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

June 30, 2016

Petron and Honda Solidify Partnership

With a common goal to promote road safety and fuel efficiency, industry leaders Petron Corporation and Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) have entered into a partnership to further enhance their promotional efforts and customer relations programs.

There are two ways you can make a successful small crossover: you can simply do what the others are doing, perhaps improve a thing or two in the recipe, or you can take an entirely different approach and chart your own path. There’s no question which direction Mazda is taking with its CX-3. Like how they’ve weaved their magic in the compact car segment with the Mazda3 and the sub-compact car segment with the Mazda2, the CX-3 focuses on the brand’s two key strengths: great to drive and look good doing so.

FedEx and Safe Kids Announce 2016 Road Safety Champion

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp, the world’s largest express transportation company, and Safe Kids Philippines announced the “Young Road Safety Champion” during the 10th year celebration of National Safe Kids Week on June 23.

Off-road driving fans and other residents of Iloilo City were treated to extreme four-wheel fun as Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) staged from June 24 to 26 the Isuzu 4x4 Action Playground.

Review: 2016 Volvo XC90 D5 Momentum

For quite a while, Volvo was lost. After decades of trying to emulate the Germans, Volvo has finally said, f*ck it; there’s no way they can out-German the Germans. Beginning with the 2016 XC90, the company has come to embrace its Swedish roots and in the process, put a unique twist on luxury. This makes the XC90 one of the most refreshing premium SUVs in the market today.

Mazda Philippines Makes Maps Available for Local Units

There’s more good news from Mazda Philippines. After confirming the arrival of the CX-3 subcompact crossover sooner rather than later, Berjaya Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country, is also rectifying the single and glaring missing thing on its vehicles equipped with the Mazda Connection infotainment system: GPS navigation. Yes, Mazda owners, you can now activate turn-by-turn navigation.

According to the Oxford Business Group, the construction and real estate development sectors make up around 20% of the Philippine economy, slightly ahead of manufacturing. Over the past few years, construction in the Philippines has been flourishing amid a climate of political stability and upbeat business sentiment, spurred by growth in overseas foreign worker remittances, inbound investments into business process outsourcing, rising numbers of tourist arrivals, and government spending on large- and small-scale infrastructure.

The international Car Design Award jury has recognized Volvo Cars’ contributions to automotive design with the Swedish carmaker winning the coveted Brand Design Language Award 2016.

The 84th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will always be remembered for its dramatic finish. There, Porsche took its 18th overall victory in the world’s most famous and toughest endurance race came just before the final lap as the 919 Hybrid Number 2 vehicle of Romain Dumas, Neel Jani, and Marc Lieb passed the erstwhile leader Toyota that faltered with power issues. The pace at the front in the duel with the Japanese manufacturer and the many lead changes pushed everyone to the limit and beyond. Porsche took the checkered flag in front of some of the 263,000 spectators that flocked to witness the spectacle at the 13.629-kilometer Circuit de la Sarthe.

Every June 1st, International Children’s Day is celebrated around the world to celebrate the well-being, importance, and innocence of our future generations. This is why Mazda Philippines is honoring the young, and the young at heart, this whole month of June in a series of showroom activities across its extensive dealer network.

UPDATED: Mazda Philippines Confirms CX-3 Will Arrive by End of 2016

UPDATE 1: Read our First Drive of the 2016 Mazda CX-3 2.0 FWD.

Mazda Philippines has confirmed that it will sell the CX-3 subcompact crossover for the Philippine market before the end of 2016. This is positive news for those in the market for a sporty subcompact crossover after Mazda Philippines initially said it would be difficult to get any allocation from Japan. Now, it says it has secured inventory, albeit severely limited.

Subaru is Offering Substantial Discounts on Selected Models Until June 30 Only

Motor Image Pilipinas is offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance for those considering to buy a brand-new Subaru. From now until June 30, 2016, great deals are available on selected models of the Forester, Legacy, and Levorg. How big of a deal? How about as much as P 450,000 off?

