Photos by Ulysses Ang and Kia Press

Exclusive Kia distributor in the Philippines, Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC) is readying itself for a busy 2016 by launching their opening salvo of the year: the all-new Sportage. The fourth-generation compact crossover to wear the nameplate, the 2016 Sportage is bold, refined, and dynamic. Powered by one of the most powerful engines in its class (and it’s a diesel), it’s sure to win the hearts of both enthusiasts and practical-minded owners alike.

Thank you Philippine government: that’s one line you don’t hear often with all the complaints about traffic and the lack of road infrastructure development. However, you also have to applaud them for finally implementing the Euro-4 emissions level this year and you know what that means? More car choices.

When Honda introduced the CR-Z, it was maligned for being the jack of all trades, but the master of none. That being said, its single biggest contribution is to prove that gasoline-electric hybrids aren’t dull to drive; that they aren’t just smart appliances on wheels. It showed that a car packing a small gasoline engine and a trick battery can dance pretty much through corners just as well as a standard sporty coupe. But is that all to it? Is the CR-Z simply going to be labeled as the tree hugger’s sporty car?

Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) recently awarded three outstanding Nissan dealerships the “Dealer of the Year” award during the company’s first Annual  Dealer Conference and Awards Night at the Marriot Hotel in Pasay City.

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, recently concluded its annual Kia Dealers’ Convention and Awards Night held at the Marriott Hotel where Kia’s best and brightest shone vibrantly.

Summer has come down blazing hot tracks and what better way to keep you and your Volvo cool is by availing yourselves of Volvo Philippines free treats. Running until June 30 this year, the Volvo Aftersales team is ready to conduct a 21-point Summer Check-up and Air Conditioning System Check on your Volvo, free of charge.

Honda Cars Philippines is dropping more details on the 10th generation Civic as anticipation grows thanks to its regional launch in Thailand earlier this month. According to HCPI, they’re confident that the all-new 2016 Civic will be the “benchmark in its class with its aerodynamic styling, sophisticated interior, spacious cabin space, and a host of new and advanced features.”

The Mazda MX-5 has won the 2016 World Car of the Year award. It is the second Mazda to win the award, following the Mazda2 in 2008. The third generation MX-5 was one of three finalists for the same award in 2006, as was the Mazda3 in 2014. In addition to taking the main award this year, the MX-5 has also been named World Car Design of the Year. It is the first time in the history of the awards that a single model has taken both titles.

Visitors entering Japan will be welcomed by a brand-new ambassador: Honda’s ASIMO robot. For a one-week period starting Monday, March 28 to Sunday, April 3, travelers entering through the Narita International Airport will be greeted to ASIMO’s dancing moves.

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Chevrolet Press

The 2016 Bangkok International Motor Show is unusually meh this year. Normally the staging ground for everything ASEAN, this year’s edition seems drier in terms of new and/or significant product launches. Still, some automakers came out with their wares; products which will undoubtedly come here in one form or the other.

Cutting out the exotics which regular buyers will likely not care about, these are the significant cars from the 2016 Bangkok International Motor Show.

You’re looking at the 2017 Impreza, the first vehicle underpinned by Subaru’s new global platform architecture. It’s supposed to also debut the company’s new design language, DYNAMIC x SOLID but frankly, it looks like a bore; like a Legacy with more lines. But before dismissing the car as a whole, listen carefully because this is a barometer of Subaru cars to come.

I knew it, I just knew it. When Mazda said they weren’t making any other variant of the MX-5, they were pretty coy about it. Well, the cat’s out of the bag as a new variant of the best-selling roadster arrives at the New York International Auto Show: the 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF. And my goodness. It is a looker.

Petron Lakbay Alalay on its 30th year continues to provide motorists the Best Day experience on the road through its year-round safety campaign and programs. Through Petron Lakbay Alalay, motorists are assured of worry-free travel and always ready journeys.

Free vehicle checkups, emergency response teams, games and two times the points on Robinsons Rewards Cards. These are the assistance and surprises that Chevron Philippines, Inc. (CPI), marketer of Caltex with Techron, is offering motorists in strategic Caltex stations along major highways north or south of Luzon during the Holy Week.

Don’t let the “Concept” moniker fool you: you’re looking at the 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer and Colorado. Unveiled at the Bangkok International Motor Show, the thinly veiled Trailblazer Premier and Colorado Xtreme Concepts give a strong hint (i.e. less accessories and body cladding) at Chevrolet’s revamped pickup truck and mid-sized 7-seater SUV which will arrive in Philippine showrooms in production form by the end of the year.

The Subaru Forester is being attacked from the most unlikely source: the mid-sized 7-seater SUV. Though this compact crossover has its segment down pat, the allure of having a larger SUV with seating for seven has affected sales somewhat. This is critical because it’s the biggest volume driver for the purveyor of the boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive. So what’s Subaru to do? Well, they’ve done the right thing: give the Forester a well-timed refresh to help it embrace a much more premium market position (without the premium price, of course).

