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

July 31, 2013

Chevrolet Previews Spin; Pre-Launch Price Offer of P 798,888 (w/ Complete Specs)

There's a new AUV on the block and everyone is invited to take it for a spin. Chevrolet Philippines - The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the Philippines shall officially launch the Spin in August 2013 but as a special pre-launch offer, Chevrolet Philippines is giving everyone a chance to preview this 7-seater, All-Around Utility Vehicle (AUV) in selected malls in Manila in the coming weeks and avail of discounted introductory price offers which starts at P798,888.00 for the 1.3L Turbo Diesel LS, P908,888.00 for the 1.3L Turbo Diesel LTZ and P 838,888.00 for the 1.5L LTZ gasoline engine.

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, once again brings the increasingly popular Kia vehicles closer to people with Kia on Tour 2013. This nationwide mall-based tour brings Kia’s latest model line-up around the Philippines for prospective customers to experience.

2013 Kia Sportage 2.4 DLX AWD vs 2013 Honda CR-V 2.4 SX

Compact crossovers—they’re now pretty much one of the most common forms of transportation. Every car manufacturer’s got one, and in one way or the other, they’ve got their own differentiating factors be it luxury, space, power, or value. Of course, in time these differentiating factors all tend to get mushed up; the effect of an ever-crowded market space. Sometimes, what you get are crossovers that supposedly offer something unique, but offer pretty much a similar driving experience as its most direct competitor. To put this theory to the test, it was necessary to pit the best-selling compact crossover, the Honda CR-V, in its top-of-the-line 2.4 SX guise no less, against the Sportage, Kia’s direct answer to the CR-V, represented here also in its range-topping 2.4 DLX trim. Now, let’s get this fight started!

Toyota to Showcase Concept Cars at The World of Toyota Motorshow on August 10-18

This August 2013, the no. 1 automotive brand in the country, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) will bring in two concept cars to the Philippines. These vehicles that will give us a glimpse of how cars will be in the near future will be exhibited at The World of Toyota Motorshow on August 10 – 18 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. Toyota’s FCV-R and Lexus’s LF-LC exude the brand’s new design philosophy and technology of cars in the future.

Richard Yap is Nissan Almera's New Brand Ambassador

Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI) has named local daytime TV’s leading man Richard Yap as its brand ambassador for the all-new Nissan Almera 1.5L.

Yap is popularly known for his portrayal as the lovable “Sir Chief” in the hit series, Be Careful With My Heart, and now has a growing list of product endorsements under his belt.

Bentley Motors today confirms that it will proceed with the development of the Bentley SUV, the company’s fourth model line. The SUV will be made in Crewe and will go on sale in 2016. It will create over 1000 jobs in the UK. Over the next three years Bentley will invest more than £800 million in its headquarters at Crewe and the development of new models.

Honoring its responsibility to the environment, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has turned over to ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Kalikasan program collected used lead acid batteries and used industrial oil so these could be disposed in line with proper environmental standards.

Peugeot Opens in Nueva Ecija

After launching Peugeot Las Piñas, Peugeot Cagayan de Oro, Peugeot Quirino and Peugeot Cebu earlier this year, Eurobrands Distributor Inc. (EDI), official importer of Peugeot vehicles in the country together with RDT Lionside Motors Corporation, formally opened last July 15, 2013 the doors of Peugeot Nueva Ecija. Like all the previous Peugeot dealerships before it, Peugeot Nueva Ecija aims to provide the full Peugeot ownership experience to its customers while ascribing fully to Peugeot international standards. With the showroom’s opening, Peugeot has set a new benchmark in showroom experiences in the Northern Luzon area.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has presented in Cebu the newest additions to its medium-duty truck lines, as well as a host of unique transportation solutions, at the 2013 Isuzu Truck Fest – Cebu, which was successfully held from July 18 to 20 at SM City Cebu, North Reclamation Area, Mabolo City.

BPI Auto Loans Extends Free 1-Year Comprehensive Insurance

Cars are considered to be an essential investment, be it for a working professional or for a family. More than its function to transport and move you from place to place, it is a tool that brings convenience. Having your own vehicle opens up a lot of possibilities and advantages - having to go on road trips to popular destinations with the family and being able to explore new places anytime are just some of the fun things it affords you.

