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

January 15, 2023

Toyota Swaps Out The AE86's 4A-GE Engine For An Electric Motor And Batteries

Toyota may be looking at conversion services for some of its classic cars as a way to keep them running as the world transitions to being carbon neutral.

Promise Fulfilled: The Rotary Engine Returns In The 2023 Mazda MX-30 e-Skayctiv R-EV

This is it: the rotary engine is back and it’s found in the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV—a plug-in hybrid model that uses the famous piston-less engine as a gas-fed generator just a few days after the Japanese carmaker teased its logo.

Just two months after its global unveil in the United States, the all-new Subaru Impreza has made home market debut in Japan.

Nissan is giving its flagship 15-year-old supercar, the GT-R, its most expansive changes since its 2017 refresh.

As the new year unfolds, SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official importer and distributor of BMW Motorrad in the Philippines, is putting the ultimate adventure bike, best performance roadster, and most iconic cruiser within the reach of aspiring owners and riding enthusiasts.

Hyundai Ioniq 6, 2 Great Wall Models Are Europe's Safest Cars Of 2022

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the safest car tested in 2022 according to the Euro NCAP. Hyundai’s all-electric “streamliner” achieved the highest overall score, based on their results for Adult Occupancy Protection, Child Occupancy Protection, Vulnerable User Protection, and Safety Assist technologies.

The much-awaited 5-door version of the Suzuki Jimny has made its global debut at the 2023 Auto Expo in India.

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) formally pledged to extend its aftersales support to the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) existing fleet of “Hyundai Patrol Cars.” This comprises of 81 Grand Starex and 49 Elantra units which were turned over by the Republic of Korea (ROK), through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), to the country’s principal police force.

With the soft opening of Mitsukoshi BGC last November 2022, Filipinos have marveled over the culture of these two countries coming together through their store offerings, architecture, and hospitality.

The introduction of its Smart Hybrid system and its technical cooperation with Toyota for its strong hybrid system are just the first steps for Suzuki’s electrification plans. Now, Suzuki is ready to produce its first full battery electric vehicle (BEV) and it’s been previewed by the eVX Concept in Delhi, India.

The soon-to-arrive in the Philippines all-electric Kia EV6 was named as the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by the North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) jury. This is the second occasion in three years that the NACTOY jury has named a Kia vehicle as its top choice in the category, and the first win for a Kia electric vehicle (EV).

Subaru Forester GT Edition Returns For 2023 Model Year (w/ Video)

Aside from the regional debut of the all-electric Solterra EV, Motor Image brings back the Forester GT Edition for the 2023 model year.

BMW has managed maintain its position as the world’s number one premium brand by selling a total of 2,100,692 units.

Lamborghini continues to break sales records with its best-ever annual performance last 2022. A total of 9,233 vehicles were delivered worldwide—a 10 percent increase over 2021.

Nissan is giving its X-Trail e-Power a regional debut at the Singapore Motor Show 2023 as part of its commitment to provide the widest array of electrified products in the region.

After a three-year hiatus, the Singapore Motor Show is back and brands like Subaru are putting their best foot forward.

Given that Singapore is the homebase of Subaru’s regional distributor, Motor Image, they’re using the annual show to fortify their electrification plans with the ASEAN debut of the Solterra—the Japanese brand’s first-ever dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) model.

With a name that combines the Latin word for “Sun” (Sol) and “Earth” (Terra), it is proof of Subaru’s commitment to deliver traditional SUV capabilities in an environmentally responsible package.

Co-developed from the ground up with shareholder Toyota, the Solterra differs from its Toyota twin, the bZ4X, thanks to its hexagonal grille and unique head- and taillight treatments.

Underneath though, it’s pretty much the bZ4X down to the use of the e-Subaru Global Platform (Toyota calls it e-Toyota New Global Architecture). Motor Image is expected to reveal more details about the regional specs of the Solterra at the show, but globally, it’s offered in both front- and all-wheel drive versions.

The front-wheel drive version has 204 horsepower (150 kW), while the all-wheel drive version has 217 horsepower (160 kW) with 108 horsepower (80 kw) going to each axle. Connected to a 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery, it has a maximum cruising range of up to 530 kilometers based on WLTC standard.

In addition, the Forester-sized EV brings Subaru’s famed all-wheel drive system to the electric age further optimizing the grip to all four wheels. The advancement here is down to the electric motors being able to precisely distribute torque between the front and rear wheels. Moreover, the X-Mode AWD is upgraded with a new Grip Control function that further enhances both on- and off-road stability.