Honda Cars Philippines is weaving its limited edition magic once more and this time, it’s the Mobilio’s turn. Already Honda’s second best-selling nameplate, the Mobilio gets a limited 77 unit run of the mid-grade 1.5 V CVT that comes equipped with a GPS navigation system.

Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (SPH), the only integrated automobile and motorcycle company in the country, recorded one of the biggest sales growths in the industry last year with its massive 52 percent year-on-year growth and 10,000 retail sales, and aims to repeat this 2015 performance by carrying out successive dealership openings in 2016 starting this February.

Ford Philippines reported February sales that jumped 52 percent year-over-year to 2,671 units, led by the second best-ever sales month for the Everest, as well as the EcoSport, Ranger and Explorer.

Overall sales through February have now risen 51 percent, making Ford one of the fastest-growing auto brands in the country.

Subaru just let us drive the 2016 Forester. And before waiting for our first impressions on their substantially updated compact crossover, here’s a rundown on some details on what’s new and what’s not.

Volkswagen Quezon Avenue, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, troops to Baguio City from March 22 to 27 for its Easter road show activity.

Foton Philippines commits to every motorist’s safety and convenience by launching a pre- and post-Holy Week service campaign.

As part of its aftersales program Foton Total Care, the brand ensures to improve every vehicle’s optimal performance during the holy week break. That is why from today until April 11, Foton will have their Holy Week service offerings for Foton owners planning vacations this season.

Foton Philippines’ Holy Week campaign reinforces a guarded drive by giving safety measures and reminders before heading out on the road. Moreover, it highlights a free 24-point vehicle safety inspection facilitated by the reliable assistance of professional service technicians in Foton dealerships nationwide.

Clients who will schedule an appointment on the given period will also receive FREE premium merchandise from FOTON PH.

Ferrari S.p.A., a wholly-owned Italian subsidiary of Ferrari N.V., Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd., and BAIC Eternaland Property Co., Ltd. have signed today a non-binding memorandum of understanding for the licensing of the design, construction and operation of a new Ferrari theme park to be located in one of the primary cities in Mainland China.

As the public prepares for an extended break and some well-deserved trips on Holy Week, Kia is gearing up for a different kind of road trip– that is, a service-oriented road trip.

Some say “walang forever.” For Hyundai, three years of warranty are not enough; even 4ever isn’t enough.  Walang 4ever, because with Hyundai, there’s something even better: a 5ever, with Hyundai’s 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty coverage.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) sales remains strong as it concludes the month of February with total vehicle sales of 4,870 units. Based on the combined reports of Chamber of Automotive Manufacturer of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA), MMPC captured 19.4 percent market share keeping its strong number two position in the industry. MMPC’s January to February total sales volume grew by 33.1 percent compared to the same period last year.  Total CAMPI sales for the 2-month period grew by 24.5 percent.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), organizes multiple Honda Emergency Assistance Teams (H.E.A.T.) across the country to offer on-site road assistance to all motorists this coming Holy Week. This annual program will be participated by twenty-four (24) Honda dealerships nationwide as part of HCPI’s public service and road safety advocacy.

Nissan Philippines Inc.’s (NPI) award-winning pickup, the Nissan NP300 Navara, celebrates its first year of ruling the Philippine road network.

UPDATE 1: The Ciaz is now available at all Suzuki dealerships nationwide (4/16).

Suzuki Philippines is entering the sub-compact sedan segment once more with the all-new Ciaz. Replacing the SX4 Sedan, the Ciaz is built on a platform that’s the longest and widest in its class. Apart from sheer size it offers European-inspired styling, a premium interior, and a host of upmarket features. An acronym which stands for “Comfort-Intelligence-Attitude-Zeal”, the Ciaz will be sold in three variants starting this April.

Ford Motor Company is the only automaker named a 2016 World’s Most Ethical Company by Ethisphere Institute today – a distinction that comes as ethics in business increasingly affects customers and their purchase decisions.

At fifty years old, the Ford Mustang has been everything: the object of fantasies, a movie star, a tuner’s dream, a status symbol—needless to say, it requires no introduction. Yet, this newest Mustang marks the biggest change to the pony car since generation one and for that, getting reacquainted is necessary. And it’s not simply because this new car trumps the old one, but it redefines what the Mustang is and successfully brings it to the modern era. Forget everything you know about the pony car. History is about to be re-written here.

Summer has officially arrived and what better way to enjoy this yearly vacation by heading on to your next summer destination! Have a worry-free journey by making sure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape.

MINI Philippines showed off a more grown-up, more sophisticated side when it unveiled the all-new Clubman. Set to make waves in the premium compact segment, the 2016 Clubman offers MINI’s highest levels of practicality, long-distance sustainability, versatility, and ride comfort.