Established in 1963 with the commitment to provide the market with world-class driving lights, PIAA has become the standard for lighting technology for both consumer and motorsport illumination requirements.

Volvo National Alumni Cup Hails 2nd Season Champs

Bigger, better and certainly more impressive, the second round of the Volvo Alumni Golf Cup once again gave its participants a chance to grip it and rip it at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. Only on its second year, the golf tourney already attracted 18 teams from a dozen schools from last year’s nine. Alumni from prestigious educational institutions here and abroad got their healthy dose of iron as they engaged in a friendly yet very competitive match. The 18-hole Stroke-Play competition also witnessed the prowess of the golfers in the Volvo Perfect Drive Holes where the Most Accurate Drive, Longest Drive and Nearest to the Pin holes were also recognized.

First Drive: 2016 Honda Civic 1.8 E

There’s a saying that goes: once you go boosted, you never go back. Say what you want about the linearity of a normally-aspirated engine, but once you’ve tasted a sweet turbo, it’s hard to replace that feeling. The instant power, the feeling of being dug into the driver’s seat—it’s intoxicating. And after putting the 2016 Honda Civic RS Turbo through its paces, it’s a confirmed drug addiction on wheels. But now, in the hilly roads of Bohol, there’s something that’s just as good: the 1.8 E. Despite losing the turbo, it’s mighty good. This drive confirms what you’ve all known all along: the Civic, in any form, is great.

After the successful Davao leg of the first ever Mitsubishi Montero Sport Head to Head Test Drive Challenge, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) is pleased to announce that it will be bringing this one of a kind test drive event to the Queen City of the South – Cebu.

June 23, 1991 will forever be enshrined in the annals of automotive history as the day an Asian, and to date only, automotive manufacturer won the most prestigious endurance race in the world – the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Review: 2016 Toyota Innova 2.8 V

Are you looking for the perfect family vehicle? Are you torn on which Pickup-based Passenger Vehicle (PPV) to get? Well, might as well end the search right now because you are looking at the best mainstream 7-seater in the business. Sure, it doesn’t have that masculine SUV body style you’ve been lusting over, but you shouldn’t care. The 2016 Toyota Innova is best suited to your family’s needs.

Concept One Opens in Bonifacio Global City

Concept One, one of the most recognized aftermarket brands in the country extended its reach with the inauguration of their new satellite showroom in the automotive row of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Located at the Karport Building, this satellite facility aims to increase Concept One’s presence in the business districts of Makati and BGC as well as residents who live in the South of Metro Manila.

Strong demand for light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks have lifted Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s (IPC) performance in May, sustaining the company’s upward momentum that began at the onset of 2016.

Mercedes-Benz has diversified its product range extensively in the past few years, creating new interpretations of luxury in the process. Yet, the E-Class remains the three-pointed star’s most important and most iconic vehicle. The all-new, tenth-generation model’s launch is fast approaching and to whet your appetite, here are six standout features of the world’s most intelligent sedan.

Ford Motor Company is the first automaker to formulate and test new foam and plastic components using carbon dioxide as feedstock. Researchers expect to see the new biomaterials in Ford production vehicles within five years.

uberPOOL Launches in Manila

Uber, the ride-sharing app, is launching uberPOOL for Manila. It enables people going to the same place at the same time to share the journey and split the cost. It’s all about getting more people into fewer cars. This also means cheaper rides for passengers and less congestion over time.

There’s a new café in Bonifacio Global City and its location might surprise you. V by Ilustrado Café & Lounge formally opened inside the Volkswagen Bonifacio Global City showroom on 28th Street.

Supporting the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela 2016, Foton Philippines fortified its Foton Total Care program in a back-to-back reconstruction and clean-up drive at Andres Mariano Elementary School in Bagbaguin, Valenzuela and Pacondo Elementary School in Angeles, Pampanga last June 4 and 6, 2016 respectively.

