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January 10, 2012

Hyundai Elantra, Range Rover Evoque Win North American Car of the Year Honors

You can't start a year brighter than this: winning the North American Car and Truck of the Year. And for 2011, the honor has been bestowed on the Hyundai Elantra and the Range Rover Evoque (coincidentally, will be launched in Manila this Wednesday).

The Hyundai Elantra bested over 30 rivals including the Ford Focus. On the other hand, the Range Rover Evoque had to beat out the likes of the BMW X3 and even the all-new Honda CR-V.

For Hyundai, this is their second North American Car of the Year award. In 2009, the Genesis (the sedan and not the Coupe) trumped the competition. Last year, the Sonata was one of the three finalists. As for Range Rover (and its parent company, Land Rover), this is their first North American Truck of the Year Award.

Philippine Car Price Guide: January 2012

It's officially 2012. Though car launches are still a bit slow during these past few months, we've already managed to update our Philippine Car Price Guide to reflect some new models that have entered the country below the radar. This includes two new Chinese brand entries: Geely and Haima as well as the 2012 Kia Rio.

See details after the break.

A Day of Caring and Sharing with Hyundai

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

Hyundai Automotive Resources Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines is sharing news about their recently concluded CSR efforts with the HARI Foundation Christmas Party.

Press Release
A Day of Caring and Sharing with Hyundai

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), official distributor of Hyundai cars in the Philippines, expressed its continuing commitment to be an innovative driver of social change through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, HARI Foundation, Inc. The leading automotive firm celebrated its enduring as well as newly-established partnerships with foundations that echo Hyundai’s advocacy for a happier and wealthier world through the promotion of entrepreneurship, education, health care, and environment protection. The Christmas lunch-program, held at the Makati Shangri-La, paid tribute to HARI’s partners in nation building: Children’s Joy Foundation Center; Gawad Kalinga Community Foundation; GMA Kapuso Foundation; Habitat for Humanity; HARIBON Foundation; Korea Food for the Hungry International; National Parks Development Committee (NPDC); PDI Foundation; Polytechnic University of the Philippines; KIDS Foundation; SOS Children’s Village; St. Scholastica’s Priory; and the UP Women Lawyers Circle, Inc. (WILOCI).

Ford Unveils EcoSport in New Delhi Auto Expo

Photo courtesy of Ford Press

Developing countries seem to be the way to go for Ford. It's predicting tremendous growth in these regions and as proof, has developed a design plan to introduce "eight all-new global Ford products in five years". The fruits of this 8-in-5 plan can already be seen with the likes of the Fiesta, Focus and Ranger. And now, we have the all-new EcoSport.

If the name seems vaguely familiar, the EcoSport actually made it to the Philippines before as a "concept" at the Ford Centennial event. Unfortunately, Ford Group Philippines decided not to sell it and alas, it was only enjoyed by our South American brethren.

This time though, it's different. Ford is promising that the all-new EcoSport will be part of its global product initiative and as such, will be made available in the Philippines soon.

Manila Street Closures Revealed for Bourne Legacy Shooting

The Manila Bulletin has revealed the areas and dates to be closed to vehicular traffic for the filming of Bourne Legacy.

These areas include portions of San Andres St. from January 11 to 15; J. Bocobo corner Remedios streets, January 18 and 19; Leveriza Street, from Balingkit to San Andres, January 15; San Andres corner Quirino and Taft Avenue, January 14); Riverside Road, Real and Sta. Lucia Streets in Intramuros, January 25 and February 17 and 18; Jones Bridge, February 5; and Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, February 8 to 15.

Best to avoid these areas on the said dates.

Source: The Manila Bulletin

Review: 2011 Mitsubishi ASX

I just don’t get these weekend warriors. Why spend time punishing your body on weekends when you’ve already pummeled it enough doing a week’s stint in hell (i.e. work)? Why bike 50 kilometer trails or scuba dive in shark-infested waters (maybe) when you can simply melt into your couch with chips and a cool drink in hand? Though it sounds like it, I’m not promoting a sedentary lifestyle. I just don’t get these adventurous, adrenaline-loving folks. So, imagine my reaction when Mitsubishi launches a vehicle that’s supposedly tailor fit for the adrenaline junkie: the ASX—short for Active Sport Crossover.

