May 2016 | CarGuide.PH | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Car Prices

May 31, 2016

Get This For Free (The Bodykit, We Mean)

Thinking the Toyota 86 could use more visual pizzazz? Well, you’re in luck. Starting today until supplies last, Toyota Motor Philippines is giving away the TRD aero package valued at P 150,000 for free with every purchase of Toyota’s legendary sports coupe.

Toyota Motor Corporation has just announced a significant milestone for its hybrid technology: the sale of nine million units (9,014,000 according to their official figure) globally. What’s even surprising is the increased uptake with the last million being sold in just the past nine months.

Twelve years and ten months since its debut, the Mazda3 has reached a milestone: the production of five million units. Achieving this feat at the end of April 2016, it’s only the second car from the Hiroshima-based car company to reach this milestone. The first one is, aptly, the Mazda3’s predecessor, the Familia.

Anyone of a certain age will remember SsangYong. Apart from a name that read like a typo, it was infamous for slapping on a German three-pointed star on its vehicles in the late 1990’s to early 2000’s. It died a natural death, whimpering out of existence as extinct as the animal namesake of one of their nameplates. That is, until now.

7 Design Details to Love in the All-New Volvo XC90

The all-new XC90 represents the paragon in Volvo design and engineering. It’s also one car that’s filled to the brim with all sorts of interesting design details which would otherwise go unnoticed. In fact, it’s so well-made and so clever that other luxury vehicles begin to look pale in comparison to this impressive 7-seater.

Foton Philippines is holding a carnival-themed sales event dubbed the Foton Moto Fair on June 1 to 2, 2016 at the Megatent Events Venue, Libis, Quezon City.

Total and Philippine oil company Filoil have agreed to create a joint venture for the fuel sales business in the Philippines. The combined business will grow Total’s network from 206 to 442 stations and its retail market share from 3 percent to 6 percent. The joint venture will also benefit from a strong supply infrastructure throughout the archipelago.

Honda Cars Philippines Adds New Odyssey Variant That Seats 8

After enjoying success with its executive suite on wheels, the Honda Odyssey (see launch story here and test drive story here), Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) is adding a new variant only this time, it’s catering more to the family-oriented set.

MINI Philippines Holds Track Day Event for All-New Clubman

Recently, MINI Philippines put the all-new Clubman through its paces at a track day event held at the Clark International Speedway in Angeles, Pampanga. Inviting over a hundred participants from the MINI Car Club to prospective buyers, the Clubman was undoubtedly the center of attention during the whole day event.

Following a record-setting performance in March, Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s (IPC) pace eased marginally in April as the company logged its second-best results this year. However, the figures still reflect a solid year-on-year improvement, signaling a strong start to 2016’s second quarter.

Mazda Philippines and Cebu Southbay Automobiles, Incorporated, formally opened the improved Mazda Cebu showroom and service center along Juan Luna Street, Mabolo, Cebu City on May 21, 2016.

The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the country’s exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet vehicles has announced the opening of the brand’s newest dealership located in Imus, Cavite.

Review: 2016 Hyundai Elantra 1.6 GL A/T

When Hyundai launched the fifth-generation Elantra in 2011, it almost turned the compact sedan segment upside down. Once a segment cornered by the Japanese, it was now being seriously contended by a car from an unlikely manufacturer. The Elantra “MD,” as that model is codenamed, rocketed to second in the local sales charts for a time. Wait lists were long and reviews were glowing. Since then, the Japanese fought back. That brought the Elantra back into obscurity despite a mild refresh. Now, Hyundai is out with their all-new Elantra. The question is: can they turn the tide?

GT Radial FlatOut Race Series Continues to Excite in Round 3

The scorching hot weather once again greeted the GT Radial FlatOut Race Series (FORS) as it staged Round 3 of the 2016 season at the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) last May 7. This mirrored the day’s on-track action as the battles in the Time Attack challenge and Grid races heated up even more.

Monster Jam returns to Manila this June 18 to 19 to bring an even wilder show than last year. Eight Monster trucks are roaring and ready to to pulverize anything that’s on their path. As a teaser, here are the eight trucks coming to Manila this year.

Rolls-Royce Wraith Luggage Collection is the World's Most Bonkers Carry-On

If you find a Rolls-Royce Wraith a bit too rich for your taste, but still want a bit of that “RR” lifestyle, well, you’re in luck. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is finally selling a luggage collection which compliments the Wraith—the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever created. And thankfully, you can get one even if you don’t have a Rolls-Royce.

Aston Martin and Total have signed a global partnership agreement that sees the latter becoming the official energy partner to the UK-based luxury carmaker. For two years, Total will be providing its products to Aston Martin and its official motorsports outfit, Aston Martin Racing.

Motor Image Pilipinas has revealed that Subaru Pampanga will the first dealership in the country to gain the brand’s new corporate identity. Located along MacArthur Highway in Dolores, San Fernando, Pampanga, Subaru Pampanga will formally open on June 10, 2016.

