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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.