Last June 8, Wednesday, art, glitz, and glamour filled the air at the red carpet gala of the 21st French Film Festival, held at Central Square in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Among the evening’s distinguished guests were foreign dignitaries, officials from the French Embassy, businessmen, and lifestyle and motoring journalists. But the real stars of the show were the makers of great art: the cast and crew behind acclaimed films Ma’ Rosa and Imbisibol.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) announced it received a Certificate of Registration from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Board of Investments, as one of the participants under the Philippine government’s Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program. In line with this, the company shall be investing around P 4.3 billion to set-up its new production line for the Mirage model which is expected to be operational early next year. This total investment includes P 2 billion investment for a stamping shop facility.

Making Sense of the First Petron-DOE Euro 4 Fuel Economy Run Results

Recently, the Department of Energy (DOE) together with the country’s biggest oil company, Petron, held the first Euro 4 fuel economy run. Used as dry run to come up with a standardized measure of fuel economy under the Philippine Energy Standards and Labeling Program or PESLP (the same group that determines the efficiency of your electric fan or refrigerator), 70 cars from 22 brands participated.

How Much Money Do You Save Driving the 2016 Toyota Innova?

Technology has gone a long way, improving cars in every aspect from design, comfort, safety, and efficiency. With the increased awareness of issues like global warming and the push to conserve natural resources, carmakers have begun improving their vehicles in the aspects of emissions and fuel efficiency.

The Hyundai Tucson has embarked on a remarkable transformation in just the span of 12 years. Looking back to the first generation model and comparing it to the current third generation, you know it’s come a long way. From the ugly duckling it once was, today’s Tucson doesn’t have a single hair out of place. Perfectly styled with all the right angles and curves, it’s one of the best looking compact crossovers around. The question beckons though: how does it compare to the competition?

EV-Maker BEMAC Produces E-Trikes Using Japanese Tech and Filipino Heart

BEMAC Electric Transportation Philippines, Inc., is an electric vehicle manufacturer that utilizes Japanese technology at its core. While its electric tricycles (e-trikes) are proudly made in the Philippines, it heavily utilizes EV technology developed by its Japanese parent company, Uzushio Electric Co., Ltd. Entering the Japanese EV market with its first converted vehicles in 1998, Uzushio backs BEMAC Philippines with almost two decades of experience in EV technological development – by far greater than other manufacturers.

In keeping with its commitment to provide prompt, adequate and professional after-sales support to its customers, Columbian Autocar Corporation–Mahindra (Mahindra Philippines), authorized distributor of Mahindra vehicles in the Philippines, has recently completed the training of more than 50 police officers, mechanics and staff – Enforcer end-users all - from the Philippine National Police Regions 2 and 5 command.

New Chevrolet owners are in for a special Father’s Day treat as Chevrolet Philippines – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the country, launches its Free Mountain Bike Promo.

The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the country, reinforces the love for the bowtie brand in the northern part of Luzon with the blessing and inauguration of the new Chevrolet Ilocos Norte last May 25, 2016.

How Safe is Your Car? The Full List of ASEAN NCAP Test Results

There’s always a burning question: which is the safer vehicle? Given that safety is now fast becoming an important consideration for Filipino families, it’s good to get the results straight from the experts. In this case, it’s the ASEAN NCAP.

This Father’s Day, Monster Jam Manila is welcoming the Monster Truck from the Future: Alien Invasion. The newest addition to the Monster Jam competition line-up (having just made its debut early this year), Alien Invasion is sure to captivate the imagination of both car enthusiast and science fiction aficionados alike.

Suzuki Philippines and TOTAL Philippines are poised to make this summer unforgettable for their customers with a raffle promo that will give away 3 units of the all-new Suzuki Ciaz.

