fast lifestyle, and kilometers per hour just doesn’t cut it anymore. We must replace kilometers per hour with meters per second—before it’s too late.

The next time you’re driving your Honda Civic or Lamborghini Gallardo or whatever it is you’re driving, look at the speedometer. What do the numbers read? 20 kilometers per hour? 60 kilometers per hour? 100 kilometers per hour? Whether you’re stuck on EDSA (which is pretty much every single minute these days) or flying like a low-altitude jetfighter on the NLEX, what do those numbers actually mean?

Airbag Recall Hits Toyota, Nissan, Mazda Vehicles; Totals 3.5-M Worldwide

The airbag recall that just hit Honda apparently has larger repercussions. A few hours after Honda announced the recall of its Civic and CR-V models, some of which were sold in the Philippines, the airbag problem seems to encompass Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda vehicles. The total number of recalled vehicles is expected to reach 3.5 million cars worldwide.

Toyota announced that it is recalling 1.7 million cars including the Corolla, Matrix, and Camry. Honda is recalling 1.1 million cars while Nissan is recalling 480,000 cars while Mazda is adding some 45,000 vehicles. All of the said vehicles sourced its airbags from Japan-based Takata Corporation. The same company was subject to a seat belt recall in 1995. Most vehicles affected by the recall were manufactured from 2001-2003.

More details soon.

Honda Cars Philippines Recalling 9,743 Civic, CR-V Models

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announces a voluntary recall of some 9,743 units of the Honda Civic year models 2001 to 2002 and CR-V year model 2002 sold in the Philippines for the period of 2001 to 2002 due to faulty inflation device of the front passenger airbag.
Findings show that during manufacturing process, the automatic rejection system machine failed to detect defective Airbag Inflators with low density propellants. Subsequently, these defective inflation devices were installed in these vehicles. As a result, upon airbag deployment, the pressure increases excessively and might cause the inflator case to rupture.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Isuzu Philippines Corporation has formally introduced last April 11 at Makati Shangri-La Hotel a new company president. On May 3, Nobuo Izumina officially replaced Ryoji Yamazaki, who was assigned Managing Director of Isuzu Car Life, an affiliate of Isuzu Motors Limited (IML). Izumina, 56, brings with him 33 years of work experience with IML handling overseas operations.

Born in Tokyo, Izumina was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Isuzu Camiones Andinos in Bogota, Colombia. He joined IML’s Production Control Department in 1980, a month after receiving a degree in Economics from the Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo. He rose through the ranks having been assigned to the company’s Overseas Distribution Department, and later as Manager of the Sales Department handling North America.

Ford Philippines today announced that its momentum to start the year continued in March with the company delivering its best-ever sales for the month, and capping off its all-time best first quarter performance.

Driven by strong sales across Ford’s growing product lineup in the Philippines, March retail sales rose 61 percent year-over-year to 1,000 vehicles. Overall retail sales during Ford’s record first quarter nearly doubled from the same period a year ago, rising 91 percent to 2,685 vehicles.

UPDATED: New Movie "RUSH" Looks at the 1976 Formula 1 Season: The Video

UPDATE: A second (and longer) trailer is provided after the break.

Ron Howard (Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind) is bringing the epic 1976 Formula 1 title fight between Nicki Lauda and James Hunt to the big screen. This is the first look at his new movie, RUSH. It focuses on the rivalry between Hunt and Lauda as well as Lauda's recovery from his near fatal crash.

RUSH stars Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt and Daniel Bruhl as Niki Lauda. RUSH is slated to open in the US on September 20, 2013.

Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2013: Better Driving Through Training

Photos by Ash Mahintay. Courtesy of CATS Motors, Inc.

Better driving skills can make a world of a difference for everyone on the road. Mercedes-Benz approaches the skill of driving from a holistic point of view. State-of-the-art Active and Passive systems need to be complemented by the necessary driving skills in order to ensure better protection for drivers and passengers, even pedestrians.

Subaru ForesterDRIVE: The Video

How did the all-new Subaru Forester do in the recently concluded ForesterDRIVE to Sagada? See it for yourself and hear it straight from the journalists who were there to drive Subaru's all-new crossover. Witness the all-new Forester tackle different terrain from the smooth highway roads of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to off-roading in the lahar trails of Porac, Pampanga to the long drives going up to Baguio and Sagada itself.

Video courtesy of Ardie Lopez

Philippine Car Price Guide: March-April 2013

Well, I have to apologize in advance for not coming out with the Philippine Car Price Guide last month as my laptop decided to blow itself into tiny little pieces. So after some re-installation work, restoration of back-up files, and other stuff...we're back again to our usual monthly updates. With the Manila International Auto Show or MIAS just finished a few days ago, there's a slew of updates here including:

Chery
Ford Explorer (2013 models)
Ford Ranger (10 variants including the new Wildtrak)
Hyundai Accent CRD
Jeep Wrangler Moab / Wrangler Unlimited Moab
Kia Carens
Mazda6 2.5 SKYACTIV
Mitsubishi Strada 2.5 GLX 4WD
Peugeot RCZ (2013 model)
Subaru Forester
Subaru XV (2013 models)
Toyota Corolla Altis (price adjustment)
Toyota Fortuner (price adjustment)
Toyota Hilux (price adjustment)
Toyota Innova (price adjustment)

