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

April 16, 2013

Review: 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 4.0 V6

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The Toyota Land Cruiser, particularly, the Land Cruiser Prado has a special place in my heart. There’s something about its rugged styling coupled with its first-class interior and its storied nameplate. Without batting an eyelid, it’s always my first choice to spend my lotto winnings on. The P 2,900,000 price tag is certainly a big splurge by anyone’s book, but given how much chunk of metal you’re getting for the buck, it’s reasonably priced; plus it’s backed up by Toyota’s legendary levels of reliability and durability. However, given the chance to live with a Land Cruiser Prado in the garage for a week, will its luxurious promise hold or will this simply be the case where imagination ended up better than reality?

Hyundai Awards Change-Up, DrivE-on Grand Prize Winner

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) awarded a Hyundai Eon to a lucky client of Hyundai General Santos dealership, bringing the Change-up, DrivE-on promo to a successful close. The promo, which ran from November 5, 2012 to February 5, 2013, gave Hyundai customers a chance to bring home a brand new Eon or one of five Apple iPad 3 units for every oil change using Hyundai’s HGMO (Hyundai Genuine Motor Oil) Fully Synthetic. The final draw was held at the HARI headquarters last March 14, 2013.

The HGMO Fully Synthetic Motor Oil, supplied by Pro-Oil Corporation, promises superior engine performance, enhanced additive formulation, improved fuel efficiency, less oil evaporation and emission, and advanced protection to prolong engine life.

Present in the awarding were (L-R) HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo; Grand Prize Winner Ariel Lagamon; Pro-Oil Corporation Chairman Martin Dy Buncio; HARI Senior Assistant Vice President, Quality Assurance & Process Enhancement Division Engr. Alfredo S. Jose; Hyundai General Santos Dealer Principal Russel Gregorio; and Pro-Oil Corporation President Erwin Tan.

Porsche Boxster and Cayman Named World Performance Car of the Year

At a ceremony hosted by Bridgestone Corporation at the New York Auto Show last month, the Porsche Boxster and Cayman were named the 2013 World Performance Car. The Cayman celebrated its world premiere only last November at the International Motor Show in Los Angeles, while the Boxster has been on the market now for a year.

The World Car Awards (WCA) are presented annually in four categories - Car Design, Green Car, Performance Car and Car of the Year. Winners are determined by an international panel of 66 automotive journalists from 23 countries. Jurors are appointed by the World Car Steering Committee based on automotive expertise, experience, credibility and influence.

Hyundai Posts 4% Year-on-Year Growth in March

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, posted a 4% year-on-year (YoY) growth in March 2013 compared to the same period last year.

Bouncing back from a supply-hampered February, Hyundai cars on both passenger and commercial vehicle fronts posted favourable numbers, with passenger cars (PC) registering a 2% growth to finish at 1,343 units vs. 1,316 in March 2012. The Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment, meanwhile, also posted strong digits with 984 Hyundai LCVs rolling off showroom floors from 929 units in March 2012.

Month-on-month figures showed even more vigour, registering a 43% increase in March over February 2013. Leading the charge were Hyundai’s passenger car (PC) models which posted an impressive 63% growth over February 2013. Not to be outdone, LCV models bannered an equally remarkable 22% growth in the same period.

Leading the pack was an eclectic mix of vehicles ranging from the Eon sub-compact, the popular Elantra compact sedan, as well as Hyundai’s newest offerings, the Santa Fe SUV and Genesis Coupe sports car.

Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2013: The Video

CATS Motors, Inc., the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in the Philippines recently held the 2013 edition of the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience. This half-day track event is designed not just to bring the different Mercedes-Benz passenger cars through its paces (including the SLS AMG) but also to teach invaluable lessons to the driver, especially when it came to emergency maneuvers.

Vent It Out Friday: Speed Perception

Measuring a car’s speed by the kilometers it covers in an hour is as obsolete as the eight-track tape. Drivers need a speed measurement that reflects our go-anywhere-fast lifestyle, and kilometers per hour just doesn’t cut it anymore. We must replace kilometers per hour with meters per second—before it’s too late.

