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December 26, 2013

Top 5 Picks for 2013


Fifty—that’s how many new cars were launched in 2013; and that number is certainly on the conservative side. So picking the best five among the newly launched is a hard task, but one that we’ve been doing for the last two years (2012, 2011). As always, we only have two rules to be eligible for CarGuide.PH’s Top Picks of the Year: first, we should have driven it and second, it must be mainstream—so don’t expect to see cars selling above PHP 6-million to appear in this list.

Let’s get it on for CarGuide.PH’s Top Picks of 2013. The list begins, in preferential order, after the break.

December 25, 2013

Review: 2013 Mazda MX-5 2.0 PRHT

Photos by Ulysses Ang
The last time anyone took a serious look at the Mazda MX-5, the Toyobaru twins haven’t been conceived and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe was nowhere in sight. At the time, it was solely the only Japanese sports car you can buy, unless you count the ridiculously overpriced Nissan 350Z. That was some eight years ago, and now, the market place is very different. You’ve got the Toyota 86, the Subaru BRZ, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the Honda CR-Z and to a lesser degree, the Mini Roadster, the Peugeot RCZ, and the Ford Mustang all gunning for the same less than P 3-million sports car crowd. What hasn’t changed? The Mazda MX-5.

Mercedes-Benz Shows Off All-New C-Class


Despite Mercedes-Benz’s product diversification of late, the C-Class is single-handedly the brand’s most sellable model with over 2.4 million units sold. Now, the company believes that the all-new C-Class offers an even more sensual and clear design, a host of technical innovation, and a better list of standard equipment to keep it in the lead.

December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas from CarGuide.PH!

To all our loyal readers and supporters,

We wish you all a Merry and Blessed Christmas! Thank you for all the support that you have extended through the year and hope to continue to read and support us through the years to come!

Always remember to stay safe and NEVER drink and drive.

Cheers!

December 21, 2013

Volvo to Unveil Concept XC Coupe at 2014 North American International Auto Show


In September, the Volvo Concept Coupé was launched to critical acclaim and many awards, and represented the world’s first insight into Volvo Car Group's (Volvo Cars) new design direction under Senior Vice President of Design, Thomas Ingenlath. It also showed one interpretation of how the proportions and versatility of Volvo Cars' new Scalable Product Architecture, that will underpin all medium and large cars in the company’s future, could look.

Peugeot PH Eco Fun Run Winners Announced; Averaged 28.5 km/L


After staging the Peugeot Eco Fun Run four times over the past few months, official Peugeot importer and distributor Eurobrands Distributor Inc. (EDI) formally crowned the fuel economy kings.

December 20, 2013

Honda Launches Limited Edition City MUGEN This Christmas Season


MUGEN fans, rejoice. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has just announced the availability of a limited edition City decked in original and genuine MUGEN accessories this Christmas season.

Volvo PH Offers Drive Now, Pay in March


Take a breather from all the holiday spending with Volvo’s Drive Now Pay in March Ownership Offer. Enjoy a 90-day bank holiday and start driving your brand new Volvo through this easy ownership program that gives you additional perks such as FREE Chattel mortgage, 3-year comprehensive insurance with acts of nature, 3-year LTO Registration, 3-year Volvo Standard Maintenance Service and a 5-Year Roadside Assistance.

Lucky Kia Buyer Wins Trip for 2 to Australia


In celebration of Columbian Autocar Corporation’s (CAC) 20th anniversary, the exclusive distributor of Kia Motors in the Philippines initiated a year-long promo to celebrate with its loyal Kia customers. The offering, dubbed as Kia Drive to 20 promo, gives Kia test-drive participants a chance to win the hottest gadgets every month while Kia buyers can win major prizes of brand new Kia cars or trips abroad.

December 18, 2013

Volkswagen PH Adds Polo Notchback (Sedan) to Line-Up


Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. (ACEI), the official distributor of Volkswagen cars in the Philippines officially adds a new car to its line-up: the Polo Notchback (sedan). The Polo Notchback is currently available in a sole variant: the 1.6 TDI with 105 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual and is currently retailing for P 950,000.