As it is fairly a large purchase, choosing which car to buy could be a difficult decision to make. Alongside with it, how to buy that car is another question to consider. BPI Family Auto Loan is a trusted partner that will make it easy for you to get that dream car.

2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ vs 2013 Toyota Fortuner 3.0 V

Which one is better: Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 LTZ or the Toyota Fortuner 3.0 V? This is a question most commonly asked, but never answered; at least not directly. But, no matter how you look at it, this comparison is inevitable. On one corner, you have the Toyota Fortuner—the one who pioneered the entire “sleek-looking, truck-based 7-seater SUV” craze (sorry, the Ford Everest doesn’t count because it looks just too agricultural). Recently re-styled and upgraded, the Fortuner soldiers on with more or less the same innards that made it successful. On the other is the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the newest addition to the ever-growing slew of alternatives, and single-handedly the vehicle that has catapulted the bowtie brand into to the mainstream. It maybe new from the top-down, but it keeps very close to the Toyota Fortuner formula. And with a price spread just a hair above P 45,000 (P 45,112 to be exact), these two were destined to slug it out.

Strong new offerings coupled with tried and tested segment leaders saw the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors’ (AVID) Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) storm up sales rankings in the first half of 2013.

From January to June of this year, AVID’s LCVs marked an impressive 20% increase over the same period last year, increasing its tally to 7,524 units sold from 6,270 a year ago. Fueling this onslaught were Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc.’s Subaru and The Covenant Car Company, Inc.’s Chevrolet brands with compelling new offerings in the Compact and Mid-Size SUV categories.

The LCV segment’s exemplary first half performance provided a strong cushion in tempering a supply-stricken Passenger Car (PC) category where primary movers Hyundai and Chevrolet both experienced significant losses due to supply-dictated performance as well as strong external competition. As a result, AVID ended the period with a mere 3% decline over the same period a year ago, offsetting the 18% decline by the PC models.

A Play Date with the 2013 BMW X1

Photos by Ulysses Ang

It began almost two weeks ago with the most “humble” of invites: a black box with the words “BMW X1: Let’s Play” printed on it. Receiving a three-dimensional, non-paper invite already made me feel special, but once I got to peek inside, it made it say, “Oh my god”. There it was, in all its glory, a brand-new BlackBerry Z10 (well, half of the participants received an Apple iPhone 5). It came with the strict instructions that it was to be returned after the drive, and yet, this made me feel like a million bucks. And this was just the appetizer.

If you need to travel long distances for your daily commute, it is essential to have enough fuel in your tank to get through the day. And it’s a huge windfall to get all the fuel that you need, free!

The Wolverine Drives an Audi R8 Too!

What do Marvel superheroes Wolverine and Iron Man have in common? Aside from their dashing good looks, it seems they share the same taste in cars. Hugh Jackman recently appeared at the UK premiere of The Wolverine riding a stunning R8. Of course, the film will feature the Audi supercar along with the A8 L. The Wolverine will be shown in Philippine cinemas from July 25.

Honda to Release Entry-Level MPV for Indonesian Market

P.T. Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) released the global premiere of the official sketch of the brand-new Honda MPV that will be making its world debut at the upcoming 21st Indonesia International Motor Show, scheduled for September 19-29, in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The new Honda MPV was developed for the Asian market by Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. in Thailand and P.T. Honda R&D Indonesia. This model will be the first Honda product in Indonesia to be introduced to the entry level MPV segment, the biggest category in the Indonesian automobile market. In addition to offering seven seats in a 3-row configuration, the new Honda MPV features an innovative design, spacious cabin, and advanced safety which is already a hallmark of every Honda product. The new Honda MPV will be powered by a 1.5L gasoline engine, which provides both sporty performance and good fuel efficiency.

July 19, 2013

Mercedes-Benz C 63 Black Series vs Subaru Legacy GT Rev Off

So what do you get when you put a Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Black Series next to a Subaru Legacy GT? Well after they decide to do a "rev off", music to a car enthusiast's ear! Happy Friday everyone!