The next time you’re driving your Honda Civic or Lamborghini Gallardo or whatever it is you’re driving, look at the speedometer. What do the numbers read? 20 kilometers per hour? 60 kilometers per hour? 100 kilometers per hour? Whether you’re stuck on EDSA (which is pretty much every single minute these days) or flying like a low-altitude jetfighter on the NLEX, what do those numbers actually mean?

Airbag Recall Hits Toyota, Nissan, Mazda Vehicles; Totals 3.5-M Worldwide

The airbag recall that just hit Honda apparently has larger repercussions. A few hours after Honda announced the recall of its Civic and CR-V models, some of which were sold in the Philippines, the airbag problem seems to encompass Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda vehicles. The total number of recalled vehicles is expected to reach 3.5 million cars worldwide.

Toyota announced that it is recalling 1.7 million cars including the Corolla, Matrix, and Camry. Honda is recalling 1.1 million cars while Nissan is recalling 480,000 cars while Mazda is adding some 45,000 vehicles. All of the said vehicles sourced its airbags from Japan-based Takata Corporation. The same company was subject to a seat belt recall in 1995. Most vehicles affected by the recall were manufactured from 2001-2003.

More details soon.

Honda Cars Philippines Recalling 9,743 Civic, CR-V Models

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announces a voluntary recall of some 9,743 units of the Honda Civic year models 2001 to 2002 and CR-V year model 2002 sold in the Philippines for the period of 2001 to 2002 due to faulty inflation device of the front passenger airbag.
Findings show that during manufacturing process, the automatic rejection system machine failed to detect defective Airbag Inflators with low density propellants. Subsequently, these defective inflation devices were installed in these vehicles. As a result, upon airbag deployment, the pressure increases excessively and might cause the inflator case to rupture.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Isuzu Philippines Corporation has formally introduced last April 11 at Makati Shangri-La Hotel a new company president. On May 3, Nobuo Izumina officially replaced Ryoji Yamazaki, who was assigned Managing Director of Isuzu Car Life, an affiliate of Isuzu Motors Limited (IML). Izumina, 56, brings with him 33 years of work experience with IML handling overseas operations.

Born in Tokyo, Izumina was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Isuzu Camiones Andinos in Bogota, Colombia. He joined IML’s Production Control Department in 1980, a month after receiving a degree in Economics from the Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo. He rose through the ranks having been assigned to the company’s Overseas Distribution Department, and later as Manager of the Sales Department handling North America.

Ford Philippines today announced that its momentum to start the year continued in March with the company delivering its best-ever sales for the month, and capping off its all-time best first quarter performance.

Driven by strong sales across Ford’s growing product lineup in the Philippines, March retail sales rose 61 percent year-over-year to 1,000 vehicles. Overall retail sales during Ford’s record first quarter nearly doubled from the same period a year ago, rising 91 percent to 2,685 vehicles.

UPDATED: New Movie "RUSH" Looks at the 1976 Formula 1 Season: The Video

UPDATE: A second (and longer) trailer is provided after the break.

Ron Howard (Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind) is bringing the epic 1976 Formula 1 title fight between Nicki Lauda and James Hunt to the big screen. This is the first look at his new movie, RUSH. It focuses on the rivalry between Hunt and Lauda as well as Lauda's recovery from his near fatal crash.

RUSH stars Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt and Daniel Bruhl as Niki Lauda. RUSH is slated to open in the US on September 20, 2013.

Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2013: Better Driving Through Training

Photos by Ash Mahintay. Courtesy of CATS Motors, Inc.

Better driving skills can make a world of a difference for everyone on the road. Mercedes-Benz approaches the skill of driving from a holistic point of view. State-of-the-art Active and Passive systems need to be complemented by the necessary driving skills in order to ensure better protection for drivers and passengers, even pedestrians.

Subaru ForesterDRIVE: The Video

How did the all-new Subaru Forester do in the recently concluded ForesterDRIVE to Sagada? See it for yourself and hear it straight from the journalists who were there to drive Subaru's all-new crossover. Witness the all-new Forester tackle different terrain from the smooth highway roads of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to off-roading in the lahar trails of Porac, Pampanga to the long drives going up to Baguio and Sagada itself.

