Gassing up with Petron and paying with your MasterCard could win you a free trip to the Formula One Grand Prix! The "Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix" promo is an e-raffle running from July 15 to September 15, 2012.
July 25, 2012
Petron Offers "Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix" Promo
Gassing up with Petron and paying with your MasterCard could win you a free trip to the Formula One Grand Prix! The "Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix" promo is an e-raffle running from July 15 to September 15, 2012.
Volvo Upgrades City-Safety Technology
Volvo introduces a pioneering preventive safety technology in 2008 called City Safety. This Volvo world-first technology was introduced as standard with the Volvo XC60 which helped reduced risk of rear-end collisions between a car and a Volvo.
Ford Trains Focus Specialists as Part of All-New Ford Focus Launch in the Philippines
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| Photo courtesy of Ford Press |
Powered by Ford Academy, a regional training program aimed to enhance dealership competence and capability, the Focus Specialist Certification Program is an intensive three-day training program designed to equip the Ford sales team with comprehensive product knowledge of the all-new Ford Focus including its segment-first smart technologies.
July 23, 2012
First Drive: 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
BANGKOK, THAILAND—Small is big nowadays. With the price of crude oil continuing to
skyrocket worldwide, carmakers are scrambling to produce a global small car:
one that caters to both the sophisticated, eco-conscious taste of the
first-world markets and the price-sensitive, practical needs of the emerging
markets. Mitsubishi is the latest automaker to enter the B-segment (sub-compact
car) fray, and their answer: the all-new Mirage.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Bullish for 2nd Half
In spite of the supply constraints experienced during the start of this year, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) registered total sales of 16,956 units in the first half of 2012 representing modest sales growth of 0.5% compared to the same period last year. With these numbers, Mitsubishi remains to be the second best selling brand in the country as it cornered 23.3% market share based on consolidated reports of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA).
BMW Breaks New Ground at Auto Allee BMW in Eton Centrries, North EDSA
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| Photo courtesy of BMW Press |
Lexus Manila to Launch All-New ES Sedan
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| Photo courtesy of Lexus Press |
July 20, 2012
BMW Dominates PHL Premium Luxury Segment; Posts Highest Sales Record
Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, continues to reign as the country’s leading premium automotive brand, posting its highest sales of 106 units sold last June 2012, and dominating the market with its 41% market share for the month. This mirrors the global trend that has seen the BMW Group, posting an 8.1% increase year-on-year growth, its highest record sales ever.
AVID Wraps Up First Semister with 28% Growth
The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) ends the first semester with a 28% growth to 15,799 units from 12,324 units sold in the same period last year. This compares with the overall industry growth of 7%.
The Passenger Car (PC) segment rose by 59% in the same period to 9,530 units from 6,007 units sold last year. Robust sales of AVID members, British United Automobiles, Inc., The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), and Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) boosted overall sales for the said period.
June 2012 alone saw a year-on-year growth of 9% in total sales to 2,912 units from 2,666 units sold in the same month last year.
July 19, 2012
Honda Cars Philippines Issues Voluntary Recall for 2012 CR-V
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| Photo courtesy of Honda Press |
Petron Opens Up Business Opportunities to Pinoy Entreprenuers
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| Photo courtesy of Petron Press |
All you need is a plot of land of the right size located along a well-travelled thoroughfare. Depending on the feasibility study, a Petron dealer may choose the appropriate station configuration to match the market potential with his investment capacity.
July 18, 2012
Ford Philippines Launches Iconic Mustang; Prices Start at P 2.499M
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| Photo courtesy of Ford Press |
At the event, Ford also announced pricing for the Mustang, which will be available in in the Philippines in two variants. The 3.7L Mustang V6 Premium is priced at PhP 2,499,000, and the 5.0L Mustang V8 GT Premium for PhP 2,899,000.
Customer deliveries will start in September.
July 17, 2012
Win A Ford Focus with "Start It. Share It. Win It."
Ford Philippines today announced an exciting, interactive and unprecedented launch campaign -- ‘All-New Ford Focus…Start it. Share it. Win it’ -- designed to engage Filipino consumers with real-life ‘smart-demos’ of two of the all-new Ford Focus’ first-in-segment, smart technologies. The smart demo road show will officially start on Friday, August 3 at SM Marikina.