Following up their tire concepts at Geneva last year that focused on electric vehicles, Goodyear is now showing off what role tires could play with autonomous cars. At this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, Goodyear showed off two new tire concepts: the Goodyear Eagle-360 and Goodyear Intelligrip.

Forty-five individual teams and nine celebrity racers will troop to the Clark International Speedway on March 19 as the country’s biggest motorsports event kicks off for Season 3. Fueled by the best-selling vehicle in the country, the 2016 Vios Cup promises more wheel-to-wheel action. Apart from the growing number of racers, this season sees an all-new racing category and possible new venues.

United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), the official distributor of Foton vehicles on the Philippines has officially added Foton Quezon Avenue to its list of dealerships in the Philippines.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) kicks off the month with Honda’s EGGciting Surprise Campaign for customers who will inquire, reserve, and purchase a brand new Honda vehicle from now to March 27, 2016.

Pilipinas Taj Autogroup Inc. (PTAJ), the exclusive distributor of Tata Motors Passenger Cars and Commercial Vehicles in the Philippines, continues to grow nationwide through its newest Tata Cebu dealership, inaugurated this March 9, 2016 and graced by the presence of the honorable Gov. Hilario Davide III and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes.

Graduation season is fast approaching and Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, got the perfect reward for your new graduates!

From now to April 30, 2016, all Kia Picanto buyers get a chance to win and drive home an all-new Kia Forte Koup through the Kia Pic a Forte raffle promo.

Die-hard Porsche fans must have screamed in horror when the Cayenne first launched in 2002. But over the years, it has become accepted, turning into one of the brand’s best-selling models and unashamedly the reason why Porsche could make even better 911’s. Some 13 years and a model generation later, Porsche has tweaked and polished the formula delivering the same technical tour-de-force you’ve come to expect out of Stuttgart’s stable. And just as fans have warmed up to it, Porsche plops in a diesel; a diesel-powered Porsche SUV? Sacrilegious? Hardly.

Forget their outlandish concepts of late, this is single-handedly the most important piece of Subaru’s future: the Subaru Global Platform. Currently under development, this all-new vehicle architecture will underpin all of Subaru’s next-generation vehicles.

The country’s premier grassroots motorsports event that’s “made for racers, by racers” - the GT Radial FlatOut Race Series (FORS) – is all geared up for an even bigger season this year.

Berjaya Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country, and the ANC Group of Companies, have collaborated to put up a brand new full-service showroom, service and parts facility in Pulilan, Bulacan. Mazda Pulilan is the latest addition to Mazda Philippines’ growing dealership network. Located along DRT Highway, Sto. Cristo, Pulilan, Bulacan, the 123-square meter showroom facility features four of the latest Mazda Skyactiv models available today.

Volvo Philippines once again offers the market a selection of dynamic variants to choose from. Sporty and sophisticated, the R-Design editions of the nimble V40 Sportswagon, the Sleek S60 and the awe-inspiring XC60 are now available in Volvo showrooms nationwide.

China’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, continues to assume an upward trajectory in the Philippines – capitalizing on the country’s increasingly robust economy to achieve its goal of breaching 20,000 in sales by 2020. Last year, Foton Philippines sold 25 percent more vehicles, moving nearly 4,000 units.

BMW has officially launched the newest generation of its flagship model, the 7 Series, in the Philippine market, securing the German luxury carmaker’s reputation as the leader in ground-breaking features and contemporary design. Driven by cutting-edge technology, the all-new 7 Series is available solely in the 740Li guise with the 750Li available upon order.

There are people who’re blindly loyal to the Toyota Fortuner and there are those who’ll end up buying one anyway. Such is the power of Toyota’s Pickup-based Passenger Vehicle or PPV since its market introduction in 2005. It has revolutionized the industry, offering an American-style 7-seater mid-sized SUV for the price of a compact crossover. And though some of its competitors offered a good fight, the Fortuner remained the top choice whether or not it was considered matagtag (stiff riding) or not. Now that a second generation model is upon is, is the 2016 Fortuner all that you wanted? More importantly, is it still matagtag?

Car enthusiasts dream of driving the most iconic cars in their lifetime, but car innovators dream of designing and building cars that will be remembered for several lifetimes; cars that are energy-efficient and environment-friendly, and cars that make a difference. To pave the way for these breakthroughs, Hyundai is sharing the stage with Shell anew through the Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2016.

Porsche Philippines unveiled the latest chapter in the 911 history: the new 991.2. Promising to combine performance and everyday usability to new heights, the new Carrera and Carrera S packs a turbocharged flat-6 reminiscent of the brand’s storied racing history making it the fastest 911 Carrera ever.

Subaru announced that total production of its All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles has reached 15 million units. The milestone was achieved in the 44th year since FHI started producing AWD vehicles with the introduction of the Subaru Leone 4WD Estate Van in September 1972.

Love is definitely all around for Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) as they have recently given away four D-MAX pick-up trucks and mu-X SUVs for their “Isuzu Drive Me Home Raffle Promo”.