Video courtesy of Ardie Lopez

Philippine Car Price Guide: March-April 2013

Well, I have to apologize in advance for not coming out with the Philippine Car Price Guide last month as my laptop decided to blow itself into tiny little pieces. So after some re-installation work, restoration of back-up files, and other stuff...we're back again to our usual monthly updates. With the Manila International Auto Show or MIAS just finished a few days ago, there's a slew of updates here including:

Chery
Ford Explorer (2013 models)
Ford Ranger (10 variants including the new Wildtrak)
Hyundai Accent CRD
Jeep Wrangler Moab / Wrangler Unlimited Moab
Kia Carens
Mazda6 2.5 SKYACTIV
Mitsubishi Strada 2.5 GLX 4WD
Peugeot RCZ (2013 model)
Subaru Forester
Subaru XV (2013 models)
Toyota Corolla Altis (price adjustment)
Toyota Fortuner (price adjustment)
Toyota Hilux (price adjustment)
Toyota Innova (price adjustment)

Review: 2013 Toyota 86 M/T

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The Toyota 86 has become a tremendous success story for Toyota Motor Philippines since its launch mid last year. Not only has it hammered down the point that “fun is back” at Toyota, but it has successfully drawn car enthusiasts, myself included, who wouldn’t have considered owning a Toyota in the first place. Several people have offered varying suggestions on why it’s become such a sought-after car, but I’d like to offer my own reason: it’s a vehicle designed solely with precision in mind. Undoubtedly, it’s a wonderful piece of machinery designed to be one of the best handling sports car on the planet. Forget straight line speed or mind-boggling acceleration—the Toyota 86 isn’t about any of that. Instead, the 86 is about pure, unadulterated handling delight. It’s a sports car in the purest form. Show it a canyon course with dozens of switchbacks and hairpins, and it will put a smile on your face.

Hyundai, the official mobility partner of Solaire Open 2013, hits the greens with the 2013 Santa Fe and the All-New Azera as Asian Tour International, Ltd. once again brings Asia’s prestigious professional golf tournament to the Philippines on April 8-14, 2013 at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, Mandaluyong City.

For the tourney week, an exclusive fleet of new breed Santa Fes will serve as official shuttles for 150 professional and amateur golfers from 14 participating countries, including the Philippines.
Because only an SUV of refined yet sportive calibre shines with Asia’s best in this gentleman’s game of performance and distinction.

UPDATE: We just included a video after the break as well.

Audi has joined forces with Disney and Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, LLC for the release of Marvel’s Iron Man 3 due in theaters this May 2013. The brand will once again be highlighted throughout the entire film. The Audi R8, R8 Spyder, A8, S5, and Q7 were all featured in the first and second installments.

“Audi is excited to once again showcase the brand’s cutting edge technology and sleek design with the Audi R8 e-tron in Marvel’s Iron Man 3,” said Loren Angelo, General Manager of Brand Marketing for Audi of America. “This is a strategic collaboration for us. Similar to the position of the R8 as an innovation leader, Iron Man’s character consistently evolves throughout the trilogy as he masterminds new trends in technology and engineering.”

BMW Adds Another SAV into Range with X4 Concept

Every BMW SAV has been a trailblazer. The world premiere of the first BMW SAV (the BMW X5) in 1999 saw the BMW Group create the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment – one in which BMW SAVs remain the market leaders. The BMW X3 and BMW X1 were likewise the first SAVs in their classes, and continue to define these types of vehicles today.

The results of the Philippine Car of the Year, with the Mitsubishi Mirage winning the ultimate prize and the Mazda BT-50 getting the Philippine Truck of the Year, is controversial to some people. Well, the folks over at the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI), the organization that runs the Philippine Car of the Year is more than happy to put those doubts to rest.

Although we're not exactly privy on the exact weights of the Qualitative and Instrument tests, we do have a breakdown of how all the 2012-2013 entrants fared when it came to the group's Instrumented tests which consisted of: Acceleration, Braking, and Slalom.

See the entire long graphic file after the break.

At a grand event on the first day of the 2013 Manila International Auto Show, the Car Awards Group, Inc. (CAGI) has revealed the 2012-2013 Car of the Year - Philippines: the Mitsubishi Mirage.