‘Start it. Share it. Win it’ provides a unique opportunity for customers to become part of the local market launch of the all-new Focus by participating both online and on-the-ground over a twelve-week period that will include seven event locations across Metro Manila.
Ford Mustang Launching July 18
Finally, after years of speculation and waiting, the Ford Mustang is ready to prowl the streets of Manila. Mark your calendars as Wednesday, July 18 is the day that Ford Group Philippines is set to unveil the iconic muscle car.
Speculations point towards two available variants of the Ford Mustang, and some media outlets have reported that the range-topping 5.0-liter V8 version will bow in at P 2.6-million. This easily makes the Mustang the most powerful car for the buck.
Will this hold true? Follow us on Twitter as we give you a blow-by-blow coverage of the launch of this icon, and set if it's got the specs (and the price) to battle the likes of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the Toyota 86.
UPDATE: Our Twitter coverage starts at 5PM.
Review: 2012 Mazda CX-5 M/T and A/T
Mazda
engineers have been burning the midnight oil finding ways to make their cars
fun to drive. Suffice to say, they’re trying to make each and every vehicle in
their line-up as fun on the road as the MX-5 (aka Miata). This may sound
blasphemous, but it’s wholly true: from the 2, 3, and even the 6--Mazdas are
fun behind the wheel even if they don’t tend to be the most powerful in their
respective classes. But how can their philosophy, the now infamous “zoom-zoom”
translate into a compact crossover? Remember, this is an extremely competitive
segment, where function largely dominates over fun.
July 16, 2012
Honda Cars Philippines Launches Civic Variants
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| Photos courtesy of Honda Press |
Since its introduction in February 2012, the all-new Civic has been well received. The availability of the full variant line-up will further strengthen our position in the market by providing buyers with wider range of price and feature options.
July 14, 2012
Never Celebrate Too Early
Here's a lesson for all aspiring to enter motorsports: never celebrate too early. As this guy, Riccardo Russo found out as he celebrated his "victory" a lap too early in the 2012 Italian CIV championship race in Mugello.
July 13, 2012
First Drive: 2012 Ford Focus
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang and Ford Press |
KRABI, THAILAND – A sweeping right-band bend appears on the horizon. You settle
yourself into the bucket seat, brace your right foot against the dead pedal, and
tighten your grip on the steering wheel. Do you slow down or speed up? A
split-second later, you mash the throttle and take the bend. Your car remains
planted. Secure. Without a tire squeal from the front Michelin tires. You crack
a satisfied smile, and continue on with the rest of your journey. This is your
new family car. This is the all-new Ford Focus.
Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Unveils Lancer EX 1.6
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| Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Press |
Meanwhile, MMPC has also refreshed 2-liter GT-A as it is poised to offer still the best value for money in the compact sedan segment given its top of its class features.
July 12, 2012
HCPI Launching Expanded Civic Line-Up on Monday
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is finally launching a much needed expanded Civic line-up on Monday, July 16. Though pricing and availability will be formally announced on Monday, from what we gather (and this was presented in the Civic launch early in the year), it will mark the return of a base variant of the Civic as well as the 2.0-liter model.
Snooping around the net reveals some interesting specs: the 1.8-liter S (as how neighbor Thailand dubs the base variant) will have a 5-speed manual transmission mated to the same 1.8-liter engine as before: 141 horsepower and 174 Nm of torque. It will also continue to be equipped with 15-inch alloys with 195/65 tires.
Meanwhile, the 2.0 EL model will likely serve as the Civic's flagship model. Like before, it will have 155 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque and it will be solely available with a 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Key features will likely include: a push button engine start/stop, cruise control, HID headlamps, 17-inch alloys with 214/45 tires among others.
Follow us on Twitter as we follow the unveiling of several new Civic on Monday, July 16. Our coverage starts at 11:00 AM.
Goodyear Launches Quietest Tire Ever
The new Eagle EfficientGrip is Goodyear’s quietest, most comfortable tire ever. The leading tire company’s latest innovation is engineered with advanced “Quiet Tred” technology to minimize road noise and help deliver a silky smooth ride, without compromising safety which is the hallmark of all Goodyear tires.
Designed for luxury car drivers in the country who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the urban environment when they step into their cars, the new Goodyear Eagle EfficientGrip can help make the journey more quiet and smooth.