Aside from the Solterra, Motor Image will also be holding the regional debut of the 2023 Forester GT Edition (Forester Hybrid GT Edition for the Singaporean market). They will also have a cutaway display of the Forester Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) at the show.

The Singapore Motor Show opens to the public from January 12 to 15, 2023 at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition.

Suzuki Auto PH Greets 2023 With New Year New Wheels Deals

Suzuki Philippines enters the New Year with a bang with their New Year New Wheels Promo for the whole month of January.

Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) took part in Daiichi Community’s Inspire 2.0 and Shoebox Project last Christmas to bring joy to students capping off a fruitful year for the brand. Daiichi Community is an arm under Daiichi Properties Inc. that focuses on corporate social efforts. The said social engagements have become annual traditions for the Philippine-based, award-winning commercial and industrial real estate developer. As it moves forward into a new year, HMPH strives to strengthen its commitment and hopes to carry over the same spirit of positivity.

Astara PH Appoints Jun Cajayon As GAC Motor Head

Astara Philippines, the new distributor of GAC Motor, has announced Redentor “Jun” Cajayon as Brand Head for GAC Motor Philippines.

January is shaping up to be the month of small 7-seater SUVs and MPVs. Just as we thought that Mitsubishi Motors Philippines had the first big launch of 2023, the revamped Xpander Cross, Suzuki Auto Philippines is beating them by 10 days by launching the 2023 Ertiga Hybrid.

Honda Cars Philippines want a piece of that aftermarket pie, and to do so, they’re changing their accessories strategy to price them better against third-party providers.

The all-new BR-V serves as the linchpin to the new strategy with a full-blown accessory line that’s lower in terms of suggested retail price.

This, Honda thinks, is a win-win for both them and the customer. For the carmaker and its authorized dealers, it’s a source of additional revenue thanks to potentially higher sales volume. Meanwhile, for customers, it gives them a line of accessories which is designed and engineered to fit perfectly with their vehicles.

For reference, the BR-V on the foreground has all the accessories installed, while the one in the background is the stock one.

You can check out the full accessories line of the all-new BR-V below versus its prices compared to the first-generation BR-V:

Cargo Tray: P 3,000 (P 3,400 previously)
Exhaust Finisher: P 1,500 (P 1,100 previously)
FR Fender Garnish: P 3,600
Step Garnish: P 1,500
Door Handle Cover: 2,000 (P 2,700 previously)
Door Mirror Garnish: P 2,300
Tail Gate Garnish: P 3,200 (P 3,500 previously)
Seat Back Protector: P 6,000
Door Visor: P 5,400 (P 5,400 previously)

What do you think of the prices of the BR-V’s accessory line?

808 Lexus PH Units Affected By Possible Fuel Tank Leak

Lexus Philippines has announced a recall covering 808 units covering a variety of its models. The Special Service Campaign covers the fuel tank vent tube assembly on models produced between July 12, 2011 to August 31, 2018.

In celebration of their 16th year in the market, Foton Motor Philippines is bringing back its Foton Big Show 2023 from February 10 to 12 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Kaya ba niyan umakyat ng Baguio? That’s the oh-so-common question thrown at vehicles such as the Honda BR-V. Well, based on the photos, it’s job done then. But getting up to the Summer Capital of the Philippines is just one aspect to this story. There’s more to know and understand about this 7-seater SUV beyond its ability to get up somewhere just about every modern vehicle can.

BMW PH Expands 2 Series Family With New Variants

BMW in the Philippines is updating the 2 Series line-up with the arrival of two new variants that promise the same athletic design, sporting prowess, and even more innovative features.

Mark your calendars: on January 13, 2023, Mazda’s famed rotary engine will be making a comeback. And as a fitting teaser, Mazda has unveiled the rotary’s modern logo.

The all-new, second-generation Honda BR-V is off to a great start since retail sales started last November 23, 2022.

The Revamped 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport Eats Ranger Raptors For Breakfast

Toyota is closing the gap to the Ford Ranger Raptor in the high-performance pickup segment with the launch of the revamped Hilux GR Sport. The 2023 model features a more off-road focused design with more power, wider tracks, tuned suspension, and bigger disc brakes.

Peugeot is heralding a new vision for future electric vehicles, and starting that era is the Inception Concept. It will inspire the French carmaker’s products from 2025 onwards, with the goal of bringing most of the innovations seen here to production.

Ram Trucks showed their first step to the future with the Ram 1500 Revolution—a battery electric vehicle concept that will head into production (in some capacity) by 2024.