The culmination of a year's testing, preparations and deliberations by the Car Awards Group, Inc, the 2012-2013 COTY-P season saw a field of 81 new cars, crossovers, SUVs, trucks, sportscars and vans that competed in 19 different categories, as well as the coveted title of Car Of The Year - Philippines.

MMPC Recalls 1,420 Mirage Models Due to Faulty ABS

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has recently announced to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that it will conduct a safety recall of the Mitsubishi Mirage GLS models equipped with Antilock Brake System both for manual and automatic transmission variants.

Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) member Focus Ventures, Inc., which exclusively distributes, markets, and services top-of-segment Chinese brands King Long buses and vans and FAW commercial trucks in the Philippines, introduces King Long Max at the ICON Innovation in Mobility Expo.

Keeping in mind space and comfort, this light commercial vehicle is designed with an improved high-roof ceiling, a 2+1 seat arrangement, accessible back row, and increased luggage space that can accommodate up to 16 passengers and more baggage, sans crowding. The airy cabin design, robust power, entertainment features, and safety conveniences make King Long Max a reliable road companion for families, especially for long drives.

ICON: Hyundai i-oniq Concept is Sneak Peek at Future Design Direction

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Have you ever wondered how Hyundai has become one of the most innovative and revolutionary car brands in the world today? The secret is in its concept cars.

Always reinventing, always revolutionizing, Hyundai’s research and development (R&D) centers around the globe are constantly designing new concept cars or prototypes every year to benchmark its contemporary drives. While not all concept cars end being mass produced, many become test-beds or inspirations for new car designs and features that serve true to the purpose of improving automotive technology, and ultimately, our way of driving.

Like the inspired strokes of an artist, deliberate in every curve, and every element, the all-new Hyundai Azera is an automotive piece of art where every part, shape, composition and design is beautiful. Authoritative and confident standing still and in motion, it brings in a new era of Hyundai in the premium sedan category and benchmarks another engineering feat in the automotive world.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Innovation. Individuality. Inspiration. Hyundai seems to evoke these words whenever the renowned automotive brand rolls out a new i-series model from its mobility innovation stable. It wasn’t too long ago when the i-series models— top-billed by the i10 and i30--were introduced to the Philippine automotive scene. Now, Hyundai gives the motoring public something new to look forward to, as it showcases another i-series model that further highlights Hyundai’s flair for distinctly European design. Make way for the Euro-chic i40.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Technology never sleeps and as technology keeps advancing, many people on the lookout for a new car are thinking about investing on a hybrid, not only for the cutting-edge features, but mostly for fuel efficiency and better mileage. Many view the hybrid as the industry’s “Holy Grail” of-the-moment. As gas prices continue to rise and the clamor for the most economical cars surges, so do car manufacturers step up.

Avid Members Headline ICON Expo from Today until Sunday, April 7

Photo by Ulysses Ang

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) once again convenes top minds from the government, business, and academe at the third Thought Leadership Forum (TLF) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Dubbed ICON (Innovation Congress), this year’s TLF is a milestone for AVID with its powerhouse events--the ICON forum on April 5 and the Innovation in Mobility Expo, which runs April 5-7, 2013 at The ICON on 32nd Avenue cor. 9th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Admission to the Congress and Expo is free.

Honda Cars Philippines Incorporated (HCPI), Honda’s automobile assembly and sales subsidiary in the Philippines, introduces the Detachable Third Row Seat accessory for select variants of its CR-V model.
Beginning April 1, 2013, the 2.0 LX (2WD with automatic transmission) and 2.4 LX (4WD with automatic transmission) variants will have the Detachable Third Row Seat accessory.

Even if Peugeot returned to the Philippine market just a year ago, they’ve been making themselves busy. For The Manila International Auto Show, Peugeot is showcasing their updated RCZ sports coupe. The RCZ is made even more of a stunner thanks to the revamped front end which echoes Peugeot’s new design direction. The RCZ ditches the single gaping grille for a two-level grille separated by a body-colored section. This small change does wonders to the RCZ’s style which is comprised of the sweeping proportions, low rear deck, and bubble top roofline. And despite having only a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the RCZ has 156 horsepower good for a 0-100 km/h time of just 7.8 seconds.