Video Courtesy of: YouTube

Peugeot Holding Test Drive Activity at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Eurobrands Distributor Inc. (EDI), official importer and distributor of Peugeot vehicles in the country, announced recently that it will be staging a two-month display and test drive activity at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

How does one take a well-loved motoring icon to the next level? Ford makes a great case with the new Ford Fiesta – which is making its official debut today in the Philippines – sporting new looks and smart technologies to help keep drivers connected.

The new Fiesta is poised to redefine the small car segment with its exciting new bold design, segment-leading fuel economy, class-leading safety features and all-new smart technologies, including Ford SYNC.

The Nissan X-Trail, Isuzu Crosswind, Honda Civic, Kia Carens, Hyundai Grand Starex, Kia Sorento, Nissan Teana, and the Toyota Vios. From economy sub-compact to multi-role sports utility vehicle to veritable people-mover, quite a varied line-up of the riding and car-owning public’s choices for the “Auto Focus Automobile of the Year” have emerged throughout past the past eight years. Which brand and model will emerge at the top and be crowned as the ninth winner of the coveted “2013-2014 Auto Focus Automobile of the Year” award?

The 2013 Race Of Champions will be held at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium on December 14-15. The news comes after Thailand, which hosted last year’s ROC, again beat off a wide range of contenders from all round the world to stage the prestigious event.

Michelin Primacy 3 ST Tires Deliver Safer, Quieter, Longer Lasting Tire for Asian Roads

The world’s leading tire manufacturer, Michelin, today sets new benchmarks in motoring safety, silence and comfort in the Philippines with the launch of the new Michelin Primacy 3 ST. Designed and developed exclusively for the Asia Pacific region’s extreme roads and weather conditions, the Michelin Primacy 3 ST meets these specific demands of drivers.

Repsol, a leading motor oil in Spain, recently held the Repsol Road Race Championship (RRCC) in Blue Wave, Marikina. Now on its third year, RRRC was primarily launched in the Philippines to search for new talents and best riders in the country.

Hundreds participated while thousands of bike enthusiasts watched the race. Various activities took place such as the expert class race, pocket bike competition for children, distribution of freebies by the Repsol girls and discounted price offered on Repsol oil products.

Repsol is suitable for a wide range of motorcycles. It provides maximum engine protection in extreme conditions whether they are subjected to high temperatures or during long operating periods. Its formulation protects the engine against the formation of deposits in the exhaust keeping it clean. It also guarantees excellent performance in or out of competition.

Repsol is available in authorized dealerships nationwide. For more information, please visit www.jointeamrepsol.com or www.repsol.com. You can also call +63-2-3777-500.

July 17, 2013

Subaru Holds First-Ever Tanabata Festival: Selected Models to Receive Cash Rebates, Financing Schemes

Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the Philippines, will be holding its first-ever Tanabata Festival at its Greenhills and Global City Showrooms from July 19 to July 21, 2013.

The Tanabata Festival or “Meeting of the Seventh” is a Japanese star festival, originating from the Chinese Qixi Festival. It celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair respectively). According to the legend, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar.

Ducks aren’t concerned about the rain, and now drivers don’t need to be either. Reducing braking distances by more than 2 meters on wet roads, the Goodyear Assurance TripleMax tire takes the worry out of driving.
With consumer driven needs at the center of its tire innovations, Goodyear has rolled out the Assurance TripleMax, the first tire to boast Goodyear’s latest HYDROGRIP Technology® that delivers drivers maximum grip for maximum assurance.

Audi PH Introduces Premium Lease & Amazing Premium Deals

Audi jump starts 2013 with new remarkable models. The launch of the all-new Audi A1 Sportback and Audi Q3 and product-improved models such as the Audi A4, A6 and Q5, greatly helped in improving Audi’s sales for 2013.

The positive market feedback drawn from its new models brought more hope for Audi. And it continues to ignite its plans of not slowing down as it introduces its latest two unparalleled and innovative ways of Audi ownership – The Audi Premium Lease and Amazing Premium Deals.

Team Celerio Philippines (TCP) recently brought together various Suzuki models from the vintage Samurai to the latest Alto 800 and Swift Dzire in the first-ever charity fundraiser car show dubbed as “Show Off 2013”. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Tambuli Para Sa Bayan at Diyos, a medical mission foundation based in Quezon City.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Driving the 2013 Subaru Forester through Sagada in the Northern Philippines and driving the XT on the streets of Manila proved to be just the beginning. Now, it’s the Forester 2.0 i-L’s turn to get driven.