Hyundai Posts 36% Growth in June
In June, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) posts 36% growth in total sales to 2,356 units from 1,737 units in the prior month. The Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment made an impressive comeback with 101% surge, or 1,108 units sold in June versus the 550 sold a month ago. The arrival of stocks of the Tucson model contributed to the overall boost of Compact SUVs with 600 units sold.
This led to a 23% growth in sales for the first six months of the year with 12,751 units sold compared to the 10,355 units sold in the same period last year. For the said period, models in the PC segment, namely the Accent and the recently-launched EON, upped by 66%.
Photo Break #3: Sweeping Bend
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| Photo by Ulysses Ang |
Like all other Photo Break, this one's in high-resolution format (1280 x 800). Free free to download them as your wallpaper.
Philippine Car Price Guide: July 2012
We bring to you the July 2012 installment of the monthly car price guide. In this update, there are some notable changes including:
- Audi A1
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Ford Explorer 3.5 V6
- Ford Focus
- Ford Mustang
- Honda Jazz 1.5 V, SE, and Mugen (!)
- Isuzu Alterra Urban Cruiser X
- Isuzu D-MAX variants
- Kia Sorento variants
- Kia Sportage 2.4 DLX
- Mitsubishi Lancer EX 1.6
- Mitsubishi Montero Sport 3.0 V6
- Suzuki Alto K10
July 10, 2012
Review: BMW 118d Urban
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Normally,
you'll be cursing to yourself when you've got a BMW stuck in midday EDSA
traffic. Normally, you'll be wishing for a wide, open road with a
billiard-smooth surface to sample the BMW's impeccable balance and spirited
engine. Normally, you'd wish everyday was a Sunday. Sadly, Sunday happens just
once a week and in the six other days, you have to be content crawling through
traffic in your P 2-million hatchback. Yet, for all the traffic and
unpredictable weather Manila offers, this is the sort of environment that tests
the all-new BMW 118d. Rarely does a car prove itself while stuck in traffic,
but that's exactly what this premium car did. For a minute, you can forget that
BMW's were designed to tackle the autobahn, and relish a fuel economy that's
close to 20 km/l (and that's not a typo).
July 9, 2012
All-New Ford Ranger is Here (Finally)!
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| Photo courtesy of Ford Press |
Revealed in April at the Manila International Auto Show, the all-new Ford Ranger comes to market in the Philippines, combining the toughness and capability of a pickup truck with smart technology, outstanding safety, excellent fuel economy and high standards of quality and comfort.
“We are thrilled to start deliveries of our class-defining all-new Ranger and invite our customers to test drive the Ranger at their nearest Ford dealership,” said Dino Obias, AVP for Marketing.
The all-new Ranger is available in three variants - the 2.2L 4x2 XLT in both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions and the 2.2L 4x4 XL in manual transmission – at the suggested retail price of PhP1,179,000 for the 2.2L Ranger 4x4 XL, PhP1,069,000 for the 2.2L Ranger XLT 4x2 MT and PhP1,119,000 for the 2.2L Ranger XLT 4x2 AT.
July 6, 2012
Chevrolet Colorado Now Available in PHL
The Covenant Car Company Incorporated (TCCCI) gives pick-up enthusiast something to be excited about as it introduces the all-new Chevrolet Colorado in the Philippines. The New Chevrolet Colorado is built on nearly a century of Chevrolet trucking heritage and engineered with the best combination of power, durability, comfort and economy in its class. It has been subjected to a tough development and validation process, and has been tested in the toughest conditions around the world. The result is a midsize pick-up truck that is best-in-class in terms of power, torque and acceleration over all terrains, and under all operating conditions.
July 5, 2012
All-New Ford Focus Debuts in PHL; Sales Start in September
The all-new Ford Focus makes its Philippine debut, setting a new standard in its segment with its unmatched combination of smart technologies, outstanding fuel economy, expressive design, responsive performance, responsive performance and high levels of craftsmanship and occupant safety.
The dynamic Ford Focus will go on sale in the Philippines in September and will be produced at Ford’s new USD 450-million, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Rayong, Thailand, which will supply the entire ASEAN region as well as other export markets.
July 4, 2012
PGA Cars Launches A1
PGA Cars, Inc., the official distributor of Audi vehicles in the Philippines has announced that the A1 is now available at their Greenhills, Alabang, and Global City Showrooms.