MIAS 2013: Mini Launches Paceman

Photo by Ulysses Ang

The seventh model in the Mini range, the Paceman is more than just the Countryman with the two rear doors chopped off. The exterior is restyled and is sleeker thanks to a sloping roof line, horizontal tail lamps, and a sleek rear glass that haunch up. The suspension is also sportier, making the Paceman sit lower than the Countryman. Inside, the Paceman gets some fiddling including the migration of the power windows switches from the center console to the doors. Under the hood, the Paceman is powered by the same engines powering the Countryman so expect a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with different tunes from 122 horsepower all the way to 208 horsepower for the John Cooper Works model.

MIAS 2013: Mazda Updates CX-9 with Kodo Face

Photo by Ulysses Ang

While the Mazda6 was the scene stealer at the Mazda pavilion, another Mazda has been refreshed for the 2013 model year: the flagship crossover, the CX-9. It gains the new "Kodo: Soul of Motion" look refreshing the headlamps, grille, and bumper. At the back, the CX-9 receives new tail lamp clusters as well as slightly re-shaped bumpers. It's purely a cosmetic job however as the CX-9 will retain its 3.7-liter V6. Currently, Mazda is offering the CX-9 as an all-wheel drive 7-seater crossover however a more affordable front-wheel drive version will arrive later in the year.

MIAS 2013: Mazda6 2.5 SKYACTIV Makes Its Debut

The globally-acclaimed new Mazda6 makes its Philippines debut at the 2013 Manila International Motor Show, following an exclusive reveal to the press the previous evening in Pasig City.

Presenting the new Mazda6 at MIAS was none other than the Mazda6 Program Manager, Mr. Hiroshi Kajiyama, from Mazda Motor Corporation.

MIAS 2013: BPI Auto Loans Brings Exclusive Perks to MIAS Visitors

The 2013 Manila International Auto Show, presented by BPI Family Auto Loan for three straight years, opens its doors to car enthusiasts this coming April 4-7, at the World Trade Center in Pasay. MIAS the country’s biggest motoring event in the country features the brand new, hybrid and concept cars from the country’s leading automotive brands.

As the official presentor of the MIAS, BPI Family Auto Loan offers special low loan rates as well as FREE Comprehensive Insurance with Acts of Nature Coverage. The BPI Family Auto loan team is also on-site to process and approve loan applications.

Ford is in the spotlight at the 2013 Manila International Auto Show with the preview of the new Ford Fiesta. With the refresh of its class-leading small car, Ford demonstrates its commitment to capture even more of the rapidly growing small car segment as the company continues with its aggressive growth plan for the Philippines.

Ford Philippines today launched an upgraded Ford Explorer lineup at the 2013 Manila International Auto Show, continuing to raise the bar on customer benefits with a modern, capable and fuel-efficient mid-size SUV.

The class-defining Explorer lineup in the Philippines now features the 2.0L Explorer FWD Limited with EcoBoost and the 3.5L Ford Explorer AWD Limited Plus.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Ford Philippines is displaying its significantly expanded lineup of ten class-leading all-new Ranger pickups today to kick-off the 2013 Manila International Auto Show. The expanded Ranger lineup includes seven new variants – led by the three range-topping all-new Ranger Wildtrak variants plus four models especially suited for fleet customers.

The all-new Ranger is available with the proven Duratorq TDCi 2.2L engine and the best-in-class Duratorq TDCi 3.2L engine, in both automatic and manual transmissions.

Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Asia region, today launched the all-new Forester in Philippines. The fourth generation Forester was designed to achieve enhanced user-friendly utilities, comfort and a stress-free, fun-to-drive character through improved driving performance and ride quality.

The Subaru Forester 2.0XT and 2.0i-L models are now available in Philippines.

Review: 2013 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Hatchback A/T

Photos by Ulysses Ang

We’ve driven the Chevrolet Sonic LTZ sedan (full story here), and although we commended it for its stylish exterior, well-built interior, and solid driving dynamics it wasn’t a fool-proof choice given its lack of fuel efficiency, tech, and value. With a change of body style from the staid 4-door to a sportier 5-door, will the Chevrolet Sonic score better? Let’s find out.