Subaru has always cemented its reputation building turbocharged, championship-winning rally cars. After a time, this reputation has spread onto its road cars, where the most sought-after models typically have gapping hood scoops, bright-blue paint, and gold-colored rims. However, before getting into the world of motorsports, Subaru has always been synonymous with building solid, reliable, but somewhat quirky cars. Though the quirkiness has faded, Subaru continues the tradition of making bullet-proof cars (backed up by US-based data collector Polk that says 96 percent of Subarus purchased 12 years ago are still on the road). This tradition is pretty much alive in the all-new Subaru Forester 2.0 i-L—the compact crossover that manages to be the perfect everyday performer.

Mazda Philippines Backs Michele Bumgarner on Mazda Road to Indy

Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc, the distributor of Mazda in the Philippines, and Lee Bumgarner (LBI), Inc, announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Mazda Philippines to support Filipino racing sensation Michele Bumgarner in her quest to reach the North America’s INDYCAR race championship.

Nissan has finally resurrected the Datsun brand with an all-new model destined for the Indian market, the Go.

Volvo Philippines unleashes a new breed of Volvos through a Limited Edition Performance Package on select Volvo models. Certain turbocharged and diesel variants of the Volvo S60, XC60 and XC90 have been upgraded with R-Design styling elements and Polestar-tuned engines, to offer even more value-laden Volvo Ownership experience.

TOTAL and Peugeot Conquers Pikes Peak USA

June 30 marked a milestone in the shared motorsports history of Total and Peugeot. Nine-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb conquered Pikes Peak in Colorado, USA. Dubbed “the race to the clouds,” Total and Peugeot worked with partners Red Bull and Michelin to take Loeb from 9,390 feet at the start to 14,110 feet at the finish line.

The Peugeot 208 T16 was packed with 875 horsepower and weighed 875 kg, equipped with big wings to maximize the aerodynamics effect. Loeb drove at an average speed of 145 km/h, going through Pikes Peak’s 156 turns and 12.42 miles (20 kilometers). The mythical race saw him shattering the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record with a time of 8 minutes and 13.878 seconds, besting Rhys Millen’s 9 minutes and 46.164 second set in 2012. Further, Loeb even beat his own practice run time of 8 minutes and 15 seconds on the Colorado mountain.

“I’m really happy as that was a very good run in the end,” said Loeb. “I really didn’t expect anything better than 8m15s, so to do 8m13s was fantastic. Before the start, I didn’t really know if I should push absolutely to the maximum or if I should just push to a comfortable pace, in order to make sure of the victory. In the end, I decided to push to the limit.”

Volvo Reaches Landmark Safety Milestone: 1 Million Cars Equipped with Auto Brake Technology

Today, the sales of Volvo cars equipped with systems for automatic braking passed the one million mark - another milestone that confirms Volvo Car Group's world-leading position within automotive safety.

Volvo Cars' technology for automatic braking includes several world firsts: City Safety, which is standard and works at speeds up to 50 km/h; Collision Warning with full auto brake; and Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with full auto brake.

The Amazing (Fuel-Sipping) Race: Putting the Peugeot 3008 Through its Paces

Photos by Eurobrands Distributor, Inc. Press

Fuel economy runs have become fairly common for us in the motoring beat. Name every conceivable iteration from city to long-distance, track to off-road; I’ve done it most likely. But that doesn’t stop car manufacturers from using fuel-economy runs to measure the merit of their cars, especially if it’s boasting great levels of frugality. Peugeot, with the 3008, is the latest one to join the fray with an Alabang-Batangas City and back fuel economy fun run.

Toyota Motor Philippines Launches All-new Vios (w/ Brochure)

Vios—derived from the Latin word meaning “to move forward”—seems like a fitting nameplate for a car that’s destined to bring Toyota Motor Philippines to new heights and bring its product-led transformation to the next chapter: the mass-market. The undisputed leader in the sub-compact car segment since the launch of the first-generation model in 2002, the all-new, third-generation Vios aims to cement that lead further, and in the process, add another nail to the competitors’ coffins.