Audi's most compact model comes with the S-Line body kit and is being offered in several colors. It's powered by a 1.4-liter engine that features both a supercharger AND a turbocharger. It's also equipped with the 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. Thanks to the small engine as well as advanced transmission and start/stop system, the A1 returns an impressive 18.86 km/L.
For more information about the Audi A1, you may contact PGA Cars at (+63-2) 727-0381 to 85.
July 3, 2012
Review: 2012 Mazda3 2.0 R
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Admittedly,
when the curtains were pulled off the all-new Mazda3, the reception was a bit
lackluster. Given the first-generation 3 collected numerous accolades and was
for a time, the Philippines’s best-selling compact car, expectations for the
new model was stratospherically high. Plus, since its arrival was a full two
years (and a facelift) behind schedule, everyone was expecting to be blown
away. Rumors circulated about the possibility of having a 2.0-liter hatchback,
a manual transmission option, and even the arrival of the mythical Mazdaspeed3.
July 2, 2012
CAMPI Announces Motor Show Schedule
Optimism hasn’t been any higher for the 13
members and affiliates of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the
Philippines, Inc. or CAMPI as they have officially announced the dates of the
fourth Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). Slated from Thursday, 16
August to Sunday, 20 August 2012 at the World
Trade Center
in Pasay City, this year’s show carries the theme
of: “Drive the Fun”.
June 29, 2012
Photo Break # 2: Road Less Traveled
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| Photo by Ulysses Ang |
All Photo Break photos can be downloaded as a desktop wallpaper This one's in a 1280x800 pixel resolution. Enjoy.
June 28, 2012
Lexus Tops J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Initial Quality Study
Lexus earned the honor as the highest-ranking nameplate in the automotive industry in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) with 73 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100).
Lexus has ranked highest in the IQS study in 14 of the last 23 years, beginning with the brand’s first model year in 1990.
June 27, 2012
Ford Philippines to Conclude Manufacturing Operations by Year-End
This decision, part of Ford's ongoing restructuring of regional manufacturing operations to improve efficiencies and costs, and better leverage economies of scale, was made following a comprehensive assessment of opportunities to bring a new product program to the Philippines.
UPDATED: Subaru BRZ PHL Specs Leaked
With the Toyota 86 officially launching next week, Motor Image Pilipinas has already begun pre-selling their version of the acclaimed rear-wheel drive sports car. So, how much is the BRZ worth in Philippine Pesos? Well, if you're expecting a hefty discount versus the 86, you'll be disappointed. The Subaru BRZ is currently pre-selling for P 2,200,000 with deliveries starting 4th quarter of 2012.
However, the differentiating factor between the BRZ and its 86 cousin is the specs. The BRZ is expected to be better loaded, if just a tad. Preliminary specs include:
UPDATED: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Sliding Sideways Real Soon
C! Magazine, the Philippines's leading car enthusiast magazine has blown the covers off the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe with an exclusive first test. The sport coupe is currently on the magazine's Facebook page cover photo and some digging reveals a July or August 2012 release date, raining a bit perhaps on the Toyota 86's parade. There will be a slight price increase, topping out at P 1,990,000.
June 26, 2012
Volvo Launches S60 Polestar Performance Concept
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| Photo courtesy of Volvo Press |
"We are proud to present Polestar’s interpretation of the Volvo S60," says Christian Dahl, founder and CEO of Polestar. "It’s a car developed with our own preferences in mind which, we, from experience know, are shared by a group of active drivers."
Review: 2012 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4WD
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
June 25, 2012
Simply Brilliant: Driving the Hyundai Eon to Baguio
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Normally, when you think “road trip”, your
mind gravitates towards bringing a crossover or a large van with you where it
is you need to go. So when we were invited to drive Hyundai’s newest (and
smallest) city car, the Eon up Baguio,
there were questions as to whether the diminutive vehicle would actually make
it in one piece. We actually conjured up scenarios where the Eon would be
thrown about by the crosswinds of passing busses or stalling up the steep climb
up Kennon Road.
June 24, 2012
Columbian Autocar Corporation Extends Partnership with Philippine Azkals
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| Photo courtesy of Kia Press |
With a year of exciting collaborations with the team, CAC extended their contract for a second year as the Azkals’ official transport provider. Held at the Azkals Sports Bar last June 21, the signing event was witnessed by the motoring and sports media.
Following its aggressive sports marketing strategy, KIA will be one of the major sponsors at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. As one of the official FIFA partners, KIA will be supplying vehicles from its model line-up that will be used during FIFA events. KIA is also boosting its brand recognition through a number of marketing activities and A-board advertisements in the stadiums during the games.
