May 2019 | CarGuide.PH | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Car Prices

May 31, 2019

Truck Rebuilders Seek Change in Government Ruling on Emissions Test

The Used Trucks Rebuilders and Importers Association of the Philippines or UTRIP is urging the government to reconsider a DTI-FTEB (Department of Trade and Industry – Fair Trade and Enforcement Bureau) ruling requiring that imported trucks be certified from the country of their origin as Euro 4 before having a Certificate of Authority to Import or CAI issued.

After more than 1.3 million examples produced in its first two generations, BMW is ushering in a new direction for its compact 1 Series: the move to a front-wheel drive platform that promises significantly more interior space without compromising the dynamic sharpness BMW is renowned for.

Ferrari introduces a new chapter in its history with the introduction of the SF90 Stradale—the supercar maker’s first-ever series production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The carmaker says this new car is meant to represent a true paradigm shift—one that combines the performance of a V8 engine with not one, not two, but three electric motors. The result? 1,000 horsepower and a power-to-weight ratio of 1.57 kilograms per horsepower.

Nissan Philippines Officially Launches Juke NISMO Edition

Nissan Philippines is giving its Juke sub-compact crossover a dose of sportiness with the availability of the 2019 Juke NISMO Edition.

Foton Motor Philippines took part in the 107th Anniversary celebration of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) by displaying their latest commuter vehicles at the LTO East Avenue, Quezon City.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the Philippines bagged the Service Excellence Award for Best Service Operations at the 2019 Hyundai CV Global Service Conference held in Seoul, South Korea.

Good news to all Petron Loyalty Card holders. Get a 5 percent discount on all items (except electronics) by presenting your Petron Loyalty Card at any branch of Blade Auto Center—the largest car accessories chain store in the Philippines.

PIAA Silicone Wipers is the First Safety Upgrade I Invested In

Wipers aren’t sexy and chances are, when you buy one you won’t be running around in excitement. Despite its important role in improving safety, most wait for a downpour to recognize that their wipers are cracked and tattered, and need changing.

With its new distributor, Sojitz Fuso Philippines, Fuso is now intent on getting a slice of the government’s PUV Modernization program with its very own Modern PUV prototype.

A month after the festive and successful launch of the I Love Isuzu campaign last April, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) shifts the celebration a bit further south at Isuzu Santa Rosa with its “Open House” concept.

The Brio may have been the main event, but Honda Cars Philippines also presented the refreshed 2019 Civic for a closer look. It serves as our appetizer for a full-on test drive in the next few weeks.

Here's How Much Brand-New Honda Cars Will Cost by July 2019

Today, a dealer circular turned viral because in it, Honda Cars Philippines announced an impending price increase across its entire product line-up this coming July 2019. You can check a copy of the circular below for yourself, but here’s what it has to say:

A wise person once advised not to judge a book by its cover. If you do, it might walk (or in this case, drive) away without having told its story. Such is my experience with the 2019 Suzuki Swift GLX. Admittedly, when I hear the brand, the only model that comes to mind is the Jimny; that is, until now.

From Soul Red Crystal Metallic to Machine Gray Metallic, Mazda has used color to fully express their design. With the arrival of the all-new 2019 Mazda3, the Japanese automaker has done it again and this time, they’ve come up with an entirely new shade called Polymetal Gray Metallic.

Toyota Motor Philippines is celebrating a decade of Prius with a renewed push for its Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) technology which is seen as the first step towards a more sustainable future.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has confirmed that they are seeking to merge with Groupe Renault, which if pushes through, will form the third largest automaker in the world.

Nissan’s global operating profit and net income dropped 44.6 percent and 57.3 percent, respectively in fiscal year 2018 indicating that there are tough times ahead for the automaker. Naturally, Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa blamed it on who else, but Carlos Ghosn.

MG Philippines Launches Mobile Gadget App

Maintaining an MG is now easier than ever with Mobile Gadget from MG Philippines. The free-to-download app is the latest aftersales complement offered by MG Philippines, and it transforms a user’s smartphone into a one-stop shop for aftersales services and inquiries.