From its founding as a privately-owned wagon builder in Sweden back in 1891, Scania has gone a long way. Today, as it celebrates its 125th year, it has emerged as one of the world’s leading manufacturer of trucks and buses for heavy transport applications and of industrial and marine engines.

How Does Ford Come Up with Vehicle Colors?

Whether you prefer striking blue, calm grey, fiery red, or classic black, you can find the perfect color for your car with Ford. With nearly 60 different Ford-crafted colors and more than 20 Ford nameplates in Asia Pacific, Ford has a color for everyone.

Volvo to Hold 2nd National Alumni Cup at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club

Volvo once more drives with its select customers to the greens and fairways for the second offering of the Volvo National Alumni Golf Championship, an event exclusive to golfing graduates of colleges, universities and academic institutions all over the country.

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines or EVAP has gone through a lot during its six year of existence but it is nevertheless proud of its achievements.

Honda Cars Philippines Upgrades Accord for 2016

After showing off the much-awaited Civic compact sedan, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. is now showing some love to its Accord executive sedan by offering it with a sharper exterior design and a host of new convenience and safety features.

Fill Up with Caltex, Win Tickets to X-Men: Apocalypse

Marvel fans are in for an exciting treat as Caltex with Techron gives them a chance to win passes for one of the most anticipated superhero prequel movies of the year, the X-Men: Apocalypse.

The number one automotive brand in the Philippines is gearing up for the 2016 Vios Cup second leg slated on May 21 – 22 (Saturday-Sunday) at Filinvest City, Alabang in Muntinlupa City. After taking the heat to various locations across the country, Toyota has set its eyes in bringing the waku-doki motorsports experience back to Manila!

After some years of limited success and growth, KTM is jumping partners, going to bed this time with Ayala Automotive Holdings Corporation, a fully-owned subsidiary of Ayala Corporation. But what can we expect from this high-profile partnership? Well, read on.

A recent survey commissioned by Ford Motor Company in Asia-Pacific paints a dim picture of driving in the Philippines. Compared to our neighbors such as Vietnam, India, and Indonesia, where commuters have reported improvements to their daily commutes compared to last year, Filipinos are having it worse.

Mid-sized SUVs are a necessary evil in the Philippines. Not only do they provide enough space to ferry the entire clan, but they provide the water wading capability so necessary for flood-prone streets. Yet, there are some who cannot accept them for their lack of driving dynamics and refinement. Enthusiasts were beginning to dismiss them until the all-new Mitsubishi Montero Sport arrived. Categorically, this is the best mid-sized SUV out there.

Challenge Your Creativity and Get the Chance to Win Tickets to X-Men: Apocalypse from Kia Philippines

Kia is challenging your creative chops for a chance to win premium movie tickets to X-Men: Apocalypse!

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, conducts an All-New Civic Reborn Tour around select malls and Honda dealerships to allow customers to check out Honda’s newest icon from May 15, 2016 to June 12, 2016.

It’s now much easier to bask in the sun with the help of the all-new MINI Convertible. Launched for the Philippine market, the only premium small car convertible comes available in two variants: the MINI Cooper Convertible S and MINI Cooper Works Convertible.

Mindanaoans Get a Taste of Volkswagen Starting this Weekend

Customers in Mindanao who have always wanted to check out Volkswagen vehicles need not make long trip to the nearest dealer. Volkswagen Philippines is set to extend its reach to its southern neighbors with special offers starting May 13 in various Mindanao malls.

Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, Inc., the official distributor of Tata Vehicles in the country has announced the regularization of supply of its Super Ace Big Boy light-commercial truck. An integral part of Tata’s local line-up, the Super Ace is fast becoming an alternative to the ubiquitous Mitsubishi L300.

Volvo Philippines, in partnership with EastWest Bank and Diageo Philippines, held an exclusive VIP clients’ evening to offer their appreciation to the bank’s most elite clients. Held at the Volvo Philippines showroom, guests were welcomed by EastWest Bank Chief Operating Officer Mr. Jose Emmanuel Hilado and were treated to an evening of exciting cars, gastronomic delights and lively entertainment.

In its first year of global availability, Ford Mustang became the world’s best-selling sports coupe. Demand for the iconic pony car remains insatiable.

Nissan adds a new variant to the 2015 Philippine Truck of the Year, the NP300 Navara, by introducing the Navara Sport Edition. This spruced up version of Nissan’s globally renowned pickup truck introduces new exterior and interior design elements that are targeted towards urbanites.

Nissan Motor Takes 34 Percent of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., will take a 34 percent stake in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation after the two companies signed a Basic Agreement today to form a strategic alliance between the two automakers. The deal, worth 237 billion yen is extending an existing partnership between Nissan and Mitsubishi under which the two companies have jointly collaborated for the past five years.

Happy 50th Birthday, Subaru Boxer!