The country’s premier grassroots motorsport event, the GT Radial FlatOut Series (FORS), recently held a wet and wild 4th Round at the Clark International Speedway last June 4, 2016.

Subaru Expanding to More Locations in Philippines

Motor Image Pilipinas opened Subaru to franchise dealers in 2010 and one of first to heed the call was the ANC Group of Companies. After opening Subaru Alabang, the group expanded with an additional location in Santa Rosa.

Carbon fiber, the exotic (bordering on mythical) material used on high-performance sports cars and racing cars has finally made it to the realm of wheels. That’s right—your next set of spiffy alloy wheels may not be made of aluminum or magnesium, but of carbon fiber. And leading the way is Ford.

Proof that Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is a maker of vehicles that are geared toward exciting lifestyle activities as much as for commercial use is supplied by the recent triumphs of the Rider Omega Pro Tri Team. The Cebu-based Rider Omega Pro Tri Team dominated the Dipolog Triathlon Race held on May 14 and 15 at Sunset Boulevard in Dipolog City, capital of Zamboanga del Norte. Led by team manager Tonyson Lee, the multi-sport athletes swept the podium spots of the event’s various categories, aided in no small part by the support from IPC, as well as the lineup of Isuzu vehicles that addressed the team’s logistical requirements.

A legacy lives on as Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, offers a treat exclusive to one of the brand’s most celebrated automobiles, the 4th Generation BMW 3 Series, also known as the E46 model.

Isuzu Sees Growth in Central Luzon; Holds Truck Fest in Clark

Through a diverse range of reliable, durable, and fuel-efficient truck models Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has addressed the requirements of various commercial establishments in the thriving locations of Central Luzon for decades now. Last June 2 to 4, IPC further strengthened this relationship with the region’s business community by holding the Isuzu Truck Fest – Clark.

Toyota, the best-selling automotive brand in the country extends its “Great Deals for New Wheels” promo! This whole month, the car manufacturer offers great savings with packages that will make owning a brand new car so easy. Choose from various financing options that will suit your lifestyle.

One thousand two hundred reservations. That’s the number of people who’ve plopped down money just to be the first batch of owners of the all-new 2016 Honda Civic. And for those people who’ve waited patiently since April, here’s some good news: your all-new Civic has officially landed in the country.

Normally, when a carmaker launches an all-new product, it opens not just a chapter in that vehicle’s history, but an entirely new volume. That said, Toyota didn’t get the memo with the all-new Fortuner. Granted it looks sleeker and much more sophisticated than ever before, it adheres too closely to the concept of kaizen or continuous improvement. It ends up telling pretty much the same story, remixed and retold.

Two Chevy Dealers in Philippines Named in GM International Grandmasters

Two dealers from the Philippines became 2016 GM International (GMI) Grandmasters in Barcelona, Spain, last May 9, 2016. The winners are Chevrolet Batangas, which was given the Rookie of the Year award, and was represented by Mr. Felix Limcaoco, Mr. Carlo Montemayor and Mr. Doroteo Sornet, and Chevrolet Cebu, named Dealer of the Year and represented by Ms. Emily Ong. They were among the 124 individuals in the region who received GM’s highest honor for its dealerships.

The main problem with track events is that you’re given such limited seat time with any given vehicle that it doesn’t leave a lasting impression. The Nissan GT-R, as you probably guessed, is one big exception. My run with it was limited to just a handful of laps around the Gran Turismo-sounding Sodegaura Forest Raceway and a single hot lap with a professional NISMO race driver; yet it’s all that took to make me re-think if the laws of physics actually existed.

Peugeot is Official Premium Transport Partner at 21st French Film Festival

French automobile maker Peugeot is set to support this year’s French Film Festival as official premium transport partner.

Ferrari has unveiled its latest One-Off creation during the car’s first shakedown on the Fiorano circuit in the hands of Ferrari’s chief test driver Dario Benuzzi and the car’s enthusiastic British owner.

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