Philippine Car Price Guide: June-July 2013

With not much changes last June, I decided to postpone the Philippine Price Guide and combine it instead with the July 2013 edition. So, for the past two months, here are the additional cars/updated prices of cars in the Philippines.

BMW M6
Dodge Challenger (price update)
Dodge Charger (price update)
Honda CR-Z (image pricing)
Hyundai Santa Fe 2WD 6 M/T
Jeep Grand Cherokee (price update)
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (price update)
Kia Carens
Land Rover Range Rover
Lexus IS 350 & IS 350 F Sport
Lifan LF320 (price update)
Mazda 3 1.6 MAXX
Mazda CX-5 AWD Sport
Mercedes-Benz A 250 CGI Sport
Mercedes-Benz E 250 CDI Avantgarde
Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Sport
Mitsubishi Adventure GLX SE
Mitsubishi Adventure GLS Sport SE
Mitsubishi Adventure Super Sport SE
Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DI-D Limited Edition
Suzuki APV SGX (price update)
Toyota Camry (price update)
Toyota Vios

New Ford Fiesta: Key to Modern Living

It’s pouring rain and you’re running late for a meeting. Caught in the deluge, you use one hand to frantically root through your bag and pockets for your key, taking care not to spill the scalding hot coffee you’re holding with the other. Within seconds, you’re drenched. As you scramble to unlock the door before collapsing inside in a dripping mess, you think to yourself: It’s 2013. There must be a better way.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Everyone should drive a Ford Ranger Wildtrak, preferably the 3.2-liter. There, I said it. As much as I detest lumbering SUVs and pick-up trucks, with the torrential rains hitting Metro Manila every single day, it’s actually great to have a vehicle that can bring you home dry and in one piece. Having driven the Ford Ranger before, specifically the XLT trim, I’m already quite used to this vehicle’s merits such as class-leading 800-mm wading depth, massive 80-liter fuel tank, and advanced features such as voice-command. Still, I find myself on the fence on whether I’d pick the Ranger over say, a compact crossover or SUV for a variety of reasons, the absence of luxury features to name one. However, the arrival of the Wildtrak blows those reservations out the window. This indeed is the new go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle.

Toyota Offering New Corolla Altis TRD Upgrade for 1.6G AT

Toyota Motor Philippines has announced through its official Facebook page the availability of the Corolla Altis TRD upgrade for the 1.6G A/T variant.

For an additional P 10,000 (SRP is P 914,000), the 1.6G A/T gets spiffy new 17-inch TRD alloy wheels as well as side skirts. Of course, it also comes with the prerequisite "TRD Sportivo" badging at the back. No mechanical changes or modifications have been made.

Of course, long-time Toyota fans will note that the announcement of a TRD model all point to the arrival of the all-new model real soon.

Source: Toyota Motor Philippine Facebook Page

UPDATED: Catch a Sneak Peek of the All-New Toyota Vios, Pre-Selling Starts Now!

UPDATE: Toyota will be offering public test drives of the all-new Vios at the Alabang Town Center, Eastwood Mall, and Bonifacio Global City on July 13-14. This is a day after the official launch party at the NBC Tent which will feature DJ Amely among others. For tickets and more information about the "Vios Vibe" launch party, log onto: ViosStarttheFun.com

This June 2013, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) teases you with a more dynamically-designed car that has grown to be a favorite amongst the Filipinos. Catch a glimpse of the much-awaited vehicle as it storms the streets of Manila and key areas in Luzon until June 23, 2013! Be the first to start the fun by taking a snapshot of the all-new Vios!

Led by the continued strength in demand for the class-defining all-new Ranger pickup, Ford Philippines today reported its best-ever June performance with overall retail sales surging 112 percent year-over-year to 1,245 units.

The exceptional month wrapped up a record first-half for Ford in the Philippines with overall retail sales increasing 87 percent from the same period last year to 6,261 vehicles – making Ford the fastest growing automotive brand in the country this year.

Michelin has renewed its commitment to the NASCAR WHELEN Euro-Series (the new name for the former Euro-Racecar NASCAR Touring Series) as it develops across Europe.