The fifth-generation aka A90 or 2020 Toyota Supra may be nothing more than a BMW Z4 in Japanese garb, but that’s not stopping the folks over at Gazoo Racing from offering their own unique tuner twist.

Ahead of its Philippine market debut on June 6, the Ayala Automotive Group of AC Industrials is leaving no stone unturned as they extensively test their product offerings led by the G10 MPV.

With the Japan market launch of the all-new 2019 Mazda3, we finally now have a solid idea of how much more expensive the revolutionary Skyactiv-X engine is.

Fresh from its worldwide debut at the North American International Auto Show last January, Lexus announces the availability of the RC F sports coupe. Boasting revised styling and improved performance, the RC F could be the best bang for the buck high-performance premium coupe with a suggested retail price of just P 5,928,000.

Subaru Owners Can Now Be Protected From Any Parts and Service Price Increase

Motor Image Pilipinas is launching a new program that makes the maintenance and upkeep of Subaru vehicles more affordable. Called the Subaru Care Maintenance Program, it’s currently on offer at Motor Image Manila dealerships (Greenhills, Manila Bay, C5 Pasig) and will soon roll out to other authorized dealerships nationwide.

The Honda Civic Type R may have lost the front-wheel drive production car record over at the Nurburging, but it looks like tuners may have something a bit more extreme in mind. Meet the rally-ready Civic Type R OveRland.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors or AVID sold 7,259 units in April 2019, recording its best month so far this year as it grew by 12.1 percent compared to the same month last year.

Volkswagen Philippines Joins Mabuhay Germany 2019

Volkswagen Philippines joins the festive Mabuhay Germany 2019 at the Bonifacio High Street Central on May 25 and 26, 2019.

The Autohub Group expands its market offering with Painthub—a new automotive care facility that specializes in body repairs, restoration, and painting.

At the 21st International Engine and Powertrain of the Year Awards 2019, Ferrari has won again, taking the overall title with its 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine.

First Drive: 2019 Honda Brio 1.2 CVT

Pause for a minute and imagine everything that a small car is. Ugly, terrible to drive, cramped—these are just some of the words used to describe what’s commonly considered as the lowest tier in motoring: the sub-compact or A-segment car. Now, open your eyes and see the 2019 Honda Brio. It’s the most affordable car in Honda’s stable, yet it manages to adhere to everything the Japanese carmaker stands for. It is, if you will, the “un-small small car.”

Nissan Philippines is leveling up the motor show experience through the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour 2.0 at the TransSport Show 2019 this Thursday, May 23 to Sunday, May 26, 2019 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Two years after Honda set a new record for production front-wheel drive cars at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, Renault has now smashed that record with its new Megane R.S. Trophy-R.

Responding to growing concern about the health impact of fine particulates, especially in highly-congested urban areas, the Hyundai Motor Group says they’re working on a smart air purification system that monitors air quality in real time to automatically filter the air going inside the car.

Toyota Shows Off Mercedes-Benz Rivaling Granvia MPV

It was just going to be a matter of time, but everyone knew that Toyota would certainly come up with an ultra-luxurious version of the 2020 Hiace. Well, that time is now. Welcome the 2020 Toyota Granvia.

If you find yourself in Japan this June and have around a million dollars to spare, why don’t you consider bringing home this pristine pair of low-mileage Honda NSX Type Rs.

Former Nissan Philippines President Toti Zara may have coined the term, “Pickup Wars” to coincide with his company’s confidence during the launch of the Navara in 2015, but did you know there was such as thing as the “Toyota War”?

After a special limited time discount on the mu-X Luxe, Isuzu Philippines Corporation is now expanding its discount offer to cover the D-Max as well. Until the end of month, both variants of the D-Max RZ4E 4x2 LS can be had with substantial savings be it through cash or financing purchases.

