Search CarGuide.PH

February 3, 2015

Review: 2015 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ

Photos by Ulysses Ang
It’s been a very long time since the executive sedan market saw an American entry. And yet, in recent years, the competition has been getting fiercer with a slew of great models coming from stalwarts and new comers alike. Heck, there are those who’re supposed to be dead in the water, but are now coming back to life. In other words, the Americans aren’t fashionably late to the executive sedan party anymore; they’re ‘the party already ended’ late.

February 2, 2015

BYD to Open in Batangas City; Expansion Plans in Place for 2015


SOLAR Transport and Automotive Resources Corp. (STAR Corp.), authorized distributor of BYD Auto China Ltd. Co., and Areza Motor Sales (AMS) signed a memorandum of understanding recently at the BYD Shaw showroom which will pave the way for the opening of a BYD dealership in Batangas.  This development will make the BYD brand well represented in the southwestern Luzon area as BYD Batangas provides support for sales, after-sales and spare parts and accessories to the growing number of BYD customers.

January 31, 2015

Yamaha Tricity Leans into the Future


Yamaha Motor Philippines launched a unique new lifestyle vehicle dubbed the Tricity recently. With two front wheels and one rear wheel, the Tricity certainly looks like a tricycle. However, because of its unique Leaning Multi Wheel (LMW), it leans into corners while taking into account changes in different road surfaces to keep both front wheels with contact on the ground.

2015 NDRC Takes on Quarter Mile in Batangas Racing Circuit


After hosting a successful first round of the Northern Series two weeks ago, the National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) moves to the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) today for the start of the Southern Series.

January 30, 2015

8 Reasons Why Toyota Motor Philippines is the Country's Undisputed Leader


At the recent Toyota Media Thanksgiving Party (which also served as the launch venue of the all-new Alphard and refreshed Prius C), Toyota Motor Philippines President Mr. Michinobu Sugata outlined the company’s banner 2014. In his speech, Mr. Sugata proudly outlined his company’s accomplishments including:

2015 Toyota Alphard is First-Class Motoring


The country’s best-selling luxury van is getting its most daring makeover yet. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the all-new 2015 Alphard. Introduced in its home country of Japan not more than a week ago, the all-new Alphard features a much sharper and aggressive styling to go with a new platform that promises an improved ride and NVH isolation.

2015 Toyota Prius C is More Loaded, Safer


Toyota Motor Philippines is giving its subcompact hybrid, the Prius C a minor makeover for 2015 to keep it fresh. It gets both cosmetic and safety-related change which make Toyota’s entry-level hybrid much more value-oriented.

Andre Borromeo Honored in Ford's Global Salute to Dealers


Ford Motor Company honored six of its dealers at the 15th annual Salute to Dealers awards at the 2015 National Automobile Dealers Association Convention in San Francisco.

Kia Offering Hefty Discounts on Selected Sorento Models


Kia is now offering huge savings on their Sorento mid-sized crossover from now until February 12, 2015. With Kia’s Fast Break Deals, the Sorento LX A/T 4x2 and 5-seater CRDi and LX A/T 4x4 5-seater CRDi are available with a P 80,000-discount. On top of that, Kia will even throw in an additional P 20,000 if you trade in your old car (on top of the appraised value).

January 27, 2015

Tripda Seeks to Modernize Carpooling


Tripda is modernizing the carpooling experience by allowing drivers and passengers to connect with each other via the web or via its own dedicated app (iOS, Google Play). Originally from Brazil, Tripda is now available in 13 countries including the Philippines. Established in October of last year, Tripda Philippines is the latest venture of PLDT-backed Rocket Internet whose portfolio includes carmudi, lamudi, foodpanda, pricepanda, and Clickbus.

Bagong Kotse, 1-Month Libre from BPI Family Auto Loan


BPI Family Auto Loan pioneers another extraordinary offer in the car and car financing industry with the first-ever Bagong Kotse, 1-Month Libre promo! With this new campaign clients will enjoy big savings with the free 1 month loan amortization they get when they avail of a BPI Family Auto Loan.

BMW Riders Named Fastest in Cannonball 1000 Endurance Run


BMW motorcycle enthusiasts earned top honors in the first ever Cannonball 1000 endurance run in the Philippines. Cementing his reputation as one of the country’s finest professional riders, 68-year old businessman Max Kienle led the individual category on a BMW R1200 GS Adventure LC. The BMW Motorrad-supported Club PK also displayed a stellar performance and finished ahead of their counterparts in the Group of 10 category.

Review: 2015 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Perhaps it’s age, but there’s nothing more satisfying than driving an executive sedan after a hard day’s work. Though most will still dream about owning a Nissan GT-R or 370Z, they’re not exactly the best kind of car you’ll want to drive home in traffic after spending the day in meetings in a monkey suit. After all that work stress, you’ll want something that cushions and cuddles you as you drive through Manila’s horrendous traffic, commuting two hours in stop-and-go traffic just to get home. This is the sort of role the Nissan Altima fulfills and fulfills beautifully.

January 26, 2015

4 Volvo Models Earn 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick+


Volvo Cars has once again performed very well in the annual IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Awards. In this year's honors list, four Volvo cars made the Top Safety Pick+ grade: the S60, V60, S80 and XC60. Volvo Cars was the only European brand with more than two models on the list.