KIA Motor’s commitment to sports and passion for football are showcased in its continued partnership with the Philippine Azkals. With the different sports sponsorships, KIA Motors Corporation will continue to strengthen the brand as a global automaker that is adventurous and young-at-heart.
June 22, 2012
Ford Philippines Upgrades Explorer 3.5 V6
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| Photo courtesy of Ford Press |
The all-new 3.5L Ford Explorer Limited features additional segment-first technologies that include Active Park Assist, Lane Keeping Technology, Blind Sport Information System and Adaptive Cruise Control.
June 21, 2012
First Drive: 2012 Toyota 86
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
Upon his appointment as Toyota Motor
Corporation CEO, Akio Toyoda has one goal: make Toyota fun-to-drive once again. As the
founder’s grandson, Akio-san knows that one vital ingredient to make this dream
a reality is to create an affordable and spirited sports car. Before the birth
of the 86, it was puzzling that Toyota—being
the world’s largest automaker, didn’t have a single sports car in its line-up.
The absence was made even more obvious given the carmaker’s illustrious past:
Toyota Sports 800, 2000GT, Celica, MR2, and Supra. Now, after years of
anticipation and excitement, the long wait is over as the company has
introduced a new addition to its line-up; one that finally re-introduces a
legend: the Toyota
86 sports car.
June 20, 2012
AVID January-May 2012 Sales Up 27%
While total industry sales rose marginally by 0.6%, the first five months of the year saw sales of the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) increase by 27% to 12,887 units versus the 10,151 sold in the same period last year. Passenger car (PC) sales went up by 77% or 8,004 units from 4,528 units sold last year. Top three contributors to this growth are Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), and Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc.
For the month of May alone, total sales rose by 11%, likewise driven by higher PC turnouts of 1,476 units, or a 47% increase.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Brings Perfect Business Deals Promo
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines brings the perfect time for entrepreneurs and those who are planning to start their own businesses. The Mitsubishi Buhay Negosyante Deals promo offers flexible terms that will suit your budget and allow you to own the ideal and dependable vehicle for whatever your business may be. Aside from the easy financing deals, customers are also entitled to exciting freebies and rewards when they purchase the L300 Deluxe, Adventure, or L200.
June 19, 2012
Review: 2012 Ford Explorer 2.0 EcoBoost GTDi
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| Photos by Ulysses Ang |
June 18, 2012
Toyota Motor Philippines Launches 86
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| Photos courtesy of Toyota Press |
June 13, 2012
Philippine Car Price Guide: June 2012
Here's your monthly installment of the Philippine Car Price Guide. In this update, we've included some price movements from Chevrolet, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz.
Other notable changes include the official removal from availability of the Ford Focus (the all-new one's just around the corner), the arrival of new cars from Kia including the Kia Sportage 2.0 LX M/T, Sorento 2.4 LX 2WD 5-Seater M/T, and 1.6 Soul LX with 6-speed AT, simplification of the Mitsubishi Adventure range, and of course, the arrival of the Toyota 86 into our list.
There are also some minor changes with other brands not mentioned above, so without further adieu, here's your June 2012 price list:
Other notable changes include the official removal from availability of the Ford Focus (the all-new one's just around the corner), the arrival of new cars from Kia including the Kia Sportage 2.0 LX M/T, Sorento 2.4 LX 2WD 5-Seater M/T, and 1.6 Soul LX with 6-speed AT, simplification of the Mitsubishi Adventure range, and of course, the arrival of the Toyota 86 into our list.
There are also some minor changes with other brands not mentioned above, so without further adieu, here's your June 2012 price list:
June 12, 2012
Review: 2012 Honda Accord and 2012 Honda Jazz
On any other day, it’s like comparing apples to oranges, or more appropriately in this case, comparing a bottle of Gold Eagle to Stella Artois. They’re both brewed from the same combination of cereal, barley and wheat but the end result couldn’t be further apart. Yet, you cannot deny that the fundamental ingredients are the same. The same could be said about driving two cars from the same manufacturer, in this case, Honda. At first glance, the sub-P800,000 hatchback Jazz and the sub-P2-million Accord may seem worlds apart, but they do have the very same basic ingredient: superb engineering. And that’s the basis of this back-to-back drive.
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