The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) will once again showcase some of the country’s most desirable classic and modified cars. This year, the country’s leading fuel brand Petron will once again be presenting the Petron-MIAS Custom and Classic Car Competition, to be showcased at the Philippine Trade Training Center, adjacent to the World Trade Center Manila, from April 4 to 7. Recent “Best of Show” winners of the MIAS competition include a classic Mercedes-Benz 190SL in 2011 and last year, it was an entry by JSK shop Johnson Tan, a fully customized 2008 Honda Civic FD.

MIAS 2013: 9th Year and Still Going Strong

For the ninth consecutive year, Worldbex Services International, the organizers of the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) opens its doors once again to automotive enthusiasts and the public the country’s biggest automotive event on April 4 to 7, 2013 at the World Trade Center and Philippine Trade Center. With a larger floor area, this year’s MIAS promises to be its biggest showing yet, with over 300 cars on display, including new and never-before-seen car models in the market as well as classic, vintage and exotic cars.

The Car Awards Group, Inc. is getting ready to reveal the 2012-2013 Car of the Year – Philippines at the Awards Night on April 4 at the 2013 Manila International Auto Show.

The 2012-2013 round of tests is one of the biggest yet, with 80 of the latest models competing for 20 different automobile categories.

Goodyear Philippines has awarded five outstanding motorists for having demonstrated heroism on the road that benefited strangers at the 6th Annual Bayani ng Kalsada Awards Celebration held at the Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Manila on March 20.

Tricycle driver Christopher M. Fonclara of Iloilo City ran away with the top award and a total of Php 80,000 in cash as this year’s Bayani ng Kalsada National Champion. Christopher Fonclara was also hailed Bayani ng Kalsada Regional Champion for Visayas alongside fellow Regional Champions Glenn Arcillia (Luzon), Rolando B. Carullo (NCR), and Roel P. Limen (Mindanao). Regional Champions each received Php 30,000 in cash from Goodyear and gift packages from Centro Negosyo and Petron. Additionally, Dr. Lorraine Marie Badoy of Makati City also received a ‘special award’ and recognition.

UPDATED: Ford Unveils Segment-Busting EcoSport for ASEAN Markets

BANGKOK, THAILAND—Sport Utility Vehicles are seen as lumbering giants—too big, too thirsty, and too cumbersome for daily use. Nonetheless, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the growing popularity of this segment. Ford, through its decade-defining One Ford Plan, aims to address the need for a more urbran-centric SUV; one that’s designed to ultimately tackle the hardest challenge of all: daily life. Meet the all-new Ford EcoSport.

UPDATE: We have now included more launch pictures of the Ford EcoSport after the break.

Subaru has finally taken the wraps off the WRX Concept--a design study that serves as the clearest indication of what the production WRX would look like come late this year. Subaru has purposely given sparse mechanical specifications of the WRX Concept as it serves mainly to give "hints" to the design language of the production WRX.

Vent It Out Friday: Two Sides to Every Story

There are two kinds of people in this world.

There are people who drink coffee. Then there are people who think 3-in-1 tastes like piss and have to order monkey-picked beans and roast them in their very own coffee laboratory.

There are people who check their email, surf the web and occasionally press the ‘like’ button on Facebook. Then there are people who build their PCs piece by literal piece with only the finest components available. And they do it every year.

Ford Introduces 1.0-liter EcoBoost in Refreshed Fiesta for ASEAN

Photos by Ulysses Ang

BANGKOK, THAILAND—The presence of Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company’s rock star President and CEO at the Bangkok International Motor Show served as the perfect indicator that big news awaited the guests gathered at the Ford pavilion. After unveiling the much-awaited segment-busting urban SUV, the EcoSport a day earlier, what larger headline could possibly trump that? After taking the stage, Mr. Mulally quickly mentioned how the ASEAN market is Ford Motor Company’s most important and fastest growing market—growing at a staggering rate of 27 percent year-on-year (to the tune of 87,623 units). He also stressed that a good chunk of buyers in this market would opt for a small car by the year 2020. Then, he dropped a bomb shell: EcoBoost is finally arriving in the ASEAN underneath the refreshed Ford Fiesta.