Hyundai has confirmed that the all-new Santa Fe mid-sized SUV will be launched this year. This is according to an official release that announces the automaker’s 2022 sales performance and 2023 targets.

Kia Corporation has announced that it managed to sell 2,903,619 vehicles in 2022—a 4.6 percent increase year-on-year.

Andretti Global and General Motors, two American powerhouses in the automotive and motorsport sectors, have announced their intent to pursue the opportunity to compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship. GM would be represented by the Cadillac brand. The Andretti Cadillac team would be based in the U.S. with a support facility in the U.K.

BMW is offering a glimpse of its upcoming design and technological direction with the BMW i Vision Dee. With a name that stands for, “Digital Emotional Experience,” the concept car aims to go beyond the usual concepts of digitalization such as voice control and driver assistance systems.

As part of MVP group’s thrust towards providing sustainable transportation and mobility solutions, Meralco and On-Us Solutions, Inc. (Byahe) shook hands to enter into an agreement for Byahe to acquire 100 percent of Meralco’s eSakay public transportation business.

Sony And Honda's EV Brand Will Be Known As Afeela And Here's Our First Look

Three years after showing off its first concept car, Sony, with partner Honda, has finally revealed the name of its EV brand: Afeela. And to celebrate that milestone, Sony Honda Mobility—as the company is formally known has unveiled a concept that previews its first model.

After two years as the Philippines’ most searched car brand (2020 and 2021), Honda has been de-throned from the top spot by who else but undisputed market leader, Toyota.

It’s not all bad news at Honda Cars Philippines. Despite an increase in suggested retail price starting this month, the Japanese carmaker is offering deals and special offers this month with their New Year, New Deals promo until January 31, 2023.

Even Nissan Philippines isn’t immune to the rising suggested retail price on some of its vehicles. Thankfully, the effect isn’t as widespread as what we’ve seen at Honda, but it’s also not as small as we’ve seen at Toyota.

The GAC Group has big plans as it aims to become a world-class auto manufacturer specializing in electrified vehicles. To that end, the Chinese automaker has announced the ambitious “Trillion GAC 1578 Development Outline” which focuses on 1 goal, 5 areas, 7 segments, and 8 actions.

Mitsubishi Motors PH Adjusts Prices Of Strada, Montero Sport Starting This January

Along with Honda Cars Philippines (and the Toyota Wigo), Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is yet another carmaker that has announced a raft of price increases effective this January 2023.

Heads-up, 7-seater SUV/MPV buyers: the refreshed Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is launching this January 26, 2023.

If there’s one criticism you could throw at the Mitsubishi Montero Sport is that there’s a general lack of bold colors. Aside from Medium Red Mica, which is an indent order color, the rest of the palette is dominated by shades of gray: White Diamond, Sterling Silver Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic, and Jet Black Mica.

Honda Cars Philippines is greeting 2023 with a substantial adjustment in their vehicles’ suggested retail price.

At their first face-to-face New Year’s townhall in three years, Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) outlined its strategic vision for 2023. The group, which includes not just Hyundai but Kia as well as the upscale Genesis brand, hopes to consolidate its leadership in the EV space, while also garnering better trust not just with shareholders but with customers and owners as well.

Volvo Cars Philippines looks forward to an electrifying 2023 with the market introduction of the C40 Recharge. This is based off a teaser photo that they posted on their social media accounts (see below).

A Chinese Car Caught Fire At The Guangzhou Auto Show

The long delayed 2022 Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition (aka Guangzhou Auto Show) was off to a fiery start when one of the concept cars presented at the show caught fire.

At the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon, Subaru used the annual tuning show to present the Levorg (local market WRX Wagon) tweaked by their in-house tuner, STI. Known as the Levorg STI Sport, it featured handling enhancements led by the brand’s first use of electronically-controlled dampers. Three Tokyo Auto Salons later, Subaru is bringing a sharper version of their fast grocery-getter appropriately named the Levorg STI Sport Sharp (stylistically written as Levorg STI Sport #).

Ford PH Returns To In-Person Activities For Global Caring Month

Ford Philippines returned to in-person volunteer activities last September to celebrate its annual Global Caring Month, with its employees participating in various community-building programs for the entire month.

Subaru continues to embrace its outdoorsy image with the Crosstrek Boost Gear Concept for the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon. Based on the recently launched all-new Crosstrek, the Crosstrek Boost Gear Concept shows what a potential off-road-centric version of the compact crossover would be like.

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