Review: 2013 Toyota 86 M/T

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The Toyota 86 has become a tremendous success story for Toyota Motor Philippines since its launch mid last year. Not only has it hammered down the point that “fun is back” at Toyota, but it has successfully drawn car enthusiasts, myself included, who wouldn’t have considered owning a Toyota in the first place. Several people have offered varying suggestions on why it’s become such a sought-after car, but I’d like to offer my own reason: it’s a vehicle designed solely with precision in mind. Undoubtedly, it’s a wonderful piece of machinery designed to be one of the best handling sports car on the planet. Forget straight line speed or mind-boggling acceleration—the Toyota 86 isn’t about any of that. Instead, the 86 is about pure, unadulterated handling delight. It’s a sports car in the purest form. Show it a canyon course with dozens of switchbacks and hairpins, and it will put a smile on your face.

Hyundai, the official mobility partner of Solaire Open 2013, hits the greens with the 2013 Santa Fe and the All-New Azera as Asian Tour International, Ltd. once again brings Asia’s prestigious professional golf tournament to the Philippines on April 8-14, 2013 at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, Mandaluyong City.

For the tourney week, an exclusive fleet of new breed Santa Fes will serve as official shuttles for 150 professional and amateur golfers from 14 participating countries, including the Philippines.
Because only an SUV of refined yet sportive calibre shines with Asia’s best in this gentleman’s game of performance and distinction.

UPDATE: We just included a video after the break as well.

Audi has joined forces with Disney and Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, LLC for the release of Marvel’s Iron Man 3 due in theaters this May 2013. The brand will once again be highlighted throughout the entire film. The Audi R8, R8 Spyder, A8, S5, and Q7 were all featured in the first and second installments.

“Audi is excited to once again showcase the brand’s cutting edge technology and sleek design with the Audi R8 e-tron in Marvel’s Iron Man 3,” said Loren Angelo, General Manager of Brand Marketing for Audi of America. “This is a strategic collaboration for us. Similar to the position of the R8 as an innovation leader, Iron Man’s character consistently evolves throughout the trilogy as he masterminds new trends in technology and engineering.”

BMW Adds Another SAV into Range with X4 Concept

Every BMW SAV has been a trailblazer. The world premiere of the first BMW SAV (the BMW X5) in 1999 saw the BMW Group create the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment – one in which BMW SAVs remain the market leaders. The BMW X3 and BMW X1 were likewise the first SAVs in their classes, and continue to define these types of vehicles today.

The results of the Philippine Car of the Year, with the Mitsubishi Mirage winning the ultimate prize and the Mazda BT-50 getting the Philippine Truck of the Year, is controversial to some people. Well, the folks over at the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI), the organization that runs the Philippine Car of the Year is more than happy to put those doubts to rest.

Although we're not exactly privy on the exact weights of the Qualitative and Instrument tests, we do have a breakdown of how all the 2012-2013 entrants fared when it came to the group's Instrumented tests which consisted of: Acceleration, Braking, and Slalom.

See the entire long graphic file after the break.

At a grand event on the first day of the 2013 Manila International Auto Show, the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) has revealed the 2012-2013 Car of the Year - Philippines: the Mitsubishi Mirage.

The culmination of a year's testing, preparations and deliberations by the Car Awards Group, Inc, the 2012-2013 COTY-P season saw a field of 81 new cars, crossovers, SUVs, trucks, sportscars and vans that competed in 19 different categories, as well as the coveted title of Car Of The Year - Philippines.

MMPC Recalls 1,420 Mirage Models Due to Faulty ABS

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has recently announced to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that it will conduct a safety recall of the Mitsubishi Mirage GLS models equipped with Antilock Brake System both for manual and automatic transmission variants.

Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) member Focus Ventures, Inc., which exclusively distributes, markets, and services top-of-segment Chinese brands King Long buses and vans and FAW commercial trucks in the Philippines, introduces King Long Max at the ICON Innovation in Mobility Expo.

Keeping in mind space and comfort, this light commercial vehicle is designed with an improved high-roof ceiling, a 2+1 seat arrangement, accessible back row, and increased luggage space that can accommodate up to 16 passengers and more baggage, sans crowding. The airy cabin design, robust power, entertainment features, and safety conveniences make King Long Max a reliable road companion for families, especially for long drives.

ICON: Hyundai i-oniq Concept is Sneak Peek at Future Design Direction

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Have you ever wondered how Hyundai has become one of the most innovative and revolutionary car brands in the world today? The secret is in its concept cars.

Always reinventing, always revolutionizing, Hyundai’s research and development (R&D) centers around the globe are constantly designing new concept cars or prototypes every year to benchmark its contemporary drives. While not all concept cars end being mass produced, many become test-beds or inspirations for new car designs and features that serve true to the purpose of improving automotive technology, and ultimately, our way of driving.

