Photos by Ulysses Ang and Toyota Press

Jason Choachuy (Car No. 37) of Toyota Balintawak dominated Round 2 of the 2014 Toyota Vios Cup at the Clark International Speedway last Saturday, July 26 with a stunning back-to-back win in Race 3 and 4. With changing weather conditions in the days leading up to the race, everyone was expecting a wet weekend for all 28 Toyota Vios Cup Racers. The traffic situation on NLEX brought on by the Inglesia ni Cristo Centennial proved to be of little worry as thousands of speed freaks still filled up the grand stands to watch the action in the One-Make Race.

With dynamic ability, comfort, elegance and a host of innovations designed to further enhance a luxurious driving experience, the new BMW 5 Series once again raises the bar for the premium executive sedan segment. It has sealed its position as the global leader in its class with over one million units sold, earning a unique status in the segment. A new chapter dawns in its impressive success story with precise modifications to the cars’ design, and innovative additions to the range of available equipment. Two (2) models of the New BMW 5 Series, namely the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, are now available in the Philippine market.

Chery Cars Philippines has recently introduced its latest automobile offering that should capture the imagination of young, upwardly mobile Filipino professionals: the Chery Fulwin2.

The Subaru Palm Challenge: Philippine Leg is back again to find the 10 contestants to represent the Philippines in the Subaru Palm Challenge - Asian Face-Off. Take part in one of the three legs and get a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Singapore:

Car enthusiasts in Manila can now view the latest Suzuki automobiles as Suzuki Philippines opens its latest showroom in SM City San Lazaro, Manila. The new store, a satellite showroom for Suzuki Auto U.N. Avenue, will feature Suzuki’s latest automobiles such as the Swift 1.2 hatchback and the Ertiga compact family car.

Considering that the “Ghost Month” has just set in, we figured there wouldn’t be any new car launches until the third of week of August. Therefore, consider this as our “late for July” but “early for August” Philippine Car Price Guide. For this update, we have the following additions/changes:

• BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
• Chevrolet Malibu LT (new variant)
• Chevrolet Spin (price adjustment)
• Honda CR-V Cruiser Edition (new variant)
• Honda Jazz
• Kia Picanto (price adjustment)
• Kia Sorento (price adjustment)
• Kia Soul (price adjustment)
• Kia Sportage (price adjustment)
• MINI Cooper / Cooper S
• Mitsubishi Adventure (price adjustment)
• Suzuki Ertiga
• Suzuki Swift 1.2 (new variant)
• Tata Manza Aura (new variant)
• Tata Vista Ignis (new variant)

There are also some models that have bitten the dust, but we will just let you find them for yourselves. Happy hunting!

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The Subaru WRX STI—it’s one of those cars that need little introduction. However, in case you do need a refresher (shame on you); they represent the pinnacle of Subaru’s technical know-how. Borne out of the World Rally Championship, they’re fitted with a massaged turbocharged Flat-4 engine and all-wheel drive as standard from Day One. They are, in short, the automotive equivalent of Thor: the God of Thunder and Lighting with biceps (or fender flares, if you prefer) to make even the manliest man swoon. However, for all the space it occupied on bedroom walls and laptop wallpapers, it had one big problem: they weren’t for the faint of heart. They were like driving a sledgehammer with four wheels and a windshield. Thankfully though, Subaru and the engineering gurus at Subaru Technica International or STI have rectified that erratic behavior in the all-new model. Not only is this the best handling WRX STI ever. This is the most refined WRX STI ever.

Photos Courtesy of Dux Carvajal of Ford Press

Tailgating—it’s the quintessentially American Male thing where groups of bros hang around in parking lots (typically during a big game) with hot food sizzling on a grille and cold drinks chilling in a cooler. Although you can try doing that here in the Philippines, you’ll earn the irk of security guards even before you could unfold your bench out. So what’s the best thing you can do? Go out of town, to the middle of nowhere (preferably where trail meets road), and then whip out the grille. Of course, you need a very capable go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle and a group of the manliest men in the motoring beat to drive out of the comforts of Manila and cook burgers. And so, that’s exactly what happened with the Ford Ranger Tailgate Challenge.