Toyota Motor Philippines Shares Christmas Spirit with Toyota Tacloban

Toyota Tacloban Team Members led by their (L) President, Mr. Jimmy Yaokasin and (R) Toyota Motor Philippines President, Mr. Michinobu Sugata
Last December 14, Saturday, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) President, Michinobu Sugata visited one of the manufacturer’s dealerships, Toyota Tacloban in the wake of supertyphoon Yolanda. Along with TMP’s top management, EVP for Marketing Yohei Murase and SVP for Marketing Jose Ariel T. Arias, the company offered gift baskets as a reminder to its team members to celebrate Christmas despite the challenges experienced. TMP also previously sent food and water supply to immediately aid them after Yolanda struck the said dealership.

In a statement, TMP’s President expressed, “The Christmas spirit should live on in spite of the trials faced by our team members. These simple tokens that we have shared symbolize our continuous support and concern for the Toyota family. I am very glad that Toyota Tacloban’s President, Mr. Jimmy Yaokasin also serves as an inspiration to our team members in remaining strong and resilient especially in tough times like this.”
Toyota Tacloban is currently the only automotive dealership that is open and operational in the said district.

Isuzu Trucks Power Projects of Top Engineering Construction Firm


Heavy-duty trucks from Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) are now powering an integral part of a reputable engineering company’s various construction and power plant projects across the Philippines.

IPC has recently turned over 20 brand-new units of Isuzu CYZ51 10-wheeler dump trucks to First Balfour Inc., a business entity that belongs to the Lopez Group of Companies. The trucks are to be used for the various hauling and disposal requirements of the top construction firm.

December 17, 2013

2013 Honda CR-Z M/T vs 2013 Toyota 86 M/T


Some car enthusiasts say that we are what we drive. In fact, some even claim that a car is a window into the driver’s soul. So, what does driving a sports car say about you? It might mean that you are: one, someone who’s always at the center of attention; two, a risk-taker; three, a person of power and influence; or four, all of the above. A sports car is a statement piece. Nothing spells out success and wealth more than a sports car.

And now, thanks to an aggressive strategy emphasizing driving fun, Japanese car companies are finally getting into the sports car act, once a segment reserved for European makes and models. And the two most popular examples are the Honda CR-Z and the Toyota 86—subjects of this head-to-head grudge match.

Before and After Tests Show Caltex with Techron Cleans Vital Engine Parts


Like a surgeon peering inside a patient, Caltex recently showed how engines that are fed with low quality fuels become dirty in no time. In contrast, the same test showed pictures of how an engine that regularly uses Caltex with Techron are kept clean and operating at optimum levels.

Official: Nissan Establishes New Joint Venture in Philippines


Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML) announced the establishment of Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI), a new joint venture formed with long time partners Universal Motors Corporation (UMC) and Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI).

NPI, to be headquartered in Manila, will start operations as the new national sales company for the Philippines from early 2014 and will be responsible for strengthening branding, marketing and sales strategy, and dealer operations in the Filipino market. NPI intends to reinforce brand and sales power by broadening the product lineup and strengthening sales and services across the nation.

December 16, 2013

Philippine Car Price Guide: December 2013

The final edition of the Philippine Car Price Guide for 2013. We've got a handful of new models that make its way into the Guide:
  • Chevrolet Malibu
  • Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 GT Premium with Performance Package
  • Hyundai Azera
  • Hyundai i10 GLS A/T
  • Mercedes-Benz S 500 LWB
  • Peugeot 508 GT
  • Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
  • Volvo XC40
See the entire Price List after the break.

December 13, 2013

Make Your Hyundai Happy this Christmas Season with H.A.P.P.Y Tune-Ups


Give your Hyundai car a special Christmas gift and find yourself humming merrily with it all throughout the flurry of holiday activities.

Avail of Hyundai After-sales Premium Promo Year-ender (HAPPY) Tune-ups at selected dealerships from December 2-28, 2013.