It’s a rare treat to be able to drive two vehicles of the same class for a classic head-to-head comparo. Thanks to the popularity of mid-sized SUVs, the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5 both are leftfield choices for buyers who prefer comfort and refinement above all else. With both of these choices equipped with a diesel powertrain and all-wheel drive, can Honda, the childhood favorite successfully take on Mazda, one of the segment’s best? Read on.

Hyundai Philippines Slashes Price of Santa Fe and Grand Starex by P 100,000 this May

Summer’s almost over, but that’s not stopping from Hyundai Philippines offering some hot deals with their “Wheel It Sa Init” promo. From today until May 31, 2019, get discounts on some of their road trip ready vehicles such as the Grand Starex, Santa Fe, Tucson, H-100, and Kona.

The Toyota Supra just launched in Japan and with it, the first batch of TRD upgrades. More of aero parts than performance upgrades, these carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) pieces do make the Supra look more aggressive than stock.

Previously, the Strada’s always been driven on the streets of Manila through an extensive review (link here), but this time, it’s tackling the roads of Palawan through this 300-kilometer ride and drive activity.

Palawan is considered by many as the last ecological frontier in the Philippines. Home to many unspoiled natural wonders, over the past few years it has gained significance as one of the country’s fastest growing provinces as well. The same could be said about pickup trucks: what was once a simple workhorse is now accepted by many as a bona fide status symbol; a weekday family vehicle that turns into a weekend adventure machine. Such is the market that faces the 2019 Strada, and it’s a role that it fulfills quite well.

Total Philippines Expands Network in Luzon, Visayas

Total (Philippines) Corporation continues to strengthen its retail business and presence in the country with the opening of three new service stations last March.

Most people who dream of owning a Bentley typically settle for a collectible such as a shirt, watch, or perhaps a coffee table book. For the brand’s 100th year anniversary, Bentley, in true fashion, just couldn’t pick any ordinary publisher; they commissioned specialist luxury book publisher Opus to produce this limited edition 800-page book.

The I Love Isuzu campaign is in full swing and one of the special offers on hand is with the Isuzu mu-X Luxe. Introduced in February of last year, there are still a limited number of units up for grabs. To make it more enticing, Isuzu Philippines Corporation is slashing the price of this specially-equipped SUV.

Hyundai Philippine Sales Up 17.4 Percent in April 2019

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. sustained its growth over the past three months by posting sales of 2,795 units in April 2019, representing a 17.4 percent increase year-on-year.

The 2019 Subaru Forester needs little introduction. Taking it through an extensive drive in the city, it’s more capable, comfortable, and refined than any of its predecessors. It’s not going to win titles like “Best Dressed” or “Most Athletic” of the compact crossover lot, but after a lengthy conversation with it (this time with a drive up and down La Union), it comes across as an impressive all-rounder. It’s the crossover that woos you, not after the first date, but perhaps after a series of dates behind the wheel.

Foton Philippines Now Offers Financing for Heavy-Duty Trucks

Good news to all entrepreneurs wanting to purchase a brand-new heavy-duty truck, but also need to tighten their budget: Foton Philippines has found a solution.

This is How Japan's Only Chauffeur-Driven Car is Made

In Japan, the riches and most powerful men aren’t driven in a Rolls-Royce or a Lexus, they are driven around in a Toyota Century. Marking only the third-generation model to date, in a nameplate that started in 1967, the Toyota Century is considered as Japan’s only exclusively chauffeur-driven automobile.

Fuso trucks and buses has a new Philippine distributor under Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation. Headed by its President and CEO Takatsugu Nitanai, it’s a 100 percent owned subsidiary of Sojitz Corporation, a Japanese general trading and investment company engaged in diversified businesses around the world.

Men in Black Choose the 2020 Lexus RC F

The protector of Earth from alien scum has a swanky new ride. With Sony Pictures’ Men in Black turning a new chapter with Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson replacing Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in Men in Black: International, they need a car with sophisticated styling, power for high-speed pursuits, and of course, the most advanced alien-fighting technology. Enter the Lexus RC F.

Stretching the full potential of its parts sales business, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) entered into a one-year partnership with the Philippine’s division of the Wuerth Group starting April 1, 2019.

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