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines, continues to dominate the Philippine luxury vehicle segment as it reached first half of 2014 with a total of 352 units sold, accounting for a total of 36% over-all market share. BMW’s core model, The 3 Series, is recorded as ACC’s top performer, closely followed by its most popular SAV, The BMW X3, contributing to a 6% increase in total sales compared to the same period last year. This correlates with BMW’s global performance, which saw a 10.2% YTD growth versus last year.

Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines is keen on setting a new benchmark in design and innovation with the launch of the all-new 4 Series Gran Coupe. The first-ever four-door coupe in the premium mid-sized segment, the 4 Series Gran Coupe seamlessly blends the unmistakable look of a sports coupe with the practicality and functionality of a four door sedan.

Car buyers now have more choices with the arrival of the new Tata Manza Aura and Vista Ignis. Launched recently by the Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, Inc., the official and exclusive distributor of Tata vehicles in the Philippines at their new Cainta showroom along Ortigas Avenue Extension, the Manza Aura and Vista Ignis are powered by the highly efficient and refined Quadrajet diesel engine which promises high fuel efficiency. At the same time, these models were designed with good passenger comfort and worry-free ownership in mind.

Carmudi, the world’s fastest growing online car classified, is all set to change the experience of shopping for car enthusiasts in the Philippines. The online car classifieds has officially launched its mobile application which will allow users to browse thousands of cars on the go. Hosting over 20,000 vehicles online, Carmudi’s app will give users an excellent experience of buying cars while on the move, thus allowing them the same sense of ease and comfort out and about as they would experience in front of their PCs at home.

Malaysia’s legendary Sepang International F1 Circuit will come alive between July and August 2014, with the roar and excitement as more than 500 Michelin customers, journalists and social media commentators from 16 countries enjoying the rare and unique opportunity to take part in the Michelin Pilot Sport Experience.

Now, it is easier to own a Volkswagen.

Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc., (ACEI), the official importer and distributor of Volkswagen cars in the country, is pleased to announce a special offer for the Polo Sedan, Jetta, Touran, Tiguan, Touareg, and the iconic Beetle.

Petron is spicing up the perks of its Value Card holders in conjunction with the start of the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) where Petron Value Card holders, regardless of school affiliation will have the chance to avail of free tickets or even just free parking when you watch the games.

The journey just got way happier for motorists who will fuel up starting July 15 to September 30, 2014 at any Caltex station. Aside from getting maximized power, improved fuel economy, lower emission, smoother drive and reliable performance in every Caltex with Techron fuel purchase, Caltex customers can also enjoy a free Chowking Halo-halo, Chinese-Style Fried chicken, Pork Siomai Chow Fan and more.

Last Sunday saw more sideways action at the Mega Tent grounds in Libis for the second leg of the Hyundai Lateral Drift Championship. A total of 30 drift drivers from the amateur and pro division battled it out for the top slot in this year’s series.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) powers past the midway mark of 2014 with a strong 11.7% growth pace compared to its results during the same January-to-June period in 2013. Isuzu’s performance comes side-by-side with the Philippine automotive industry’s record-setting rate of a 15.5% increase in year-on-year deliveries of commercial vehicles.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Consider me spoiled. It’s not every day you look forward to driving an entry-level variant mainly because you’ve already tried their range-topping model. But, they say that well-engineered cars, no matter the variant, should have the same great DNA with or without the extra trimmings. And that brings us to the all-new Mazda3 1.5 V Skyactiv sedan—the sub-million brother to the awesome 2.0 R Skyactiv and currently, the most affordable entry point to the world of Skyactiv. Is it every bit as good as its big brother? How does it perform?

After more than a month's break, the Yokohama Philippine Grand Touring Car Championship is returning to the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) for Round 2 of the 2014 season.

Don Don Portugal dominated the GT300 class in Round 1, fending off the challenge from Jomai Yllana. But he'll be facing stiffer competition in the next race as more drivers are expected to join the grid, including Tuason Racing School driver VM Kaikkonen. It is, however, still uncertain if reigning champion Jody Coseteng will be defending his title this year.

Now on its 14th year, Vision Petron, the award-winning national student art competition of industry leader Petron Corporation has announced the theme of the current competition season as Lakbay Panata: My Journey, My Pledge.