BIMS 2013: Toyota Totally Re-Skins Vios

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Budget-friendly motorists, as well as taxi and fleet companies, will certainly look more stylish as Toyota has given its Vios sub-compact car a global reveal at the Bangkok International Motor Show. The all-new Vios features a head-turning look inspired by the recently launched RAV4 and to some degree, the 86 sportscar.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Honda is aiming once again to lure luxury buyers back into their fold with the official unveil of the all-new Accord at the Bangkok International Motor Show. Based off the US-market Accord, the ASEAN version features some detail changes to give the Accord a more luxurious twist compared to its American stablemate.

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Lexus's highlight at the Bangkok International Motor Show is the all-new IS 300h, showcased in a stunning red color perched in their booth's main stage. This officially marks as the official ASEAN reveal of the new rear-wheel drive sports sedan. Clad in the brand's F Sport package, the swoopy design features the rather controversial "Nike" headlights. Whatever you make of it though, it's deemed as the "boldest design" for Lexus yet. The all-new IS 300h uses a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine mated to Lexus's Hybrid Drive powertrain as well as a CVT transmission.

Review: 2013 Kia Rio 1.2 SLX

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Confession time: despite being in the motoring beat for over a decade now, this is the first time I’ve ever driven a Kia extensively. Of course, it happened that it’s the Rio 1.2 SLX that arrived—the P 625,000 budget-friendly, fleet-inclined vehicle that’s normally not on most reviewers’ wish list. Despite its daunting task of having to convince me of the brand’s merits (they could have sent a Sportage or Optima, after all), it succeeded. The Kia Rio 1.2 SLX turned out to be a great, spunky automobile—a testament on how Kia can design and engineer great small cars; proof that fun doesn’t necessarily start at a million pesos.

Anyone handling a four-wheeled vehicle cannot afford to go places without a travel buddy. Whether it’s a short journey or a long distance trip, a travel buddy will always help you keep your concentration on what’s ahead, remind you of the rules of the road, and help you keep your vehicle travel-worthy.

It is in this spirit that Petron proudly unveils this year’s Petron Lakbay Alalay program. Well-loved as the longest running motorist assistance program in the country, Petron Lakbay Alalay, now on its 27th year, doesn’t just involve itself with helping stranded motorists during long calendar breaks (such as the Holy Week stretch and All Souls’ Day/All Saints Day). Petron Lakbay Alalay now is a series of activities spread year-round to help the motorists and communities.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) under its corporate social responsibility education and safety advocacies - the 1’M Blue Eco-Safe Driving Campaign, recently tied-up with the Department of Energy and the University of the Philippines National Engineering Center (UP NEC) in conducting seminars on fuel efficiency for road transport in 10 key cities in the Philippines from January to May 2013.

The seminar shares the Government’s energy efficiency program, the rationale of eco-safe driving, then moves on with practical tips on driving practices that save fuel and proper vehicle maintenance. There are 20 half-day sessions set for public utility drivers and operators from 5 cities in Luzon (Laoag, Legaspi, Baguio, Pampanga and Metro Manila); 3 in Visayas (Cebu, Iloilo and Tacloban); and 2 in Mindanao (Davao and Cagayan de Oro.)

Allow Casey Hyun to inspire your imagination at the upcoming ICON (Innovation Congress), the 3rd Thought Leadership Forum of the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

As head of Hyundai’s design team, Mr. Hyun is credited for leading the team that developed, refined, and implemented the Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy, the concept that has given Hyundai an identity that sets it apart even at a glance.

Get Your Hyundai Ready for Summer

Summer is here! It’s time for long trips, beach vacations and out-of-town fun! But before
heading out, make sure that you have a healthy car for your safe and worry-free travels!
Schedule an appointment for Hyundai’s CAMP—Check-up And Maintenance Promo, and choose
from our Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) packages:

PMS Package 1: HGMO Mineral Oil with 25% discount on labor
PMS Package 2: HGMO Semi-synthetic Oil with 25% discount on labor
PMS Package 3: HGMO Fully Synthetic Oil with 25% discount on labor, 10% discount on parts and engine oil and FREE Hyundai backpack or foldable fan

Plus, for every PMS package, you also get a FREE 23-PT check-up for your car. So call your
authorized participating dealership today and ask about Hyundai’s CAMP, to jumpstart your
summer!

Hyundai’s CAMP is until March 27, 2013. See flyers for more details. Per DTI-NCR Permit No.
1472 Series of 2013.

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