Bourne Legacy to be Shot on Manila Streets

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino revealed that the fourth film in the Bourne Franchise, "Bourne Legacy" will be shot in several locations in Metro Manila.

In an interview conducted with ABS-CBNNews.com, Tolentino said that producers of Bourne Legacy intends to shoot its key car chase sequence at the Pasay Taft Rotunda. Other locations for filming include: Marikina City Market, San Andres Market, Navotas Fishport, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Nagtahan, Intramuros and Jones Bridge. Some scenes will also be filmed on EDSA as well as Ayala Avenue.

Though Tolentino cannot confirm the filming schedule of the latest Bourne film, he did say that the film makers will be here for a month to shoot the scenes. Some sources indicate that filming may start as early as Saturday, January 14.

Bourne Legacy is based off a 2004 novel by Eric Van Lustbader. Written and directed by Tony Gilroy, the events in the novel takes place right after the events chronicled in The Bourne Ultimatum. However, because Matt Damon dropped out of the project, The Bourne Legacy was re-written as a spin-off or "sidequel". The film stars Jeremy Renner as CIA operative Aaron Cross. Alongside Renner, Edward Norton and Rachel Weisz will star. The film is set for release in August 2012.

Source: ABS-CBN News

Hyundai to Launch All-New Sante Fe in the Philippines in 2012

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

Typically, it's hard to coax car makers to reveal their 2012 plans so early in the year. It comes as a big surprise that Kotse.com was able to reveal that HARI (Hyundai Automotive Resources, Inc.) will be unveiling the all-new Santa Fe and possibly two other vehicles this year.

Though details about the all-new Santa Fe are still not readily available at this time, different spy shots reveal that it will gain a similar facia found on the Sonata and Equus sedans. Speculations also point to revised engine choices including the possibility of a turbocharged mill as the range-topping variant.

In the same report, Kotse.com did mention that the new micro car, Eon and Veloster are set to be launched but according to HARI executives, these two vehicles are still "being considered" at this point. But as Kotse.com points out, with the reduction of tariffs between Korea and the ASEAN countries, there's a big, and we mean, big possibility of seeing a more robust (and affordable) line-up from Hyundai.

Source: Kotse.com

Kia Rio Now Available in the Philippines!

Photo courtesy of Kia Press

Our friends at Kotse.com has reported that the all-new 2012 Kia Rio has finally landed (albeit silently) onto Philippine shores this past weekend.

In what could be described as the lack of fun fare, Kia's new sub-compact offering (starting price at P 678,000) can now be viewed at all Kia dealerships nationwide. Currently, there's only one body type available: a 4-door sedan. Kotse.com reports that the 5-door hatchback will arrive by mid-January (in two weeks time)--perhaps in line with a bigger launch.

In any case, the all-new Kia Rio has a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine (shared with the Hyundai Accent) and can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (you have to add P 90,000 for the slush box). In terms of features, the all-new Rio's been stripped for battle only getting the basic goods of a 1-DIN in-dash CD player with USB input shared with all things, the micro Picanto!

That said, a driver's airbag, anti-lock brakes and rear back-up sensors do come as standard meaning the Rio has something going for it against its nearest competitor (the aforementioned Hyundai Accent).

Source: Kotse.com

January 3, 2012

Toyota Mildly Refreshes Alphard Luxury MPV

Photos courtesy of Toyota Press

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) placed another feather on its cap by launching a minor refresh of its superb Alphard luxury minivan amidst the busy holiday shopping season at the Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City.

Already deemed the best Premium Van and MPV of the Year at the 2010-2011 Car of the Year – Philippines (CoTY – P), the new Alphard does not mess with the tried and tested formula of blending luxury and spaciousness. Instead, it now gains more style with a new front grille with four prominent chrome slats, projector-type headlamps with washers, alloy wheel design and re-shaped bumpers.