Safety is perhaps the least sexiest topic to talk about when it comes to cars. Styling, performance, and even space dictates a car buyer’s heart in choosing their next vehicle purchase even before the subject of airbags, brakes, and crash safety are even brought up. This lack of safety-consciousness is reflected quite well in the multitude of new cars available in the market today with either no or just the barest minimum of safety equipment. However, before reaching out for the car that gives you a GPS and DVD combo, it might a good idea to actually what new safety technology such as Vehicle Stability Assist can do for you.

Barely a monthly after introducing the Swift 1.2 hatchback, Suzuki Philippines has unveiled yet another addition to their growing automobile line-up: the Ertiga. Dubbed as a “Lifestyle Utility Vehicle” or LUV for short, the Ertiga takes a completely different approach to the very competitive but lucrative compact 7-seater MPV or multi-purpose utility vehicle market.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, continued its positive sales performance with 12% year-on-year growth in June, bringing its tally to 1,928 units sold versus 1,726 units sold in the prior year. For the first semester of this year, Hyundai managed to grow by 6% equivalent to a total of 11,651 units.

In June, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) registered total sales of 2,973 units, up by 21% from 2,447 units sold in the same month last year.  This led to first semester growth of 17% or a total of 17,902 units, driven by the marked performance of both the Passenger Cars (PC) and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segments.

Motor Image Pilipinas Inc., will be holding its Tanabata Festival, running on its second year, at all Subaru Showrooms nationwide from July 18 to July 20, 2014.

Mazda has finally pulled the wraps off its all-new Mazda2 sub-compact hatchback, the latest model to receive the full Skyactiv treatment. The flood of photos came at the same time as when Mazda announced that the all-new Mazda2 started production at its Hofu Plant No. 1 in Yamaguchi, Japan. The global launch starts in Japan this autumn, with the world soon to follow.

NEUES Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of the NKC Metalworks Group of Osaka, Japan and Kart Plaza Manufacturing Corp., the Philippine leading electric golf kart distributor and servicing company, today announced a partnership that will see both companies engage in the local manufacturing of affordable and economical Electric Vehicles, which will be made available in the Philippine automotive market.

The Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA) has just announced the dates for the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015. To be held at Tokyo Big Sight in Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, the show will open on Thursday, October 29, 2015 and will run all the way to Sunday, November 8, 2015.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The birth of the third child usually signifies the cruel end to owning any car that’s remotely stylish. The dream of owning something that’s out-of-this-world fun is replaced by something much more down-to-earth. Adjectives such as “sporty” and “dynamic” are replaced with “comfortable” and “practical”. Thankfully, modern day moms and dads are blessed with a new player out there; one that manages to blend practicality with some French flair. Meet the Peugeot 5008—a sexy MPV that’s also quite sensible.

Land Rover Philippines (LRPhils) Motors, Inc. in collaboration with Asia To Africa (A To A) Safaris brought in Peter Allison, a wildlife enthusiast and author of two bestselling books about his experiences working in the African bush – “Whatever You Do, Don’t Run” and “Don’t Look behind You” to Manila.

Michelin will be the sole supplier of tires to teams participating in the MotoGP World Championship series which will be held in various European countries starting 2016. This was announced by Dorna Sports, promoter and organizer of the event, which is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

Event Photos by Ulysses Ang

Cementing its foothold as the exclusive distributor of Subaru in the region, Motor Image has unveiled the new Subaru XV STI Performance Edition at its new 3S Center in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. The Subaru XV STI Performance Edition combines the rugged sportiness of the Subaru XV urban crossover with STI’s world-renowned engineering prowess to create a vehicle with enhanced aesthetics and performance from improved handling and aerodynamics. At the same time, the launch of the XV STI Performance Edition marks a stronger market presence for Subaru’s tuning division, Subaru Technica International or better known as STI.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announces the voluntary recall of 1,760 units of selected Honda Fit, City, Civic, and Accord sold in the Philippines due to faulty inflation device of the front passenger airbag.

Ford Philippines today announced an all-time best quarter, driven by a record-breaking performance for the month of June with retail sales of 1,697 units, an increase of 36 percent year-over-year.