BMW Unwraps 8th Dealership at EtonCentris, North EDSA


Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, continues to celebrate unmatched leadership in the luxury vehicle segment with the recent inauguration of its latest dealership, AutoAllee BMW. Located at Eton Centris, North EDSA, AutoAllee BMW is the 8th dealership of BMW, the only luxury car brand in the country with the widest dealer network.

All-New Isuzu D-Max Proves Fuel-Efficiency in Recent Eco Run


Hot on the heels of its well-received launch last September, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) shared some more good news about the D-Max pickup.

“This pickup is truly a workhorse that’s ideal for people who need a vehicle for both business and leisure. I am happy to note that the market realizes this, judging by consumers’ positive feedback with regards to sales and vehicle engine performance,” said Mr. Takashi Tomita, IPC Executive Vice-President as he gave his opening remarks.

Hyundai Motorsport Ready to Rally with i20 WRC Launch


Hyundai Motorsport has unveiled its full team line-up at a special launch event in Offenbach today, as the manufacturer gears up for its debut in the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship at Monte Carlo next month.

Hyundai Motorsport has set realistic targets for its debut season with the primary objective of finishing each rally event with two cars. The young team will approach each rally with the goal of accumulating vital knowledge and data in order to strengthen its foundations for subsequent years. Going up against vastly more experienced WRC competitors, the team knows that it has a steep learning curve, but it certainly relishes the challenge and will be aiming to compete for podium places during the season.

December 12, 2013

Caltex with Techron: the Clean, Environmentally-Friendly Fuel


In recent months, gasoline fuel in the Philippines was put under close scrutiny due to claims made by local Volkswagen distributor Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. (ACEI) that they couldn’t market and sell their gasoline models due to the presence of heavy metals such as manganese in locally available unleaded gasoline. As a refresher, manganese causes irreparable long-term damage to cars as well as public health (it’s a known carcinogen).

Chevron Philippines Helps Needy Communities in One Week of Caring

Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, closes the year with a celebration of the spirit of volunteerism among its employees and business partners by helping out needy communities in one week of volunteerism called Week of Caring (WOC).

About 724 Chevron employees and Caltex retailers recently painted murals with children with learning disabilities, played traditional Filipino games with orphans, planted tree seedlings, did talk therapy with victims of sexual slavery in WW2, fed abandoned and abused animals, and cleared a turtle sanctuary in San Pascual, Batangas from trash and debris.

December 11, 2013

UPDATED: Motor Image Pilipinas launches Subaru Love Drive


UPDATE: We just included the Subaru Love Drive video after the break.

“Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru,” has been the Japanese automaker’s slogan for the North American market for quite some time. Though the Philippines is sticking to the international slogan, “Confidence in Motion”, it seems a bit of the love is rubbing onto Philippine distributor, Motor Image Pilipinas.

Buy a Ford Mustang, Get a Chance to Win a Ford Mustang Golf Cart


Ford Philippines today announced the launch of a new vehicle promotion with its ever-popular Ford Mustang, “Conquer the Highways, Rule the Fairways”.

Through this promo, Ford is offering their loyal customers the opportunity to not only conquer the road with their signature Ford Mustang but also rule the golf course with a specially-designed Ford Shelby GT500 golf cart.

Hyundai Lateral Drift Season 8 Wraps Up; Winners Announced


The Hyundai Lateral Drift Pro-Am Championship Series 2013 concluded  six rounds of heart-stopping drift battles among the country’s best drift drivers last November 30, 2013 at the Megatent in Libis, Quezon City.

This year, the competition shifted to higher gear as Drift Couple from Japan, Hiromi Kajikuma and Kimihiro Obata, graced the series as guest judges for all six rounds.

December 10, 2013

Vision Accomplished: CATS Motors Launches All-New S-Class


CATS Motors, Inc., the Philippine distributor of Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles in the country recently launched what's deemed the "best car in the world", the all-new S-Class.

Built under the ethos of, "Essence of Modern Luxury", the all-new S-Class puts a lot of emphasis into the passenger comfort an convenience, especially for the rear occupants where the new or re-designed seats, air conditioning, and infotainment system all make themselves quite known even at a glance.