Audi at the CES 2015


A four-core processor processing eight billion operations per second. A virtual tachometer with a needle that is rendered anew 60 times per second to ensure absolutely fluid motion. 3D sound to match a concert hall and appearing to come from every direction, an Audi tablet as a multimedia control panel and simple wireless communication between your mobile devices and your car all demonstrate how diverse the future of the automobile is at Audi. All this and convenience, too: piloted parking and innovative Audi wireless charging (AWC) technology pave the way for electric mobility. A laser headlight shining ahead hundreds of feet and a car lapping the famous Hockenheim speedway at 240 km/h (149.1 mph) without a driver – Audi is a leading and driving force in all technology areas relating to electronics and electrics. At CES in Las Vegas, the world’s most important electronics exhibition, Audi makes a splash with a host of new technologies.

Save More and Be Safe with Michelin


The New Year calls for new tires, and here’s good news! If you buy new Michelin tires, you can earn additional cash vouchers too.

Michelin is offering, for a purchase of a pair of Michelin tires for passenger car or light truck (PCLT) of the same pattern and tire size (14-inches and above), Sodexo cash vouchers worth P 500. The more tires you buy, the bigger cash vounchers you get.

The vouchers are valid anytime with no expiry date. Take note though that the promotion cannot be used in conjunction with other sales activities offered by respective dealers.

January 25, 2015

It's All About the Engineering: Why are VWs Premium Priced?


During the 29th All VW Classic/Custom/New-Generation Car Show, it was inevitable that someone was going to ask about the current Volkswagen line-up’s pricing. In particular, how premium it is compared to how it was sold before, which was as “the people’s car”.

A Window into the Soul: Mazda's KODO - The Soul of Motion Upclose

Photos by Ulysses Ang
Countless driving events have been done, each touting a specific aspect of a new car. However, none has emphasized the beauty of its design. Though certain makes and models could pioneer such an activity, none could be a more fitting subject as Mazda’s current line-up. Imbued with KODO – The Soul of Motion, the CX-5, Mazda6, and Mazda3 all share the sculpted look that evokes a sense of movement. It’s a visual representation of beauty and tension that’s seen in the split-second a predator pounces on its prey. In that frozen moment, it’s expressive, emotional, and strong—traits that tie in perfectly with Mazda’s heritage.

January 23, 2015

H2O Salamander is the Philippines's Flood Solution (w/ Brochure)

Photos by Christian Halili of Top Gear Philippines
Floods have become an all too common occurrence in the Philippines. In the past year alone, weeks of productivity have been literally washed away due to the cancellation of work and school. In fact, 42,000 barangays nationwide have been identified as flood-prone and both the private and public sector are pumping out money and resources just to ensure the safety not just of their property, but more importantly, of lives as well.

Kia to Reveal All-New Carnival, Sorento this 2015


Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines laid down their plans for 2015 including the launch of two all-new models which are certainly sought-after by Filipino consumers.

Touran Popemobile and New Golf GTI Headline 29th All VW Classic/Custom/New Generation Car Show


Volkswagen Philippines is showing off its current and upcoming new models at the 29th All VW Classic/Custom/New Generation Car Show to be held on Sunday, January 25 at the Camp Aguinaldo Grand Parade Grounds in Quezon City.

AVID Sales End 2014 with 13-Percent Growth


Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) saw its sales grow by 13% in 2014 to a total of 35,565 units versus the 31,399 units the group posted in 2013.

Isuzu Crosswind Production Hits 100,000 Units


Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) celebrated a milestone with the manufacture of the 100,000th Crosswind. One of the company’s best-selling name plate for nearly 20 years, the celebratory Crosswind rolled off the Binan, Laguna manufacturing plant witnessed by IPC President Nobuo Izumina last January 21. He was joined by various company officials and team members from the production line.

Jonathan Tiu Quickest in First Leg of 2015 NDRC Northern Series


Reigning champion Jonathan Tiu began the 2015 season of the National Drag Racing Championship (NDRC) on a high by winning the first leg of the Northern Series, held last January 17 at the Clark International Speedway (CIS).

January 20, 2015

Review: 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 TDI

Photos by Ulysses Ang
The Volkswagen Jetta has always lived in the shadow of its more famous (and sportier looking) sibling, the Golf. And though most see this as something less than desirable, it also means that the Jetta is one of the best kept automotive secrets; one that requires you to do a bit of digging through the details to appreciate. Though most VW enthusiasts are patiently waiting for the imminent arrival of the Golf (and the subsequent hotter version, the GTI), after spending some good seat time with the Jetta 2.0 TDI, it can be said for certain: there’s no need for waiting. The Golf is here, albeit wearing a sedan body shell.

January 19, 2015

The Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4 Lands in Manila


Lamborghini Manila unveiled the latest chapter in the storied supercar maker’s history by unveiling the all-new Huracán LP610-4—the spiritual successor to the Gallardo. Like the Gallardo, the Huracán pushes the envelope on design, performance, and sophistication. A success story for Lamborghini, the Gallardo sold more than 14,000 units globally making it the most successful Lamborghini ever made.