The record June sales also contributed to the highest second quarter performance in the Philippines at 5,172 units, a 45 percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales currently stand at 8,864 units, up 42 percent compared to last year and marking Ford’s best-ever mid-year performance in the country.

Riding its steady momentum since last year, Chevrolet Philippines - The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) continues its sustained growth for the first two quarters of 2014. Chevrolet sold a total of 4,066 units for the first six months of the year, so far its all-time best half year performance. June sales totaled 701 units, resulting in one of the highest performing months for Chevrolet in the Philippines.

Berjaya Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country has partnered with MFI Foundation, Inc. (formerly Meralco Foundation, Inc.), a non-profit science foundation that has been providing top-notch technical training and education in the Philippines for more than 30 years, under its Industrial Technician Program (ITP) specializing in Automotive Technology.

The 2014 Hyundai Lateral Drift Championship Series continues its partnership with Wheel Gallery, the official distributors Concept One wheels and Saffiro tires.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is again geared up to continue the fun in its all-out motorsports festival this July 26, 2014 (Saturday) at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga. Let the number one automotive company in the country take you once again to a day filled with heart racing excitement during the 2nd leg of the highly acclaimed 2014 Vios Cup!

“Innovation, by nature, is disruptive. If you can build upon an existing set of gears and everything is working smoothly, then you’re not revolutionizing yourself enough,” said Clay Christensen, a professor at the Harvard Business School and one of the most influential business thinkers in the world, as he opened the annual Ford Trends Conference. Sharing the stage with world-renowned American designer Kenneth Cole, Cole ended the night with a simple yet profound statement: “Today, companies do a lot of similar products, but what sets a great company apart is a powerful brand.”

Across three Asian cities, Uber is announcing a price cut on its flagship product, uberBLACK.

Uber, with a global presence in more than 130 cities, 25 of which are in Asia Pacific, is offering price reductions on its uberBLACK services in Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. Reduction is as high as 50% off its regular prices in some of these cities, making it cheaper than travelling in taxis.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Oh my, how the world turns. Hyundai was once known for being value-for-money cars. They were solid but crude cars with a price tag that made it close to being disposable after a couple of years of use (or abuse). On the other hand, Toyota produced refined and quality cars which certainly cost more, but are seemingly built to survive a nuclear war. Today though, the world moves to a different beat. With the Wigo sub-compact Toyota has moved, for the first time in its Philippine history, way into the basic transportation genre; while Hyundai has leveled up several notches with its i10 (now known as the Grand i10). Has the automotive world turned upside down? Is the P 728,000 Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 really worth it against the P 534,000 Toyota Wigo 1.0 G? Well, it’s time to find out.

Petron Value Card holders get a free refreshing drink each time they fuel up at any participating Petron service station.

More than 150 classic and custom Volkswagen cars gathered last June 22, 2014 at the Camp Aguinaldo Parade Grounds, Quezon City in celebration of the World Volkswagen Day.

Land Rover Philippines (LRPhils) Motors, Inc., the official and exclusive importer and distributor of Land Rover vehicles in the country welcomed the all-new 2014 Range Rover Sport—the brand’s most dynamic and sportiest model that still manages to embody the Land Rover spirit of unparalleled all-terrain capability and Range Rover’s opulent luxury.

It has been 20 years since Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC) made a splash in the automotive industry, and now, they continue to be a formidable influence in the Filipino driving experience.

As exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines, CAC has offered the Korean automaker giant’s quality and innovative lineup, while maintaining a signature Family-like Care after-sales service to millions of Filipinos since 1994.

The Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 has successfully demonstrated its unmatched capabilities in tackling tough terrain to thousands of truck lovers and off-road driving enthusiasts coming from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. But the popular pickup model faced—and, more importantly, surpassed—its biggest challenge at the final leg of the driving series that was designed to showcase its performance.

As vehicles become an integral part of the Internet of Things, Ford and Intel are researching new opportunities for the connected car, including giving drivers the ability to remotely peer into their car using a smartphone, or a vehicle that could identify its owner using facial recognition software.

Honda Cars Philippines has added a new variant to their CR-V: the Cruiser Edition. Available in both 2.0 and 2.4-liter variants, the CR-V Cruiser Edition brings more entertainment options to Honda’s compact crossover.