Like the inspired strokes of an artist, deliberate in every curve, and every element, the all-new Hyundai Azera is an automotive piece of art where every part, shape, composition and design is beautiful. Authoritative and confident standing still and in motion, it brings in a new era of Hyundai in the premium sedan category and benchmarks another engineering feat in the automotive world.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Innovation. Individuality. Inspiration. Hyundai seems to evoke these words whenever the renowned automotive brand rolls out a new i-series model from its mobility innovation stable. It wasn’t too long ago when the i-series models— top-billed by the i10 and i30--were introduced to the Philippine automotive scene. Now, Hyundai gives the motoring public something new to look forward to, as it showcases another i-series model that further highlights Hyundai’s flair for distinctly European design. Make way for the Euro-chic i40.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Technology never sleeps and as technology keeps advancing, many people on the lookout for a new car are thinking about investing on a hybrid, not only for the cutting-edge features, but mostly for fuel efficiency and better mileage. Many view the hybrid as the industry’s “Holy Grail” of-the-moment. As gas prices continue to rise and the clamor for the most economical cars surges, so do car manufacturers step up.

Avid Members Headline ICON Expo from Today until Sunday, April 7

Photo by Ulysses Ang

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) once again convenes top minds from the government, business, and academe at the third Thought Leadership Forum (TLF) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Dubbed ICON (Innovation Congress), this year’s TLF is a milestone for AVID with its powerhouse events--the ICON forum on April 5 and the Innovation in Mobility Expo, which runs April 5-7, 2013 at The ICON on 32nd Avenue cor. 9th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Admission to the Congress and Expo is free.

Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated (HCPI), Honda’s automobile assembly and sales subsidiary in the Philippines, introduces the Detachable Third Row Seat accessory for select variants of its CR-V model.
Beginning April 1, 2013, the 2.0 LX (2WD with automatic transmission) and 2.4 LX (4WD with automatic transmission) variants will have the Detachable Third Row Seat accessory.

Even if Peugeot returned to the Philippine market just a year ago, they’ve been making themselves busy. For The Manila International Auto Show, Peugeot is showcasing their updated RCZ sports coupe. The RCZ is made even more of a stunner thanks to the revamped front end which echoes Peugeot’s new design direction. The RCZ ditches the single gaping grille for a two-level grille separated by a body-colored section. This small change does wonders to the RCZ’s style which is comprised of the sweeping proportions, low rear deck, and bubble top roofline. And despite having only a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the RCZ has 156 horsepower good for a 0-100 km/h time of just 7.8 seconds.

MIAS 2013: Mini Launches Paceman

Photo by Ulysses Ang

The seventh model in the Mini range, the Paceman is more than just the Countryman with the two rear doors chopped off. The exterior is restyled and is sleeker thanks to a sloping roof line, horizontal tail lamps, and a sleek rear glass that haunch up. The suspension is also sportier, making the Paceman sit lower than the Countryman. Inside, the Paceman gets some fiddling including the migration of the power windows switches from the center console to the doors. Under the hood, the Paceman is powered by the same engines powering the Countryman so expect a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with different tunes from 122 horsepower all the way to 208 horsepower for the John Cooper Works model.

MIAS 2013: Mazda Updates CX-9 with Kodo Face

Photo by Ulysses Ang

While the Mazda6 was the scene stealer at the Mazda pavilion, another Mazda has been refreshed for the 2013 model year: the flagship crossover, the CX-9. It gains the new "Kodo: Soul of Motion" look refreshing the headlamps, grille, and bumper. At the back, the CX-9 receives new tail lamp clusters as well as slightly re-shaped bumpers. It's purely a cosmetic job however as the CX-9 will retain its 3.7-liter V6. Currently, Mazda is offering the CX-9 as an all-wheel drive 7-seater crossover however a more affordable front-wheel drive version will arrive later in the year.

MIAS 2013: Mazda6 2.5 SKYACTIV Makes Its Debut

The globally-acclaimed new Mazda6 makes its Philippines debut at the 2013 Manila International Motor Show, following an exclusive reveal to the press the previous evening in Pasig City.

Presenting the new Mazda6 at MIAS was none other than the Mazda6 Program Manager, Mr. Hiroshi Kajiyama, from Mazda Motor Corporation.

MIAS 2013: BPI Auto Loans Brings Exclusive Perks to MIAS Visitors

The 2013 Manila International Auto Show, presented by BPI Family Auto Loan for three straight years, opens its doors to car enthusiasts this coming April 4-7, at the World Trade Center in Pasay. MIAS the country’s biggest motoring event in the country features the brand new, hybrid and concept cars from the country’s leading automotive brands.

As the official presentor of the MIAS, BPI Family Auto Loan offers special low loan rates as well as FREE Comprehensive Insurance with Acts of Nature Coverage. The BPI Family Auto loan team is also on-site to process and approve loan applications.

Ford is in the spotlight at the 2013 Manila International Auto Show with the preview of the new Ford Fiesta. With the refresh of its class-leading small car, Ford demonstrates its commitment to capture even more of the rapidly growing small car segment as the company continues with its aggressive growth plan for the Philippines.

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