Fuji Heavy Industries, the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its horizontally-opposed “Boxer” engine. And despite reaching its golden years, the Boxer engine isn’t slowing down one bit. It’s celebrating this milestone by scooping up yet another Ward’s 10 Best Engines of the Year: the 2.0-liter FA20DIT found in the Subaru WRX.

Mazda’s plucky roadster reached a significant milestone as the company announced the production of the one millionth, yes the 1,000,000th unit of the MX-5 (or if you prefer its Japanese name, Roadster). The well-received, well-awarded two-seater roadster achieved this feat after 27 years and four generations.

Philippine Car Price Guide: May 2016

The height of summer brings some of the coolest new cars to hit the Philippine market. In this update of the Philippine Car Price Guide, we have some of the much-awaited new cars making their debut on the list. Also, any vehicle that’s clickable (with a link) brings you to our test drive or first drive of that particular variant. Now neat is that?

Chevrolet Colorado (new variant)
Ford Everest (price increase)
Ford Explorer Sport (price increase)
Great Wall Haval M4
Honda Accord (price increase)
Honda Brio Amaze (new variant)
Honda City (price increase)
Honda Civic
Honda HR-V (price increase)
Honda Jazz (price increase)
Honda Mobilio (price increase)
Honda Odyssey (price increase)
Isuzu mu-X
Kia Soul (new variant)
Mazda6 Skyactiv-D
Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D
MINI Cooper Convertible
Suzuki Ertiga
Toyota Wigo (price increase)
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Polo

Last year, over 22,000 fans made history when Monster Jam entertained Pinoy fans of all ages. 2016 gets even bigger as Monster Jam returns to the Philippines on June 18 and 19 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Michelin boosted the Porsche Dream SUV Drive event on last April with its trademark road safety initiative called the Fill Up With Air campaign (FUWA).

Review: 2016 Mitsubishi Strada GLS Sport V A/T

It’s hard to understand why there’s little love for the all-new Mitsubishi Strada. Many dismissed it for the toothy chrome grille, but besides that, it’s a great performer. It may not spout the same sort of spec sheet worthy numbers like horsepower, torque, or water wading depth, but at the end of the day, the Strada simply works. So, it’s time to go beyond the cover (or in this case, the grille) and witness what could be the best everyday pickup truck.

2017 Chevrolet Colorado High Country vs 2016 Ford Ranger Wildtrak vs 2016 Nissan NP300 Navara

After being previewed as a concept in the Bangkok Motor Show, Chevrolet has finally pulled the wraps off the production version of the 2017 Colorado, a pickup which Chevy says offers greater performance, better safety, increased refinement, and segment-leading technology.

For all intents and purposes, you are looking at the Nissan Juke’s future replacement: meet the Kicks. Sounding like something only millenials could name, the Kicks isn’t a pair of sneakers. Instead, it’s an all-new small crossover designed for the global market. In fact, at its launch in Brazil, Nissan has confirmed that it will sell the Kicks in around 80 markets worldwide. Will the Philippines be a part of that? With left-hand drive assembly confirmed, that sounds very likely.

Ford Philippines today reported an all-time record month with retail sales in April that soared 93 percent year-over-year to 3,152 units, led by strong demand for the Ranger pickup and all-new Everest, EcoSport, and Explorer SUVs.

Just How Fuel Efficient Are the New Toyota Fortuner, Innova, and Hilux?

Bringing out their second-generation IMV or Innovative Multipurpose Vehicle to its first long-distance road trip at the annual Toyota Road Trek, Toyota Motor Philippines took the opportunity to test the real-world fuel mileage provided by the new GD-series diesel and Dual VVT-i equipped TR-series gasoline engines.

Reigning Miss Universe, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, was back in town recently to personally witness the crowning of the next batch of Binibining Pilipinas winners at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum – including her successor as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, Maxine Medina.

World-renowned jazz trumpeter Chris Botti and rock legend Sting both rode in utmost luxury and class aboard the dynamic Volvo XC60 SUV and All-New Volvo 7-seater XC90 SUV during their Manila tour. Ensconced in legendary Volvo safety, they were also ferried around in well-appointed comfort as these Volvos served as their official transport. Both icons shared the stage at the Marriot Grand Ballroom in Resorts World Manila for their Up Close and Personal concert this March 2016.

It had to be seen to be believed. Looking like something out of a Sci-Fi blockbuster, Flyboard Air inventor Franky Zapata piloted his creation 2,253 meters to smash the world record for the farthest distance traveled by hoverboard, which previously stood at 276 meters.

Experience Petron's "Best Day" Promo

Petron gives you some respite from the heat of the summer with its Best Day Promo at participating service stations. Petron helps you start and end the work week right by giving you one free bottle of Magnolia Purewater and Polo candies for any amount of fuel purchase between 6AM to 9AM on Mondays and Fridays from April 22 to May 30, 2016.

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