Photos courtesy of Sakchai Lalit/Associated Press

The effect of Thailand's worst flood in 50 years is now only beginning to rear its ugly head.

The claimed damage has been in the billions of US dollars, but it's only after AP Photographer Sakchai Lalit snapped these photos at the Honda assembly plant in the Ayutthaya province that the extent of the damage can be seen.

Rows upon rows of completed and ready-to-be-shipped Brio, City, Civic and Jazz cars (from what we can tell based on these photos) are now being sent to the scrap heap. As a result, Honda is expected to destroy around 1,055 vehicles all in all.

Hyundai Asia Resources Takes Lead as Biggest Donor in Rain Forestation Efforts

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Press

Here's a bit of news from HARI (Hyundai Automotive Resources, Inc.) and it's CSR efforts in 2011--specifically, its efforts to partner with HARIBON in re-forestation programs in the Philippines.

Press Release

Hyundai Automotive Resources, Inc. Takes the Lead as

Highest Donor to HARIBON's 2011 "Rain-Forestation" Efforts

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), official distributor of Hyundai cars in the Philippines, and advocate for a greener environment, is the year’s highest single donor to HARIBON Foundation’s reforestation efforts in Bgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal. The leading automotive firm met its 2011 target to support HARIBON’s reforestation efforts through the donation and planting of 15,000 tree seedlings. One hundred and sixty volunteers from HARI, composed of employees, representatives from HARI’s Metro Manila and Laguna dealerships, and members of Team Hyundai, gladly got their hands dirty under the supervision of Ms. Christine Cenal, Head of HARIBON’s Corporate Partnerships Division, and Mr. Thaddy Martinez coordinator of HARIBON’s Road to 2020 program, who guided the group on correct tree planting techniques. The volunteers aimed to plant 33 seedlings each. The November 26 volunteer tree planting activity capped HARI’s “green” partnership with HARIBON, which kicked off in August 26 and was followed up in September 3 this year. HARI covered a total of 12 hectares in three areas of Bgy. Cuyambay, which was devastated by Typhoon Ondoy in 2009.

Honda Dealers Taking Orders for All-New Civic, Refreshed City

Any eagle-eyed motorist will begin to notice signs being placed at all Philippine Honda dealerships starting today. In it, they're announcing that they're taking in pre-orders for the all-new Honda Civic as well as the re-freshed City.

This is a bit of good news considering Honda Cars Philippines has suffered tremendously in 2011, especially in the latter half thanks to supply problems because of the wide-spread floods in Thailand.

Click after the break to find out more details about these two new cars from HCP.

Photo courtesy of TOTAL Press

Our friends at TOTAL has sent us the follow press release to tout their success in the motorsports scene for 2011.

Press Release
TOTAL Reigns in 2011 Motorsports

Red Bull Racing in Formula 1, the Citroën Total World Rally Team in the WRC and the Peugeot Total Team in Endurance Racing each won their respective world championships in 2011.

Photo courtesy of Ford Press

A new year means new cars...and apparently, Ford is the first one to come bursting out with its all-new B-segment crossover which will debut at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi, India.

The all-new crossover which is teased by this headlight/grille shot is based off the popular Fiesta sub-compact. Details are still scares at the moment, but from what we know it will have an Ecoboost (perhaps with a 1.4-liter displacement) under the hood.

With Ford Philippines bringing a delegation to cover this new small crossover's debut at the Auto Expo, it's a safe bet that we'll see this new crossover plying the streets of Manila some time soon.

Happy New Year from carguide.ph

It's the start of the New Year! 2012 will have tons of exciting stuff for carguide.ph. Thanks for all the support and continue reading!

December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas from carguide.ph

To all our readers, a Merry and Blessed Christmas to you all! Take extra precaution driving where ever you're going and remember, don't drink and drive!

December 23, 2011

Top 5 Picks for 2011

Photos by Ulysses Ang and Hyundai Press

At carguide.ph, we don't mince words and though we've existed for less than two months, we just had to come out with our very own Top 5 picks for 2011. Take note...these five cars were launched in 2011. At the same time, these are the cars we've managed to spend some seat time in--so Ferraris and Lamborghinis don't count.