Since its first involvement in this championship in 2009, the French tire firm has played a key role and will provide tires that deliver a high level of grip, durability and performance adapted to the conditions encountered in NASCAR racing. Michelin sees this as a long-term partnership, with the focus of all its players, from the drivers and organisers, to its partners, very much on the notion of reasoned motorsport. In addition to being a responsible form of racing, the NASCAR WHELEN Euro-Series is also exciting and entertaining for spectators.

New Suzuki Alto 800 Leads in Affordability

People looking to buy their first car can drive home their new ride without spending big as Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH), the only integrated automobile and motorcycle company in the country, launches the all-new and very affordable subcompact car— the Alto 800.

Retailing at only P388,000.00 for the standard variant, owners get great value for their money as the all-new Alto 800 goes farther with its 22.74 km/l average mileage, 11 percent more torque, and 15 percent more fuel-efficiency than the previous Alto.

SPH President Hiroshi Suzuki shares, “The launch of the Alto 800 in the Philippines underscores our commitment to bring fuel-efficient, comfortable, and affordable cars to this market. We look forward to introducing more the Suzuki ‘Way of Life’ brand philosophy to the Filipinos by pioneering great-valued automobiles like the Alto 800.”

For more information about the Suzuki Alto 800, please visit www.suzuki.com.ph.

Michelin and Peugeot Set New Pikes Peak Record

At last, the dream has become reality. Following months of team work, the savoir-faire of the engineers at Peugeot Sport and Michelin paid dividends when Frenchman Sébastien Loeb provided further evidence of his multifaceted talent with another top-flight performance. At about 17:40 (UTC), the nine-time world rally champion recorded a time of 8m13.878s for the infamous American hill climb. That was enough to win the "Ultimate" class and establish a brand new record for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, USA, the world‟s most famous hill climb event which was organised for the 91st time this weekend.

Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars) announces it will have an official Volvo Polestar Racing team on the grid in the V8 Supercars Championship in 2014 and race the Volvo S60.

"I'm delighted to announce Volvos return to motorsport in Australia. Volvo has a rich motorsport heritage in this country, including winning Australia's most famous race, the Bathurst 1000, 15 years ago this coming October. As the first luxury car brand to enter an official factory team in the V8 Supercars Championship, we're determined to add to this heritage, while strengthening the presence of the S60 model line and the Volvo brand here in Australia," said Matt Braid, Volvo Car Australia Managing Director.

Ford Invites Consumers to Find Their 24-Hour Fiesta Profile; Set to Promote New Fiesta

Ford Philippines today announced an innovative and interactive pre-launch campaign -- ‘24 Hour Fiesta Project’ -- designed to engage young and connected Filipinos by matching their personalities, lifestyles and tastes with the new Ford Fiesta.

Over a six-week period – until Monday, August 5 – participants will be asked to pick a Fiesta Profile that both matches their personality and time-of-day that best reflects their lifestyle, share their profile with friends on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and become eligible to win a unique 24-hour Fiesta experience.

Review: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Brembo M/T

Photos by Ulysses Ang

We’re no stranger to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. We’ve driven a modified “drift car” version before as well as the latest 3.8 V6 8AT. Now, we move on to the Car of the Year – Philippines’s sports car of the year, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Brembo.

Normally, a driver’s best ally in a car is the transmission. More than just the brute horsepower of the engine, it’s the transmission that determines how that power is transferred onto the wheels. It can amplify and/or reduce acceleration, top speed, and even fuel economy depending on the specific tuning involved. Given the importance of the gearbox, a sports car should only warrant the best. That’s why you often hear things like ‘positive action’, easily modulated clutch’, and ‘short throw shifting’ alongside ‘powerful acceleration’ and ‘exhilarating handling’. Unfortunately, it seems Hyundai engineers didn’t get the memo with the Genesis Coupe 2.0T.

CATS Motors Launches New Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Before Mercedes-Benz diversified their product portfolio to include everything from hot hatches to SUVs to supercars, they were highly renowned for the E-Class and S-Class. Though its designations may have changed (to reflect its positioning in the broadened Mercedes-Benz product range), both of these sedans continue the tradition of being the best in their respective classes. And now, CATS Motors, the country’s general distributor of Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off the new E-Class which the company touts as “one of its biggest mid-cycle enhancements in Mercedes-Benz history”.

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