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

January 4, 2012

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.

Bad Santa! 6 Stocking Stuffers Any Car Guy Wouldn't Want to See

Photo courtesy of stock xchng

Christmas is the season for giving and receiving gifts. And as much as we love receiving gifts we’ve dreamed about all year, harsh reality sets in and there’s bound to be some duds along the way; especially when the giver buys the intended gift at the last minute. So, to all gift givers out there, before you head over to the automotive section of your neighborhood department store, read this carefully. Here are just some stocking stuffers you should probably avoid giving to your special someone as he or she probably won’t appreciate the five minutes of effort you put into it.

MD Juan Holds World War II Re-Enactment

MD Juan Enterprises, famous for building replica World War II Willy's Jeeps in the Philippines recently had some fun. They managed to do some authentic re-enactment of the Abucay Line Battle and they shared their press release with us. Read it after the break.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Remember that memorable diner scene in When Harry Met Sally--the one where Meg Ryan had a fully-clothed orgasm? I had the very same experience with the all-new Ford Ranger as we traversed through the roads of Northern Thailand; and while Ryan's character faked her's, mine was all real. The moment I stepped into the Ranger's cabin, I just couldn't stop grinning ear-to-ear and that smile stuck on like the Joker's all the way throughout the drive. Mind you, I'm not the sort of guy that likes pick-ups, but this one truly blows me away. It's that good.

Review: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LT

The Chevrolet Optra is the automotive equivalent of cheap chocolate—it’s sweet at the beginning but leaves a bitter, cough syrup-like aftertaste. In an odd marketing twist, Filipinos bought the Optra in droves, perhaps driven by curiosity over the Chevrolet brand and the affordable price tag. Well, in the end you only get what you paid for and soon there were countless people who complained about the Optra’s propensity to be lackluster. You name it, it didn’t do it well. Soon, interest waned and the Optra was lost in the bowels of automotive dullness. Thank god.

Philippine Car Price Guide: December 2011

This blog is called carguide.ph, so what's a better way to showcase our service by providing you, our readers, with the most comprehensive Philippine car price list.

This chart will be updated monthly to reflect new models or changes to existing ones. Take note though, that this price guide serves only as that--a guide...there are some instances where dealers (or even manufacturers) change their prices at a whim.

The table will take a while to load, but hey, it's worth it!

A decade ago, it would have been hard to imagine Hyundai as remotely ‘pulse quickening’. Though they had a pretty solid line-up then, they’re not exactly the sharpest knife in the cupboard. Then, Hyundai turned around 180-degrees and as quickly as Popeye would gulp down a can of spinach, suddenly churned out world-beating cars that are sexy and fun-to-drive as they are solid and reliable. And leading the charge is the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

Custom Mercedes-Benz SLR Proves You Have Money, But No Taste

Photos courtesy of Jalopnik

Car enthusiast website, Jalopnik has reported what could very well be the gaudiest and ugliest custom Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren ever done.

Dubbed "Red Gold Dream SLR", it costs US$ 11-million and is decorated with everything from 500 rubies (including the wheel nuts) and 14-karat gold. If you're still not convinced, it runs 700 horsepower (currently). But, the owner, Swiss club owner Ueli Anlicker wants to bring up the power to an even 1,000 horsepower before ultimately selling it.

View more eye-scorching pictures after the break.

Photo courtesy of Ford Press

Ford has revealed an interesting new feature for their upcoming 2013 Mustang.

Available as an option, the Mustang will be able to project the image of a galloping horse onto the ground besides the vehicle when the driver unlocks the doors. It may seem trivial enough, but Ford could pretty much send the industry trend here as we've seen with ambient cabin lighting and illuminated door sill plates.

Interesting indeed. Let's wait and see how this comes out.

Mercedes-Benz GP to Tweak Name for 2012 F1 Season

Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Press

What's in a name? Well, a lot if you're Mercedes-Benz.

For 2012, the Mercedes-Benz GP Petronas Formula One team will be changing its name formally to Mercedes-Benz AMG Petronas Formula One team. According to Mercedes-Benz honchos, the addition of those three magical letters signifies their seriousness and promised competitiveness for the 2012 season. With tremendous success in DTM racing, team principal Ross Brown and company will surely have the weight of the world on their shoulders.

In other news, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Petronas Formula One team have also announced that they will be delaying the launch of their 2012 challenger, the F1 W03. The launch will only make it to the second winter testing on February 21 in the hopes the additional development time will make the car much more competitive.

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