Anyway, continue after the break to find out our Top 5 picks in preferential order.

Test of Man and Machine: Ford Focus Endurance Challenge

Photos by Mikko David

It just piques your interest when you receive an invitation from Ford labeled ‘Top Secret’; after all, it always implies something exciting. So with the giddiness of a 10-year old kid, I clicked ‘open’ and lo and behold: it’s an invitation to race—to race for 12 non-stop hours behind the wheel of a Ford Focus TDCi. With thoughts of the glitz and glamour of the 24 Heures du Mans (‘24 Hours of Le Mans’ for the non-French speakers out there), I immediately did my best impression of Steve McQueen, replied yes and encircled my June 4-5 with a big, bright red circle.

Safety with Children

Parents all want the best for their children. They are thus inclined to purchase all sorts of books, toys, strollers, and gadgets for kids when preparing for a trip; they want to educate them and keep them entertained. Yet in one aspect, many parents remain negligent: safety in ferrying children in cars. How many times do you see children standing up unrestrained in the front passenger seat, or a mother carrying a kid in her lap, sometimes without a seatbelt?

Mercedes-Benz Unveils 2013 SL-Class

Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Press

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has always been regarded as the brand's technical tour-de-force: a car where they only put the best. Unfortunately, putting a lot of stuff also means putting on a lot of weight, a perennial problem of Mercedes-Benz's two-seater grand tourer. And with a name that somewhat translates to "Sport" and "Light", it has become ironic indeed.

Photo courtesy of stock xchng

Whether you drive a car or sport utility vehicle, your motor vehicle is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your life. And with car prices going up every year, it makes perfect sense to take good care of your car. Pamper her right and she could last 150,000 kilometers or more. Ignore her and you’ll be spending lots of time at repair shops or worse, the scrap heap.

First Drive: 2012 BMW 116i Urban and 118d Sport

Photos by Ulysses Ang

It's as if everything conspired to make the day's drive difficult: the heavens opened up and the traffic was horrendous. Yet, for all the troubles we faced that day, by the end of it, there was a general consensus that the all-new BMW 1 Series is one exceptional automobile. Rarely does a car prove itself while stuck in traffic, but that's exactly what this premium hatchback did. For a minute, you can forget that the BMW 1 Series's "dual personality" stood for the Urban and Sport line and instead, label it as equally capable whether at speed or at rest.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

The tides certainly have turned—it’s this singular thought that raced in my mind after turning on the TV. A few seconds of a generic daytime soap turned into a bombardment of ads; after all, what would you expect from the land of consumerism? The ads for Cialis and Robitussin were easy to ignore, but the ones from Ford weren’t. It’s the sort of car ad I wasn’t accustomed to: quoting gasoline mileage and maintenance cost over horsepower and torque. The US financial meltdown was certainly a factor, but moreover, it’s the overall change in corporate social responsibility that’s fueling this newfound green initiative. And car companies like Ford are taking the lead.

Volvo XC90 Named as Sweden's Most Valuable Export Product

Photos courtesy of Volvo Press

Viking Cars, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Volvo passenger cars in the Philippines has shared us a bit of news which names the XC90 ("the late comer") as Sweden's most valuable export product since its launch in 2002.

The same press release indicates a special promo for all would-be XC90 buyers this Christmas season as Viking Cars, Inc. is offering up to 20 percent off on the XC90 until Christmas Day, December 25.

Photos courtesy of Dodge Press

After teasing us with some shots of the 2013 Dart, Dodge has finally shown us what to expect inside. And we're liking what we see.

The gauge cluster, in particular, looks highly sophisticated thanks to its integrated TFT display. Add to that the new "racetrack" ambient lighting (it goes all the way to the foot wells, door handles, map pockets, center console and cup holders).

What does all this bode for the Philippine market? The rumor mill suggests that CATS Motors, Inc., the exclusive distributor of both Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge cars is planning to beef up its North American offering. Although nothing's final yet, we cannot discount that the Dodge Dart may make it to our shores, perhaps giving the likes of the Honda Civic and Mitsubishi Lancer EX a run for their money.

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